Three Wine Myths That I’m Here to Lay to Rest
Wine is meant to be enjoyed, but somehow we’ve been convinced that we need a secret decoder ring to know what’s “acceptable” and what’s a faux pas. Spoiler alert: most of those so-called wine rules are outdated, snobby for no reason, and holding you back from discovering some of the best wines out there. And, hint, they aren’t just from France and Italy.
It’s time to debunk three major wine myths that deserve to disappear—starting with the one that might ruffle a few feathers.
🚫 Myth #1: “Only Cheap Reds Should Be Served Chilled”
Let’s get this straight: chilling red wine isn’t some poor man’s game. We aren’t just chilling 1.5 L of Cabernet from God knows where just to make it drinkable. Chilling red wine is a game-changer that enhances certain wines, making them more vibrant, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather.
Some reds actually need a slight chill to shine. Lighter-bodied reds with high acidity—think Gamay, Pinot Noir, Zweigelt, Frappato, or Trousseau—become smoother and livelier when cooled down to about 55°F (13°C). This isn’t a TikTok trend; Europeans have been doing this for centuries.
📌 Best chilled reds to try:
Beaujolais (Gamay) – Juicy, light, and meant to be chilled.
Pinot Noir – Cooler temps enhance its bright cherry and earthy notes.
Zweigelt – Austria’s best-kept secret; a bold, fruit-forward red that thrives when chilled.
📌 How to chill your reds properly:
Quick chill method: Pop the bottle in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
Overnight method: Store in the fridge and let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before drinking.
Avoid the ice bucket! It can shock the wine and mute the flavors.
Time to stop treating chilled reds like some rookie mistake—they’re a pro move.
🚫 Myth #2: “Non-Alcoholic Wine is Just Grape Juice”
This one needs to go, okay? Non-alcoholic wine has come a long way from sugary, juice-like substitutes. Today, top winemakers are using advanced dealcoholization techniques (like vacuum distillation and reverse osmosis) to remove alcohol while keeping the wine’s complexity intact.
The result? A new generation of sophisticated, low- and no-alcohol wines that taste like actual wine—not a juice box.
📌 Best non-alcoholic wines to try:
Leitz Eins Zwei Zero Riesling (Germany) – Crisp, dry, and shockingly good.
Oddbird Blanc de Blancs (France) – A non-alcoholic sparkling wine with serious elegance.
Surely Pinot Noir (California) – A legit red wine experience, minus the alcohol.
Why the rise in non-alcoholic wines? Because more people are prioritizing health, mindfulness, and balance—and they still want a premium drinking experience. Whether you’re cutting back, sober-curious, or just pacing yourself at a dinner party, non-alcoholic wines offer a refined alternative.
🚫 Myth #3: “All the Best Wines Come from France and Italy”
Listen, we love a good Bordeaux and a Tuscan red as much as anyone. But acting like France and Italy are the only places making world-class wine? That’s just outdated thinking.
Some of the most exciting wines right now are coming from unexpected regions that are redefining what’s possible:
📌 Emerging wine regions to watch:
Greece – Home to Assyrtiko, a mineral-driven white wine perfect for seafood.
Mexico – The Valle de Guadalupe is producing stunning chilled reds and rosés.
Georgia – The birthplace of wine (literally), with over 8,000 years of winemaking history.
South Africa – Chenin Blanc and Pinotage are putting South African wines on the map.
The world of wine is bigger (and better) than what’s in the typical Napa or Burgundy lineup. Expanding your palate to include lesser-known regions isn’t just adventurous—it’s the secret to finding some incredible, under-the-radar bottles at better prices.
Final Sip: It’s Time to Rethink the Rules
Wine should be fun, personal, and adventurous—not restricted by outdated myths. Chilled reds? Absolutely. Non-alcoholic wines? A growing luxury. Exploring beyond France and Italy? Essential.
The best wine is the one you actually enjoy drinking. So break the rules, pour what you love, and let’s start drinking wine our own way. 🍷
What’s the biggest wine myth you’ve been guilty of believing? Drop a comment below and let’s debunk it together.
