Totally agree that wine is a social wonder, on its own or with the addition of food to heighten the enjoyment. Here in NYC we are lucky to have so many helpful and informed staff members in many wine shops to guide us whether we are looking for a great pizza wine or something to serve with a special dinner we are preparing. One shop in the Flatiron even had an under $20 selection devoted to take out pairings with local menus posted so you could afford-ably have a bit of fun and possibly discover a style of wine or grape you wouldn’t think of as a go to for certain foods.

For many people looking for guidance is not that easy. Wine dinners, wine bars, informative staff or even restaurants with a sommelier on staff aren’t available to many people living outside big cities in the US. We cannot deny that having the ability to source new and interesting wines, artisan spirits and exotic spices by simply walking a few blocks can be part of the lore of city living. The door to the flavors of most any foreign culture is a short subway ride away. Others may not have the resources to afford that $12 glass of wine paired with a delicious dish recommended, they may be looking for an affordable way to heighten the enjoyment of an everyday wine on a budget.

For the average person (with a bit of curiosity on the subject) approaching a wine professional for suggestions can even be a bit intimidating. My thoughts are by simply adding a bit of guidance in terms of a visual, links on your website, recipes, etc could be an effective, fun, user friendly tool that could be accessible to everyone from the casual drinker to the informed wine consumer. A few years back the Alsatian wine board accomplished this cool, non-stuffy, concept by suggesting Asian dishes to accompany many of their wines http://creative.toptable.com/images/June2012/WOA_Header.jpg

Regardless, wine, whether enjoyed on its own, with pizza, a 4 star meal or just over conversation with a friend is one of the most enjoyable pleasures on the planet. A delicious social lubricant that can transport you to far away places, or, just make a day brown bagging it at the park with a hot dog a celebration!

I actually think people retain little and enjoy a lot.
People (most that is) go to wine tastings and wine dinners and pairing seminars cause they are fun. Wine is fun. Alcohol is a social wonder.

Do they learn how to pair? Do they have a list of wines with what foods? I don’t think so and educating the world can be a fun process but not a business usually once typified as education.

Most people remember what they like and learn to like a few wines and simply drink them with food.

At restaurants we have some fun, ask for some advice and it layers on the enjoyment. I even think the really positive trend towards slate-board wine lists, less but good choices make wine more of what it should be, that is an ingredient of the evening.

Thanks for commenting. I don’t know of any restaurant carrying these wines. Very few shops even have them but I believe 67 wine and Chambers Street sell Skerk’s Ograde and a few whites. I had to get them shipped from Oregon last year because these where not even offered in NYC till recently.
A visit Italy to get them would be well worth it!