The Ultimate Wine Drinking Guide: Best Bottles, Snacks, and Tips for a Cozy Night In ⋆ Good Taste Guide

Hey, wine friends! 🍷 Whether you’re planning a cozy wine night in, hunting for the best reds at Target, or searching for the perfect wine and snack pairings, we’ve got you covered. This wine drinking guide has everything you need—from grocery store wine hacks to sparkling picks that make any night feel like a celebration. Cheers!

I only drink Champagne on two occasions: when I’m in love and when I’m not.
Coco Chanel

Here’s our guide to the best wines to open at home for a wine night in, red wines to buy at Target, the best wine vacation, and wine snacks to make. Cheers!

Best Grocery Store Wines (Wine Drinking Guide Tip #1)

Choosing wine at the grocery store can feel like a game show where you don’t know the rules. Here’s the secret: stick to regions you know and look for labels that list more than just “Red Blend.” For a safe bet, try a California Sauvignon Blanc or a California Cabernet. Need more tips? We’ve got a whole guide. Read: How to pick wine in the grocery store

Best Red Wines from Target (Add to Your Cart, Stat!)

Target isn’t just for cute throw pillows and candles that smell like vacation. Their wine aisle is stocked with hidden gems. Read 10 of the best red wines to try under $20 at Target

Best Merlot Wines to Buy (Wine Drinking Guide Tip #2)

We know, we know—Miles from Sideways wasn’t a fan, but we are. A good Merlot is smooth, velvety, and full of dark berry flavors. Read 3 of the Best Merlot Wines To Buy

Great White Wines You Can Find at Target

If you’re already grabbing snacks and skincare, check out our list for our favorite white wines at Target. Both are solid picks for a night in with a charcuterie board and those fancy Archer Farms treats.

Sparkling Wines Are ALWAYS a Good Idea (Wine Drinking Guide Tip #3)

Champagne is never wrong. If you don’t want to splurge on Dom, try Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut or Mumm Napa—both wallet-friendly and guaranteed to make a Tuesday feel like a celebration. Tip: Sparkling wine pairs shockingly well with salty snacks like popcorn or potato chips. Read more 11 of the best sparkling wine for any occasion (no need to wait for NYE!)

Favorite Rosé Brands (Rosé All Day, Friends)

Whether it’s summer or you just wish it was, rosé is always a good choice. Look for Whispering Angel or Rock Angel if you’re feeling fancy. Pro tip: Rosé loves charcuterie, especially anything with prosciutto. Read more: 8 Favorite Rosé Brands

Wine for Breakfast? Yes, Please! 🥂

Brunch food loves wine, and we’re not about to argue. Whether it’s mimosas with French toast or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with a veggie frittata, wine at breakfast is a vibe we can get behind. Looking for a bottle that pairs perfectly with avocado toast? A bright and zesty Pinot Grigio is your brunch bestie. Read more: Wine for Breakfast

Wine Gift Basket Ideas (Perfect for Your Favorite Wine Lover)

Why settle for a boring gift when you can build the ultimate wine basket? Start with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and add in dark chocolate, a corkscrew, and a cute wine stopper. Bonus points for throwing in a candle that smells like a vineyard. Read Wine Gift Basket Ideas