The Wines I recommend the Most (and Why)
I taste a lot of wine. I write about it, teach it, talk about it, sell it.
And over time, certain bottles, or types of bottles, just keep coming up.
These aren’t always the trendiest or rarest.
They’re not always what I’m drinking at home.
But they’re the ones that work.
Because sometimes, the best recommendation isn’t about your favorite bottle.
It’s about the right bottle—for the person, the moment, and the mood.
Here are the wines I recommend the most and why I keep coming back to them.
1. Albariño from Rías Baixas
It’s bright, coastal, and citrusy without being too sharp.
Great with seafood, spring produce, or just porch weather.
It’s also one of the easiest ways to show someone they do like white wine—they just hadn’t met the right one yet.
Try: Paco & Lola Albariño
2. Côtes du Rhône (Red or White)
Affordable, approachable, and way better than most people expect.
Red for winter stews, white for casual summer dinners.
It’s the wine that feels like a solid handshake—reliable, generous, and familiar.
Read: this Guide to Côtes du Rhône
3. Cru Beaujolais
It’s light-bodied, fruit-forward, and incredibly food-friendly.
It drinks like a red, chills like a rosé, and it’s priced like a bargain.
If someone says they like Pinot but want something new, this is where I go.
Try: Any of these from Wine Enthusiast
4. Grower Champagne (or anything with a real story)
For friends who think sparkling wine is only for weddings—or people who buy Veuve because it’s the only label they recognize.
One bottle with a grower’s name on it, and they get it: Champagne has soul.
Try: Vilmart & Co
5. Dry German Riesling
If someone says “I don’t like sweet wine,” this is what I pour.
It’s electric. It’s transparent. It’s precise.
And no one ever forgets the first one that clicks.
Read: this article from Wines of Germany
6. A California Chardonnay That Isn’t Overblown
Just to prove a point.
When I recommend one that’s balanced and beautiful—coastal, citrus-driven, maybe a little saline—people look at me like they’ve been let in on a secret.
Try: DeLoach Vineyards
7. A Pinot Noir That Actually Has Restraint
Whether it’s from Oregon, New Zealand, or Santa Rita Hills—this is my go-to when someone wants a “nice bottle” but doesn’t want to feel like they’re performing.
Good Pinot should make you pause, not prove something.
Try: Domaine Drouhin, a classic Burgundy producer that’s made a home in Oregon
Final Thought
There’s no one-size-fits-all in wine.
But these are the bottles I come back to when I want to help someone enjoy wine—not overthink it.
A good recommendation isn’t about the most impressive bottle.
It’s about the one you’ll actually open, enjoy, and remember.
The best bottle isn’t the one you’re afraid to open.
It’s the one you’re glad you did.
