1. Choose the Wine First. You cannot change how the wine was

made but can change your menu or how your meal is prepared.

2. Food/Wine Balance. Think about the food aromas and flavors

then balance and enhance those with the wine.

3. Food Texture. The wine should not overpower the delicateness of

certain dishes. The goal is to complement and enhance both.

4. Whole Meal Planning. Do not just pair the wine with the protein.

Consider the side dishes, sauces, and cooking methods. All will

impact the wine you choose.

5. Eat Your Vegetables. Consider the type of vegetable and how you

plan to cook them when choosing the perfect wine.

6. Sparkling Wine with Dinner. Do not wait for the special occasion

for champagne. They are perfect with a variety of food. Carbon

dioxide from a diet coke or a glass of sparkling wine cleanses the

palate and opens your senses for the next bite.

7. Bring Two Bottles. Bring enough to enjoy and truly taste the

evolution of the wine as it sits open and breathes.

8. Enjoy Today & Cap It Off. Capping off the wine eliminates air from

impacting the wine. Refrigerate it to enjoy tomorrow.

9. High Fat Food with Bold Wines. Foods with a lot of animal fat,

butter, or cream need an equally rich, intense, concentrated wine.

10. Be Creative! Experiment. Serve red wine with seafood or fish. If

you follow the other rules, you can create a great pairing.