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15 Most Popular Wines for Beginners to Try

Embarking on a journey into the enchanting world of wine can be a delightful and exhilarating experience. 

Red, white, rose wine in wineglasses and bottles on gray background.

For beginners, finding the perfect wine that tantalizes their taste buds without overwhelming their senses is essential. 

Enter the world of the best wines for beginners, where you can find red wines, white wines, and more approachable options for new wine drinkers.

Whether you are savoring a glass with friends at a cozy dinner or exploring different varietals during a relaxing weekend, these wines are crafted to appeal to a wide range of palates. 

With their approachable flavors and smooth profiles, these wines promise a captivating initiation into the art of wine appreciation.

Sauvignon Blanc

With its bright and lively personality, Sauvignon Blanc delights the senses with a burst of zesty citrus and tropical fruit flavors, accompanied by herbal undertones that add a delightful twist to each sip. 

A view of several bottles of Samuel Charles sauvignon blanc 2020 wine, on display at a local grocery store.

This wine’s crisp and vibrant acidity enlivens the palate, making it an ideal choice for beginners seeking a flavorful and enjoyable wine experience that will leave them craving for more. 

Its approachable and light-bodied nature makes it an excellent accompaniment to various seafood dishes, salads, and light appetizers, and it’s perfect for sipping during casual gatherings or relaxed outdoor picnics.

Sauvignon blanc is one of our favorite white wines for beginners, and it’s popular among seasoned wine drinkers as well!


Riesling

A true aromatic delight, Riesling captivates with its enticing bouquet of ripe peach, apricot, and honeyed notes that swirl harmoniously on the palate. 

Glass of Riesling and riesling grapes

If you’re interested in sweet wines, Riesling has a little sweetness and fruity notes in a light bodied wine that makes for easy drinking. That makes it one of the best wines for beginners!

Its balanced acidity and light body create a magical dance of flavors, making it an approachable and enchanting choice for wine newcomers who want to explore a wine that offers a delightful and memorable journey. 

Its versatile and food-friendly character makes it an excellent companion to spicy Asian cuisines, grilled chicken, or soft cheeses, making it the perfect wine to enjoy at brunches, summer parties, or on a cozy night in.


Pinot Noir

As elegant as a ballroom dancer, Pinot Noir unveils a captivating array of red berry fruits, cherry, and earthy nuances that gracefully unfold with each sip. It’s one of the most popular red wines, and for good reason.

Wooden rack with famous Pinot Noir red wine.

This medium-bodied wine’s velvety texture and smooth character make it a versatile and inviting choice for beginners who desire a wine that complements a wide range of dishes and occasions. 

Pinot noir has silky tannins and delicate flavors that make it a natural pairing with roasted poultry, grilled salmon, or mushroom dishes, making it an ideal choice for elegant dinner parties or intimate gatherings with friends and family.

If you’re interested in red wine, try a glass of pinot noir!


Syrah

Embrace the bold and intense allure of Syrah, which unveils a medley of dark berry fruit flavors, black pepper, and smoky hints that command attention on the palate. 

a-man-pouring-a-syrah-red-wine-on-the-glass

This full-bodied wine’s velvety tannins and rich depth make it an excellent option for adventurous beginners who are ready to embark on a wine journey filled with exciting and complex flavors. 

Its robust and powerful nature make it a great match for hearty meat dishes, barbecued fare, or spicy cuisines, making it a go-to wine for gatherings with a touch of excitement and flair.


Merlot

As approachable as an old friend, Merlot charms with its plush plum and cherry flavors, offering a comforting and friendly introduction to red wines. 

a glass of merlot in front of a barrel, bottle, and bunch of grapes

Its medium body and supple tannins create a smooth and easy-drinking experience, making it an ideal choice for beginners who seek a wine that is both accessible and delightful. 

Its versatility makes it an excellent complement to a variety of dishes, from pasta to grilled meats, and it’s a go-to option for casual gatherings or relaxing evenings with loved ones.


Moscato d’Asti

Like a dance of sweetness on the tongue, Moscato d’Asti dazzles with its playful and aromatic notes of orange blossom and ripe peach. 

Tasting white sparkling wine Moscato d'Asti.

This low-alcohol, slightly fizzy wine offers a lighthearted and joyful experience, perfect for those who appreciate a wine that sparkles with charm and vibrancy. 

Its sweetness makes it an excellent pairing with fruity desserts, light salads, or spicy cuisines, and it’s an ideal choice for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a carefree afternoon with friends.


Prosecco

Raise a toast to the sparkle of Prosecco, a sparkling wine that delights with its crisp and flavorful notes of green apple, pear, and a touch of floral undertones. 

prosecco bottles over ice in a bucket

If you don’t drink wine, a sparkling wine like prosecco is a great, festive wine for beginners as it’s often served at events like weddings

Its light and bubbly nature make it perfect for celebrating joyous moments or adding a touch of elegance to any occasion, inviting beginners to discover the enchanting world of sparkling wines. 

Its versatility makes it a great aperitif or a delightful companion to appetizers, and it’s a wine that embodies the spirit of fun and celebration.


Pinot Grigio

With its sun-kissed flavors of citrus, green apple, and subtle hints of almond, Pinot Grigio shines like a golden afternoon.

Pinot Grigio
source: foodandwine.com

If you’re interested in white wines, pinot grigio is a great start to your wine journey. This is a popular choice for beginner wine drinkers and expert wine lovers alike.

This zesty and dry white wine offers a vibrant and easy-drinking experience, appealing to those who appreciate a wine that is light and versatile, ideal for pairing with a variety of dishes. 

Its crisp and satisfying nature makes it an excellent choice for warm weather occasions, such as picnics, outdoor barbecues, or beach outings, and it’s a wine that embodies the carefree and relaxed spirit of summer.


Zinfandel

Bold and expressive, Zinfandel reveals a captivating array of blackberry, cherry, and spice flavors that make a statement on the palate. 

three glasses of zinfandel

This medium to full-bodied wine’s juicy and fruit-forward personality appeals to beginners seeking a wine that delivers a more robust and unforgettable experience.

Its versatility makes it a perfect match for grilled meats, hearty pasta dishes, or savory barbecue, and it’s a wine that shines at gatherings where there’s a desire to explore bold and rich flavors.


Lambrusco

As lively as a carnival, Lambrusco enchants with its vibrant red fruit flavors and a hint of sweetness that playfully dances on the palate. 

Lambrusco
source: foodandwine.com

This Italian sparkling red wine offers a unique and exciting experience, perfect for those exploring diverse wine styles and looking to savor something fun and unconventional. 

Its slightly sparkling nature makes it a fantastic match for pizza, charcuterie, or even spicy Mexican dishes, and it’s a wine that brings joy and excitement to casual gatherings and celebrations. 


Cabernet Sauvignon

Commanding attention with its bold and robust presence, Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a symphony of dark fruit flavors, hints of tobacco, and a touch of oak that create a rich and full-bodied wine experience. 

bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon in a box

This wine’s structured and complex nature appeals to beginners who are ready to explore deeper and more intense flavors. 

Cabernet sauvignon’s firm tannins and powerful profile make it an excellent match for grilled steaks, hearty stews, or aged cheeses, and it’s a wine that shines during intimate gatherings or cozy evenings by the fireplace.

Cabernet sauvignon is a classic choice for anyone looking to get into red wines, and it’s easy to find a great affordable bottle to start with!


Grenache Blanc

Embrace the charm and elegance of Grenache Blanc, a white wine that enchants with its delicate floral notes, citrus flavors, and a zesty crispness that revitalizes the senses. 

Grenache blanc is a variety of white wine grape that is related to the red grape Grenache.

This medium-bodied wine’s bright and vibrant character makes it an approachable and delightful choice for beginners seeking a wine with grace and finesse. 

Its versatility pairs well with seafood, grilled vegetables, or light salads, and it’s a wine that embodies the spirit of sophistication and refinement.


CHARDONNAY

Like a golden treasure, Chardonnay glistens with its creamy texture and luscious flavors of ripe apple, tropical fruits, and a touch of buttery goodness. 

woman holding a bottle of chardonnay

This medium to full-bodied white wine offers a luxurious and indulgent experience, perfect for those who appreciate a wine that exudes richness and complexity. 

Its versatility makes it an excellent pairing for creamy pasta dishes, grilled chicken, or lobster, and it’s a wine that elevates any occasion with its opulent and enchanting presence.


Beaujolais Nouveau

Celebrate the youthful and exuberant spirit of Beaujolais Nouveau, a red wine that bursts with vibrant berry flavors and a playful freshness that beckons to be savored immediately. 

Beaujolais nouveau
source: britannica.com

This light-bodied and easy-drinking wine is a delightful choice for beginners who are looking for a wine that is approachable and full of life. 

Its youthful and fruity character makes it an excellent match for a variety of dishes, from roasted chicken to charcuterie, and it’s a wine that brings a sense of excitement and anticipation to seasonal celebrations and gatherings.


Vermentino

Transport yourself to the sunny Mediterranean with Vermentino, a white wine that delights with its bright citrus notes, surprising acidity, and a touch of sea breeze that evokes visions of sandy beaches and clear blue skies. 

Bottle and goblet of Vermentino wine above the barrel between the rows of a vineyard

This light to medium-bodied wine’s vibrant and uplifting character makes it a delightful choice for beginners seeking a wine that is both lively and soothing. 

Its crisp and zesty nature pairs perfectly with seafood, light pastas, or Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and it’s a wine that captures the essence of a carefree and leisurely lifestyle.


Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.

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