Be a Better Buyer: 5 Tricks for Better Wine Shopping (Via Serious Eats)

As I've mentioned, my idea of wine shopping usually involves picking grape varieties that I know I like (or bottles with amusing labels).  There's nothing wrong with this strategy, but I'm trying to become more knowledgeable about wine, so I should probably learn how to be most effective when browsing wine shops.  Luckily, the folks over at Serious Eats have shared a few tips to make shopping for wine a little easier.

At the top of the list: Don't be bashful about price.

Christy Frank of Frankly Wines in New York agrees: "Don't be afraid to tell us what you would like to spend! Yes, it's tricky to find a variety of really interesting wines in the $10 range, but once you get into the $15 to $20 range, the world opens up. Often we'll have people ask sheepishly 'can I get something good for $20?' Yes, you can! And we can help you," says Frank. Be realistic about your budget, and specific when you mention it—'affordable' means different things to different people, but a number or small range will help the shopkeeper narrow down the options fast.