Buying a bottle: Now that you've got the basics down, venture into a store and ask questions.

Byline: Kristin Eddy

Beginners often find one of the most intimidating aspects of wine is taking the first step: buying a bottle. There is a lot to decide, after all: color, price, vintage, style and producer. Getting recommendations from a wine store employee isn't always reassuring, however, if the staff member isn't someone you know and whose tastes you trust. So take along some advice, once you are ready to go shopping. The following tips are true wherever you go. Get to know the sales staff. Ask for recommendations and explain what you like, even if you don't know exactly what you are looking for. You should find store employees ready to help and cultivate you as a customer; it is in their interest, as well as yours.

Red or white: Many people have personal preferences right up front. But the wines vary dramatically even within the color range, so never rule out red, for instance, just because you haven't liked one before. This is where you need to explain to the wine merchant what you are buying the wine for. Is it to go with a specific menu? To bring as a gift for your host to enjoy later? Or, just to enjoy with cheese and snacks at an informal gathering?

"Unless you know specifically what type of wine you are seeking, it's best not to say what you want, but rather explain what you want, as specifically as possible," writes Dewey Markham in "Wine Basics: A Quick and Easy Guide."

For example, let the seller know that you are going to a casual Sunday night supper with friends who also are learning to explore wine. Explain that your budget is something under $20, and you want a reliable choice.

Check the price: No matter what occasion the wine is for, it does not always follow that the more expensive the wine is, the more you will enjoy it.

"Rather than worry about the price, worry about the process," advises Cheryl Knecht, a wine specialist at Sam's Wines & Spirits. "Some people really like expensive cabernets just because they appreciate the money it takes to make a wine made with French oak. But an inexpensive wine also can be one that is well made." If a winemaker is reliable and does a good job, Knecht said, he usually will make good wine in any price range.