Don’t sweat the stuff: The aisles and aisles of wine in the liquor store may cause waves of panic even though you only came there for a bottle of wine for your friends’ barbeque. You’re staring at the restaurant wine list in front of a waiter and your important client and feel the beads of sweat form. The only way to stop sweating what wine to pick for what occasion is to pick up a bottle and try it. Repeat and you’ll start to develop your preferences.

Wine is fermented grape juice not the secret to life: Breathe easy my friend, wine is made for our enjoyment and it can be just as simple as that.

So many myths, so little time: Un-phased by wine’s hoity-toity image and misplaced myths? You should be. We’re breakin down the barriers one sip at a time. To get comfortable with wine you need to dive in glass first (practice makes perfect) and just find what works for you. Maybe learn some of the basics of wine selection or wine and food matching, and you’ll see that wine becomes fun!

Wine makes food taste better: Or is it the other way around? On their own wine and food are delicious. Find the right match between them and you can create new taste experiences you’ve only dreamt about. The best way to find out what goes with what, is to experiment. So now that you’ve got your homework, have lots of fun studying!

Good food, good friends and good wine = good times: When you’re eating well with good company and sharing a bottle of something you like, the good times roll. Entertaining, being entertained and living it up are the spoils of a great life. Wine can fit in there somewhere too.

It’s all about the experience: Whether you are choosing wine for a party or performing a wine tasting, think about what you want people to feel, do and say. If you are looking for a lively evening of interactive discussion a big heavy red wine might send the group for the comfy chairs before the heated discussions ensue.

Wines have personalities. So do your friends. Hanging out with a few wines you get a feel for what (who) is your style.

Fear no box, bottle or screw cap: If wine from a box or a bottle with a screw cap signals undrinkable wine you’re not alone. Do you remember when the biggest, cheapest bottle of wine was all but a twist-of-the-cap away from your glass? It’s just a bad memory, trust us. The days of popping the cork seem numbered now that leading producers are going retro and bringing back the screw cap. Corks, as romantic as they seem, wreak havoc on one in ten bottles of wine. Don’t knock it till you try it and that includes box wine as well.

Wine doesn’t discriminate: And they don’t bite. So why should you? Whether it’s from box or bottle, whether you are an educated connoisseur or a once-a-year wine drinker, wine is waiting for you with open arms. There are great wines from all over the world at varying price points so don’t be afraid to give them a whirl.

Drinking wine vs. tasting it: Believe it or not there is a method to this madness of seeing, smelling, sipping and swishing wine. Most people like to drink it for pure enjoyment while others may want to evaluate with their senses. Ultimately the enjoyment of wine is in your hands and whether you choose to drink it or taste it, we’re certain there’s a lot of fun to be had in both.

Just do it: Not sure what you like? Try it and see for yourself. Awards, regions, and pricing aside, buy it, try it and make up your mind.