Okay, so you’ve guzzled all the seltzer you can … maybe beer isn’t quenching your thirst anymore … perhaps you’re tired of pretending to love hard kombucha … or you just want to understand the hype your wine friends are always talking about. Whatever brought you here, we’re glad it did (and we congratulate you!). Welcome, newbies.
This is How to Like Wine 101 — a beginner-friendly rundown of the wines that make falling for vino easy. For this article, we’re skipping the usual starter grapes and heading straight to the cool stuff that got us hooked in the first place.
Start Sweet: Moscato d'Asti
If you’re wine-curious but wary of diving straight into dry or bold styles — a bottle of Moscato d’Asti is a great place to begin. Sweet, lightly sparkling, and wildly approachable, it’s one of the easiest wines to love.
Hailing from Piedmont in northwest Italy — specifically the provinces of Asti, Alessandria, and Cuneo — Moscato d’Asti is made from the Muscat Blanc grape, which thrives in the region’s sunny vineyards and rolling hills. In the glass, it’s pale straw with gentle bubbles, offering aromas of fresh peach, Meyer lemon, pear, and orange blossom that carry through to the palate.
Why do beginners fall head over heels for Moscato d’Asti? Simple — it’s one of the most grape-juicy wines out there. Think adult juice box. Its gentle sweetness and lower alcohol make it light, playful, and endlessly drinkable. Enjoy it as an aperitif, with fresh fruit, or whenever the mood calls for something easy and celebratory.
Something Funky Fresh: Gewürztraminer
You can’t say it three times fast (ga-VERTZ-trah-mee-ner), but if you do, you might just summon Michael Keaton in a striped suit.
Gewürztraminer is one of the noble grapes, originating in Germany and grown throughout Alpine foothills, with Alsace in northeastern France being one of its most famous homes. Thanks to the region’s cool climate and well-drained soils, the grape thrives there.
Often dubbed the grown-up version of Moscato, Gewürztraminer shares some similarities — aromatic, fruity, occasionally off-dry — but brings higher alcohol and lower acidity, making it more of a sipper than a guzzler. Expect flavors of lychee, grapefruit, mango, melon, and fresh orange, with heady aromas of rose, star jasmine, ginger, smoke, and baking spice.
It shines with spicy Sichuan or Thai food and even works beautifully with a saucy, spicy tuna poke bowl. Exceptionally drinkable, it’s a favorite of both novice wine drinkers and seasoned pros.
Crisp & Refreshing: Dry Riesling
Dry Riesling is most commonly grown in cool-climate regions like Germany, Austria, and New York’s Finger Lakes. In the glass, you’ll find zesty lime, lemon, and grapefruit, layered with floral notes, green apple, beeswax, and a touch of minerality.
With vibrant acidity and a balanced, not sweet profile, Dry Riesling pairs effortlessly with everything from seafood and hot chicken sandwiches to spicy Asian cuisine. We love recommending it to beginners because it offers real complexity without sacrificing approachability. Look for bottles labeled Kabinett or Trocken to ensure you’re getting a dry style.
Vibrant, Zesty, Approachable: California Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio, thrives in California’s sun-soaked vineyards along cooler coastal regions. The result is a wine that’s fresh, fruit-forward, and easygoing, with flavors of jasmine, peach, lemongrass, lemon, lime, juicy pear, and ripe melon.
Crisp, acidic, and refreshing, California Pinot Gris pairs beautifully with creamy pastas, fresh salads, and lemony grilled salmon or chicken. It’s a gentle introduction to dry white wines, offering brightness and texture without feeling sharp or severe.
Naturally Bubbly: Pétillant Naturel
New to wine, but still loyal to beer or kombucha? Meet Pétillant Naturel — or what the cool kids call pét-nat.
This naturally sparkling wine is made using the ancient méthode ancestrale, which traps bubbles during the wine’s primary fermentation — no secondary fermentation, no disgorgement, and yes, the yeast stays in the bottle. That’s what gives pét-nat its cloudy appearance and funky edge. It’s basically the craft beer of the wine world, sometimes even sealed with a crown cap.
Pét-nats can be red, white, or rosé, though we recommend whites and rosés for beginners. Expect bright citrus, green apple, and juicy berry flavors, plus a laid-back, unpretentious vibe that makes wine feel far less intimidating.
Bubbly Red (!?): Lambrusco
Looking for an approachable sparkling red? Say hello to Lambrusco.
Produced in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, Lambrusco comes in both sweet and dry styles and is made from a family of grapes including Maestri, Marani, Montericco, and Salamino. The blend determines the final sweetness.
While Lambrusco has earned a mixed reputation over the years, we’re firmly in the pro-Lambrusco camp. It’s delicious — and that’s enough. For red wine newcomers, start with a lighter-bodied style and work your way up as your palate adjusts to tannins and richer flavors.
Lambrusco can be made using the Charmat method — clean and crisp — or méthode ancestrale — cloudy and funky, like pét-nat. Expect juicy berry and dark cherry notes. It’s a dream with charcuterie, salami, coppa, and rich cheeses.
Our Choice for Vino Italiano: Barbaresco
Barbaresco Barbaresco is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo grapes grown around the village of Barbaresco in Piedmont, Italy. Often compared to Barolo, Barbaresco is the more approachable sibling — lighter on the palate, more elegant in style, and ready to enjoy sooner.
Expect ripe red fruits like cherry and raspberry, layered with earthy notes and subtle spice. While this is the boldest wine on our beginner list, its tannins are gentler than other Nebbiolo wines, making it an ideal introduction to structured reds.
Pour a glass, soak up the Italian charm, and don’t be surprised if you feel like a more confident wine drinker by the end of the bottle. Huzzah!
In Conclusion
Wine can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re introducing a friend to wine or expanding your own palate, these bottles are a great place to start. And when you’re ready to stock up, head to Last Bottle to shop the deal of the day and start drinking like a sommelier in no time.
