Getting out of a Rut

Are you a fan of “Yellow Tail Shiraz”?
Relax, this is not an attack on what has – for better or worse – become the top selling wine in Ontario. I really do, sincerely, believe that learning about wine should be delightful. It should never be allowed to degenerate into the unpleasant activity of learning to dislike what you already enjoy.

Yes, mass-produced, branded wines seem appealingly safe. They are (usually) easy to pronounce. Occupying prime shelf-space, they are easy to find again and again.
So what’s the problem?
Everyone misses out on vinous treasures, but if you’re always buying the same wine, you missing out on almost all of them. In fact, you may well be missing out on wines which you would enjoy more than your old stand-by.

Admittedly, choosing a new wine can be like a blind-folded game of darts. So... ask for help:

(1) A good retailer should have a staff member ready to listen to you describe a wine you’ve enjoyed, and then knowledgeably direct you to something new.
(2) Some wine writers feature reviews of “everyday” wines. Look for flavours you recognize from that old stand-by.
(3) Ask a consultant. Depending where you live, you may be able to hire someone to help you, and your palate, to branch out.
(4) Go tasting!
(a)Take a day trip to Niagara.
(b)Go out to a local “wine bar” or a restaurant that offers several wines by-the-glass.
(c)Throw a wine-tasting party (you may be able to hire that consultant to lead an amusing and educational evening).
(d) Go to a wine-tasting event (look for seminars at retailers, colleges and trade fairs).

Finally:
If you’re that fan of Yellow Tail Shiraz, you are in luck. In my opinion, there are several excellent wines available for the same price as that next bottle of Yellow Tail. (retail price in Ontario is $11.85)
Here are four examples (each between $10-12) chosen to suit you:
East Dell “Black Cab”
Chateau des Charmes “Gamay Noir”
Hoya de Candenas “Temperanillo Reserva”
Concha y Toro “Casillero del Diablo Merlot”

Happy wandering.