Choosing the Perfect Wine for a First Date

Summary

Navigating the complexities of wine selection on a first date can be daunting. This guide offers practical advice on choosing the perfect wine, considering factors like type, cost, and your companion's preferences. With tips on avoiding social faux pas and interesting stats about wine consumption, you'll be well-prepared to make a choice that impresses without overwhelming.

The Importance of Wine Selection

One of the great things about wine on a date is that one bottle typically contains about five glasses. If shared equally, it’s unlikely that you’ll overindulge. However, there are other social pitfalls to avoid when choosing wine on a date.

Getting Started

First, you need to decide whether you want white, red, rosé, or sparkling wine. This is perhaps the most crucial decision. As a general rule, red wine is more of an acquired taste and can be harder to select well. Therefore, when you don’t know your companion’s preferences, it may be wise to steer clear of red wine.

Sparkling wine can make you appear a bit pretentious, or if you opt for a cheaper version, a tightwad. So, this is usually best avoided. If you’re unsure whether your companion likes wine at all, rosé is often a safe option as it generally lacks the sharpness that people commonly dislike in wines.

How Much to Spend?

Remember, more money doesn’t always mean better quality. If you’re new to wine, go for a house white. A house white is unlikely to be extremely imaginative or unusual but is almost always perfectly drinkable. For this reason, it’s a safe, middle-of-the-road option.

If you want to impress, look for something other than the house white. Avoid extremes until you know your companion better, so don’t go for bone-dry whites. Instead, opt for a fruity dry wine that appeals to those who like both dry and medium whites.

While neutral wines may seem like a bit of a cop-out, bear in mind that you simply want a drinkable wine that does not offend.

Gauging Your Companion’s Taste

If you’re really unsure what to choose, why not offer your companion a choice of glasses as an aperitif while you have a beer or spirit? This way, you can gauge your companion’s taste. Even if they select a spirit, you can still get a measure of whether they prefer sweet or dry wines.

Of course, you could always give your companion the choice.

Interesting Wine Stats

• Global Wine Consumption: In 2020, the global wine consumption was approximately 234 million hectoliters. The United States led the way with 33 million hectoliters consumed (source).
• Wine Preferences: According to a survey by Wine Intelligence, 43% of wine drinkers in the U.S. prefer red wine, 36% prefer white, and 21% prefer rosé (source).
• First Date Choices: A study by the Wine Market Council found that 58% of millennials prefer to drink wine on a first date, compared to 42% who opt for beer or spirits (source).

Conclusion

Choosing the right wine for a first date doesn’t have to be stressful. By considering your companion’s potential preferences and avoiding extreme choices, you can select a wine that enhances your evening. Whether you opt for a safe house white or a versatile rosé, the key is to choose something drinkable and enjoyable for both of you. And remember, offering your companion a choice can be a great way to gauge their taste and ensure a pleasant experience for both of you.