Wine Wednesday – WINE MYTHS

Let’s be honest—wine is woven into the fabric of our lives, even for those valiantly attempting Dry January. (We see you, sniffing corks in secret.) From “wine is good for you” to “wine helps you lose weight” (if only!), and my personal favorite, “white wine should NEVER be consumed with red meat”—are these nuggets of wisdom fact or just fermented fiction? Let’s swirl, sniff, and sip our way through these wine myths to find out!

Wine Has to “Breathe”

Sure, wine sometimes needs to “open up,” but let’s not overcomplicate things—it’s not auditioning for Broadway. Giving wine a little air (aeration, if you want to sound fancy) can help soften its flavors and unlock its aroma. But do you really need a decanter, a special aerator, or a TED Talk? Nope. Pour half a glass and let it mingle with the air. Bonus: The other half of the bottle is already breathing for your next pour.

Never Ever Mix Different Types of Wine

Ah, the myth that mixing wines will lead to a monster hangover. Let me break it to you gently: it’s not the mixing; it’s the quantity. Enjoying a red with your steak, a white with your dessert, and maybe a sparkling wine somewhere in between? That’s called living, not sinning. Moderation is key—unless you’re at a wedding, in which case, all bets are off.

Wine Improves with Age

This one’s like a Hollywood rumor—true for some, wildly exaggerated for others. Sure, a bold Cabernet or a rich Burgundy might age gracefully, but your average bottle of Sauvignon Blanc? It’s more of a drink-now-and-enjoy kind of wine. So don’t let your wine sit around for years hoping it’ll age like Meryl Streep; some bottles are meant to shine in their youth.

White Wine with Fish, Red Wine with Meat

This so-called “rule” is less like the Constitution and more like a Post-it note suggestion. Personally, I do believe in some loose rules on food and wine pairing so that they can complement each other. That said, the real rule? Drink what you like. Love a bold Malbec with salmon? Go for it. Prefer a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with steak? You’re the boss. The wine police won’t show up to confiscate your glass—although they might want a taste.

“Legs” Indicate Higher Quality Wine

Oh, those streaky little streams running down your glass? They’re called “legs” or “tears,” and while they look elegant, they’re not whispering secrets about the wine’s quality. What they do indicate is alcohol content—so yes, those bold legs might hint at a bolder buzz, but when it comes to quality, trust your palate, not the wine’s glass yoga moves.

Screw Caps Mean Cheap Wine

I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for the romance of a cork pop. But the humble screw cap deserves more respect. Developed in Australia and New Zealand, these caps keep wine fresh, free of cork taint, and ready to pour at a moment’s notice—perfect for picnics, weeknights, and those moments when your patience is running low. And let’s be real: once you’re sipping, no one’s asking how the bottle was sealed.

If you’re thirsty for more truth about wine myths, check out Wine Myths and Reality by Benjamin Lewin. It’s like a sommelier whispering wisdom in your ear—without the judgmental side-eye when you pair a rosé with pizza. Cheers to busting myths and enjoying wine your way!