Are you caught up in outdated wine myths? Let’s set the record straight.
Ever felt a little lost when it comes to wine? You’re not alone. With so many myths, and so much ‘expert’ advice floating around, it’s easy to feel like you need to be a sommelier just to enjoy a glass of wine. But here at Tasting Tours Co., we believe wine should be approachable, fun, and all about personal enjoyment not pretentious rules and outdated myths.
It’s time to set the record straight. Let’s debunk seven of the most common wine myths so you can sip, savour, and enjoy wine with confidence.
Myth #1: The Older the Wine, the Better It Tastes
Truth: Most wines are made to be enjoyed within a few years of bottling. Only a small percentage of wines, those with exceptional aromas, high tannins and acidity actually improve with age. So, unless you’re investing in fine wine for cellaring, don’t wait too long to uncork that bottle!
Myth #2: Red Wine Should Never Be Served Chilled
Truth: While bold, tannic reds shine at room temperature, lighter reds like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais are fantastic when slightly chilled (around 13-16°C). A little chill can enhance freshness and bring out delicate fruit flavours.
Top Tip: ‘Room temperature’ for red wine is actually cooler than most modern homes. If your red feels too warm, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving.
Myth #3: Wine Experts Always Know Best
Truth: Even expert wine judges aren’t as consistent as you think. A famous experiment showed that only 10% of wine judges rated the same wine the same way when tasting it multiple times.
Moral of the story? Trust your own taste over gold medal stickers and industry awards. The best wine is the one you enjoy most.
Myth #4: Red Wine Goes With Meat, White Wine Goes With Fish
Truth: Pairing wine with food isn’t as black and white as you might think. Some full-bodied whites (like Chardonnay) complement chicken and pork beautifully, while a light red (like Pinot Noir) can be perfect with salmon or tuna.
Top Tip: Pair weight with weight. Rich dishes need bolder wines, while delicate dishes pair best with lighter wines.
Myth #5: Sweet Wines Are Unsophisticated
Truth: Some of the most prestigious wines in the world are sweet! Think French Sauternes, Italian Amarone, and aged Rieslings, they’re highly sought-after and command premium prices.
Never let wine snobbery dictate your choices. If you love sweet wines, embrace them! Life’s too short not to drink what you enjoy.
Myth #6: Sulphites in Wine Cause Hangovers
Truth: Sulphites aren’t the villain here - alcohol is. While sulphites help preserve wine and occur naturally in many foods, it’s excessive alcohol consumption (and dehydration) that leads to hangovers.
Top Tip: To reduce hangovers, drink plenty of water, eat while you drink, and enjoy wine in moderation.
Myth #7: Expensive Wine Always Tastes Better
Truth: Price doesn’t always equal quality. In blind taste tests, many people struggle to tell the difference between cheap and expensive wines and even prefer the cheaper option when they don’t know the price!
Top Tip: Buy what you enjoy, within your budget. Wine appreciation is a journey. Your taste will evolve over time.
We believe there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy wine. Whether you love bold reds, crisp whites, or a cheeky glass of bubbles, the best wine is the one you enjoy most.
Join us for a Southern Highlands wine tour where we keep it fun, approachable, and all about your personal preferences.
Book your bespoke wine tour today & discover your next favourite drop!
