Most of the ASM's don't know much about wine. We know it gets our dates tipsy and may lower their inhibitions for a possible romantic encounter, but other than that, we are fairly clueless. So in this section, I will try to provide some information to help you choose a better wine for your date, as a gift, or for your own self-indulgence.

Wine is not like beer. Beer is easy. We know what brand our family and friends drink, so it is simple to pick up a twelve-pack in route. Beer is primarily for catching a buzz or getting wasted. It is versatile; we could have it at a loud party, a singles bar, or watching the game at a friends place. Most of us wouldn't bring a bottle of wine to a keg party. You know, for reserve in case the keg empties too early. No, we would bring more beer, because, it is ideal for consuming large quantities and not having to pay the monetary price for the stronger forms.

On the other hand, wine is more personal. A good bottle shows taste, class, style, and in a way, our knowledge not of just wine, but of life. Wine is associated with fine dining, the opera, limousines, the orchestra, special occasions, and romance. To enjoy a glass of wine is to experience its aroma, body, color, balance, before finally seducing our pallets with its delightful variety of complex flavors. Didn't you know that?

So, you have been invited to your significant others' home for the holidays, or you are having a romantic dinner for two at your studio apartment, or maybe you are attending a cheese tasting and you want to bring a little something? Everyone knows you don't care about the type of grape, the age, or the vineyard. You simply want a bottle that won't break your bank account and makes you look respectable, knowledgeable, and cultured. You know, all of the things you really aren't.

I. Never give a bottle of wine that you have not tasted. Furthermore, do not even buy a bottle unless it has been recommended by a reliable source. If you do, you may be disappointed and embarrassed with the outcome. You could compare this act to a blind date or buying a car without test-driving it.

II. Have some knowledge regarding the specific wine. Absolutely do not divulge that you picked it up on the way to your destination. Inform the gift receiver, why the year was special, what is unique about the grape, process, or vineyard. This will make you appear a little more educated and cultured than you actually are.

III. Never tell the person you are giving the beverage to, "hey, it is a bottle of $25 dollar wine." This act not only cheapens the gesture of giving, but it also shows that you equate quality with money. I have had excellent wines that fall under $12 dollars and terrible ones with hefty price tags.

*Note: If you don't know, you need to ask. Ask the store clerk, manager, or a passerby for suggestions. Most stores have ratings, articles, and, key facts already posted about particular wines. Also, before making the shopping trip, you could idiot proof the situation by calling your host or a common acquaintance and inquire about their wine preference.

Some would say pairing the appropriate wine with food is as challenging as neurosurgery. It is true, winemaking has made such advancements in harvesting and blending; the selection process has become rather complicated. Of course, those general rules concerning the combination of the wines' color and the specific foods are too simple and somehow, we find ways to screw them up or over think them. So, I came up with what I believe is a better and less scientific process to make the best selection. Answer the following question, which wine would I like to drink with my meal? The truth of the matter is, you may not like white wine or maybe you don't like red, and some of you don't like wine at all. If you don't like wine, I am not sure why you would be reading this, but so be it.

Basically, it all comes down to your taste and what you enjoy. For those who want a little more guidance, I have a table below with a list of the more common wines and their food pairing.

As I have mentioned before, wine preference relies heavily on personal taste. If you wish to make better decisions regarding wines, you might want to throw a party with a wine theme. Tell your guests to bring one of their favorite bottles for everyone to sample. This cuts down your expenses and could be used like a cover charge. You could serve cheese and crackers, chocolate, and a variety of berries. Create games for blind tasting and rating. It may sound feminine, but what type of event do you think more quality women would rather attend; a semi-classy wine tasting party, or a fraternity style free for all?

I believe the best way to learn more is to visit the vineyards. It doesn't take too much time and it is inexpensive. Many are open to the public and offer opportunities to taste their inventory. An added bonus is the tour of their facilities. Granted you will not become a professional wine snob in a day, but you will leave with a more informed pallet, a renewed respect for the creation of good wine, and if you do it right, you will have one heck of a buzz, just don't drink and drive.

Disclaimer: I did my own research and wound up with a hell of a headache. In any case, we all have different tastes and there are vast varieties of each. If the type tasted peppery to me, it may not to you. Do your own tasting. The below is what I thought of particular types.

• Beaujolais is light, fruity, and usually easy to drink. Most are inexpensive and should be consumed within the first three years of bottling.

• Cabernet Franc has a lighter color and taste than a Cabernet Sauvignon. It is fruity, or herbal and may have spicy accent.

• Cabernet Sauvignon range from a mild to quite potent flavor. Its tastes could be described as including berries, oak, vanilla, or a smoky flavor.

• Chardonnay range of taste is from almost sweet to sour. It is considered a light wine with flavors compared to citrus fruits, apple, melons, and a hint of oak.

• Chenin Blanc is considered a dry, sweet, and fruity wine with primarily a grape and earthy taste.

• Chianti is a red wine with a dry strong heavy fruit scent and taste.

• Gewürztraminer wines are supposed to taste a little sweet. Some are dry and it usually has a flowery or spicy taste.

• Merlot may have a variety of flavors, but usually plum, black cherry, citrus, or even a floral gesture. It is a good pairing with chocolate.

• Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio is a light, dry, and refreshing wine with scents of pear, peach, tropical fruit, vanilla, and a variety of spices.

• Pinot Noir has its flavor revolving around berries (strawberry or raspberry) and includes plum with a hint of vanilla.

• Port has five varieties: vintage, harvest, tawny, red (ruby), and white. Depending on the specific variety is the age it should be decanted and its taste. The flavors of smoke, pepper, or truffles distinguish it from the others. It is a good compliment to cheese and chocolate.

• Riesling might be very dry to sweet in taste. It is a solid dessert wine. Primarily it has a flowery and fruity taste.

• Sauvignon Blanc or Fumé Blanc (Robert Mondavi) tends to be a sweet, dry wine and has an herbal presence with olive and smoke flavor.

• Syrah or Shiraz may have a combination of flavors from cherry to plum or a variety of berries with a dash of spice and pepper.

• Seyval Blanc the focus of this dry wine tends to be apples. Goes well with dishes featuring garlic.

• Vidal Blanc some would say it is more refreshing than a Seyval Blanc, but it has a similair taste of apples with a pear twist.

• Zinfandel has a wide variety in color and in taste. A White Zinfandel is lighter, fruitier, less peppery, and a more casual wine than its red cousin.