Describing Wine to Guests
Talk about wine in plain words and recommend by asking questions, not reciting tech sheets.
Words everyone understands
Guests get more from 'fresh, red-fruit, light' than 'silky tannins and a mineral finish'. Use everyday comparisons and save technical language for when it's requested.
- Body: light, medium or full, like skim milk, whole milk or cream.
- Acidity: fresh and juicy vs. soft and round.
- Tannin: the drying feel, like strong black tea.
- Sweetness: dry, off-dry or sweet.
Recommend by asking
Before suggesting, ask two or three questions: red, white or rosé? Something light or fuller? What are you eating? Any wine you've enjoyed before? Then offer two options at different price points.
Honesty above all
If you don't know a wine, say so and offer to find out. Tasting your by-the-glass wines and noting one sentence for each is the best prep there is.
Key terms
- Cuerpo
- Weight or fullness felt in the mouth.
- Taninos
- Compounds from grape skins and seeds that dry the mouth.
- Seco
- Wine without noticeable residual sugar.
Related
Wine
Mexican Wine
Mexico has the oldest winemaking tradition in the Americas and a fast-growing modern scene. Valle de Guadalupe, in Baja California, is its best-known region.
Wine
Red Wine
Red wine is made from dark grapes fermented with their skins, which give color, tannin and structure. It ranges from light, fresh styles to powerful wines for aging.
Wine
White Wine
White wine is generally made by pressing grapes before fermentation, without extended skin contact. It stands out for freshness, acidity and aroma.
Wine
Rosé Wine
Rosé is made from red grapes with brief skin contact, just enough to take on color. It is fresh, fruity and very versatile with food.
Wine
Grape Varieties
Each grape variety brings different aromas, acidity and structure to wine. Knowing the main ones helps you recommend with confidence, including Baja California wines.
Sources
- Wine Folly
- Setting the Table by Danny Meyer
Updated October 20, 2026