To the wine connoisseur, it can be unbelievable that there are people who don’t like wine, but there are plenty out there. Even some people who now do enjoy wine might have started off hating it. It can be the same for any alcoholic beverage, so don’t give up yet. If you are given a glass of wine and don’t like it, don’t worry. There are so many tastes and flavours of wine that it can take some experimentation to find one that you like. In this article, we will tell you about wines for people who don’t like wine. Hopefully, we will save you some time and money by giving suggestions of wine that you might like. If you have tried a glass of wine and not liked it, try and put this to the back of your mind and start afresh.
Red or White Wine?
The first thing that you have to decide is whether to start off drinking red or white wine. Generally speaking, white wine is lighter so it may initially be the best option. White wine is sweeter and crisper while red wines are usually dry and high in tannins. Tannins can be bitter and astringent and can cause stomach problems. A red wine such as a Merlot or Cabernet Syrah can be overwhelming for a first-time wine drinker. White wines like Chardonnay and Riesling are better as a starting point. If you do prefer to start with a glass of red wine, Syrah or Pinot Noir are good choices as they are not too powerful, even though they can be a little dry. They also have lighter fruit flavours than some other red wines.
However, artisan wines from a small family business can be an exception to the rule. Even red wines from these wineries can be less overpowering or rich in tannins. There are even some farms that produce wine from berries rather than grapes. Strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries make very sweet and juicy wines.
On the other hand, some white wines aren’t the best wines to start with. An example of this is Sauvignon Blanc. It is refreshing and crisp, but it is zingy so not all people will enjoy it.
Of course, this is all subjective. What one person likes, another doesn’t so keep experimenting. There are so many different wines out there that you should find a wine that you like. Believe us, there is a wine out there for everyone, unless of course, you don’t drink alcohol..
Best Wine for People Who Don’t Like Wine
We have chosen some wines which are a good starting point for people who don’t like wine. Give one or more of these a try and see how you get on.
Riesling
Riesling is a sweet wine which is a good choice if you are reluctant to try a glass of dry wine. It has aromas and flavours of nectarines, apples, pears, and apricots. You might also smell and taste jasmine, lime peel, or honey. You will notice a slightly acidic taste which is similar to lemonade.
It is a delicious and flavourful wine which is very popular..
Similar Wines
If you find you have a taste for Reisling, you might like Pinot Blanc, Muscat Blanc, Malvasia Bianca, and Chenin Blanc.
Pros
- Refreshing and crisp
- Smells sweet and fruity
- Good with spicy food, fruit, and cheese
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the most popular wine in the world today with sales skyrocketing. As so many people like this wine, it could be a good choice for starting your wine experience. It has flavours and aromas of jackfruit, peaches, figs, passion fruit, lemons, pineapples, pears, and apples. Some Chardonnays are aged in oak barrels giving them an earthy and buttery flavour. Chardonnay has a medium acidic level.
Similar Wines
If you have enjoyed Chardonnay, try Marsanne, Vagnier, Roussanne, or Savationna. They are less accessible than Chardonnay, but you should find them at a good wine shop.
Pros
- Creamy and smooth
- Goes well with poultry, lobster, soft cheese, and mushrooms
Cons
- Can be too acidic
Pinot Noir
If you are interested in trying a red wine, start with Pinot Noir which is light-bodied so it won’t overwhelm you. It has a spicy aroma and flavour as well as a hint of fruit. The taste can be similar to vanilla and strawberry.
Similar Wines
If you enjoy Pinot Noir, try Nerello Mascalese, Zweigelt, St Laurent, and Gamay.
Pros
- Not too acidic
- Isn’t heavy on the stomach
- Great with tomato-based pasta dishes and pizza
Cons
- The grapes are difficult to grow, so you might end up with low-quality wine
White Zinfandel
White Zinfandel is refreshing and fruity. It has tastes and aromas of pineapples, strawberries, pears, and peaches. This is one of the best wines for people who don’t like wine as it isn’t either too sweet or too dry.
Similar Wines
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, and Moscato are similar to White Zinfandel so would be great wines to try as well.
Pros
- Good balance between dryness and sweetness.
- Not too bold a flavour
- Goes well with cheese, fruit, and seafood
Cons
- Made with grapes of a lower quality
- Poor reputation amongst wine enthusiasts
Sauvignon Blanc
This is a fruity white wine. You will both taste and smell lime, white peach, green apple, and passion fruit. Depending on where the wine was made and how ripe the grapes were, you could get a zesty lime flavour or a flowery peach. You might also taste grass, gooseberry, jalapeno peppers, or bell peppers. You will need to sample Sauvignon Blancs from different vineyards to see which you like the best.
Similar Wines
If you find that you like Sauvignon Blanc, why not try Erbaluse, Falanghina, or Alsatian Gewurztraminer.
Pros
- Refreshing and crisp
- Low sugar content
Cons
- Some vintages could be acidic
Syrah
If you are looking for a red wine to try with a steak, why not choose Syrah, sometimes called Shira. It is full-bodied and high in tannins. Despite this, it isn’t too heavy. It has the taste and aroma of tobacco, berries, and pepper. It is a good wine to try after you have experimented and liked some white wines
Similar Wines
If you like Syrah, you may also like Monastrell, Alicante Bouschet, Mencia, and Petite Syrah.
Pros
- High level of antioxidants
- Robust and deep taste
- Goes well with red meat
Cons
- Could be too heavy for people who are new to the wine experience
Pinot Grigio
This white wine, which is called Pino Gris in France is crisp and light. It has a tangy taste and the aromas are of white peaches and green apples and it is a zesty wine. It is a great wine to drink on a warm summer’s evening.
Similar Wines
Wines that are similar to Pinot Grigio include Arneis, Grechetto, Fruilano, Albarino, and Pinot Blanc. Some of these wines will be best found in a specialised wine shop.
Pros
- Well-known and popular
- Refreshing and crisp especially on hot days
- Goes well with poultry, pasta, pizza, and vegetarian dishes
Cons
- Wine experts believe the taste is too simple, but this is not important when you are starting out on your wine journey.
What Wines to Try if You Drink…..
The sort of drink that is your usual tipple can have a lot of bearing on which wine to try.
Beer
If you drink beer normally, you have to look at the type of beer you drink to discover what would be the most suitable wine to try.
If you drink light beer or lager, you would be best off sampling a sparkling wine that is light and crisp. You don’t have to buy expensive champagne. A Spanish Cava or an Italian Prosecco is just as good and is economical.
If you enjoy Pale Ale, a Pinot Noir could be a good replacement. It is a light red wine and it isn’t as heavy as a Merlot for example. It’s not bitter and gives a good body, just like Pale Ale. It can also be served at a cool temperature, unlike most red wines, so you get the same experience as you have with a Pale Ale.
IPA can be sweet and fruity, so a Carmenere is a good substitute. This wine is bitter, savoury, and fruity just like IPA. It also has a high alcohol content as does IPA. Other alternatives include Cabernet France, Aglicenico, and Mourvedre.
If you like wheat ale, a good replacement is Chardonnay because it is buttery and tastes like apple and lemon, similar to wheat ale. If the Chardonnay is oak-aged, even better. The aromas of the ale and wine are similar and they both are smooth and creamy. Other similar wines include Viognier, Roussanne, and Semillon.
If you like Belgian ales, you should look for wines that are smooth, bubbly, and have a lot of body. They have a high alcohol content for a beer and are sweeter. Try Shiraz, or Grenache as they are fruity, smoky, and smooth, as well as having a high alcohol content.
If you like Porters, which are earthy and dark, try Bordeaux or Chianti which are red wines. These wines are also earthy and have a medium body.
Hard Liquor
Perhaps you enjoy spirits more than beer. As with beer, each spirit can be similar to different wines. Wines and spirits do have something in common as both go through an aging process. However, as with wine, spirits are different in aroma, taste, and body.
The most difficult pairing is between a single malt whisky and a wine. This is because single malt whisky varies in flavour between regions and the water supply can also make a difference. If you are a single malt drinker, you might want to try Austrian Grunerveltliner, Chablis, Sforzato, Pouilly Fume, or Pinot Noir. Perhaps try a glass of a few of these wines to see if they remind you of the single malt whisky you enjoy.
If your favourite tipple is gin, you will have an easier time of it. Juniper is the outstanding flavour of gin so an Italian white wine may be the place to start. Try Falanghina or Erbaluce. French Sauvignon Blanc is also a good choice as is the German Alsatian Gewurztraminer. They are all reasonably easy to find in the store and they have similar aromas to gin.
If you drink tequila, a Syrah would be the best place to start as Syrah is spicy, briny, and smoky just like tequila.
A crisp and clean white wine would be a good choice if you drink vodka. Try the French, Loire Valley Muscadet. It has more body than a smooth white wine, but is still fresh.
To make cognac, you have to age it in an oak cask for several years, and it ends up with a taste and aroma of oak, dark chocolate, and dried fruit. As cognac and brandy for that matter, are made out of grapes as is wine, it isn’t too difficult to find a wine that could prove favourable to a cognac drinker. An Amarone would be a good choice as, like cognac, it has a high alcohol content.
There are a number of American whiskies that come to mind, including Bourbon, Rye, Wheat, Malt, and Corn. The one thing they have in common is that they have a charred vanilla flavour. Wines that have a similar flavour include Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Washington Merlot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully, this article has given you a good idea about which wines might suit your palette. However, you might still have some questions, so we’ll answer a few of the most common ones here.
What are the Benefits of Drinking Wine?
Of course, drinking alcohol should be done in moderation otherwise it can be detrimental to your health. However, there are some health benefits if you just drink a glass or two each day. These include reducing the risk of diabetes, cancer, and strokes. In addition, wine aids heart health increases bone density and the immune system, and lowers cholesterol.
Wine contains antioxidants that are good for overall health and for clear, strong skin. All these health benefits we have mentioned are due to the presence of antioxidants. It may surprise you to know that even though doctors say that red wine is good for your heart, white wine has more antioxidants.
Of course, don’t think that you can drink wine and neglect your diet by eating too much fat and sugar. A balanced diet is essential. A glass of wine will then just give your body an extra boost.
What are the Characteristics of Wine I Should Pay Attention To?
It is important to choose wines that have comparable tastes to what you normally drink This will most likely endear you to the wine.
Other things to look at include the acidity. If you don’t like acidic drinks, steer away from wines that have high acidity. The same goes for the sweetness of the wine. Some wines are much sweeter than others like some will be dry. Also, check the tannin level in red wines. Too much tannin may not go easy on your stomach. Body and alcohol content are also worth looking at. If you are used to drinking beer that has a lower alcohol content than wine, go for a wine that isn’t too high in alcohol. If you normally enjoy spirits, you should be fine with a wine with a higher alcohol content.
What Kind of Glass Should I Use?
Yes, there are different types of glasses for different wines, and a wine snob may insist on using the proper glass. However, if you are just starting out with wine, use a glass you feel comfortable with. There’s plenty of time to use the correct glass once you find out if you like wine and if so, which ones.
How Much is the Cost?
The price of wine varies, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good bottle of wine. In the same way as you might be disappointed by an expensive bottle of wine, you might be pleasantly surprised by a more reasonably priced bottle. There is so much that goes into producing wine and it can differ from region to region. The age can have a bearing as can how it is aged and what ingredients are used. Many wine bottles have a lable on the back of the bottle that tells you more about the wine, so it is a good idea to read this as a guide to the properties of the wine.
Does it Need to be Refrigerated?
White wines are best served chilled, while red wines are usually served at room temperature, but it is up to you as to how you want to drink it. If you open a bottle of wine and decide not to drink it in one day, you don’t need to refrigerate it as long as you seal it properly.
How Does it Age?
Aging wine is the fermentation process that is done in a barrel or tank. Once the wine is bottled, it stops aging even if you keep the wine for a few years. You don’t have to open a bottle of wine as soon as you buy it except for some wines which are best served soon after bottling, such as Pinot Grigio which can turn bad if kept unopened for too long.
After you open your wine, seal it tightly and then you can keep it for two weeks to a month. The thing that can turn your wine bad is oxygen so don’t keep it for months after your first glass or two.
The Verdict
We have given you many different wines to try if you don’t like wine. Don’t give up after the first wine you choose to drink. It might not suit your taste and it is worth trying a few more varieties. Some of the wines like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are easy to come by, but others are more obscure. Still, if you have a good wine shop near to you, you shouldn’t have too much of a problem finding some of the wines we have mentioned.
If you want to try white wine, you might want to start off with Moscato which is crisp and light. It isn’t as high in alcohol as some white wines, but this isn’t a bad thing. It will make it easier to drink especially if you are a beer drinker. It is quite sweet, however, so if you don’t like sweet drinks, you might not like it. Riesling is also a good place to start as it too is a bit sweeter and has a zingy taste just like lemonade. If you are going for a glass of white wine, remember that it doesn’t pair well with red meats. Poultry and seafood are the best matches for white wine.
If you think that you would prefer to start experimenting with a glass of red wine, try Pinot Noir. It isn’t too heavy and has a smooth taste. It isn’t too acidic so it is easy on your stomach. It goes well with pasta and pizza. You can drink it with red meat, but if you enjoy a steak, you might want to go for a heavier wine like a Merlot. This might, however, not be the best place to start because of the tannins.
A journey through different wines can be an exciting experience. There are so many different types of wine out there that it would take a very long time to taste them all. If you have always been a person who doesn’t like wine, you might be surprised that in fact, you really do like it. Don’t take it too seriously. Treat it like an experiment and you will have fun. We hope that our suggestions lead you to a new world to be explored.
