Shopping for wine can be overwhelming if you aren’t familiar with the beverage. If you want to get more informed, begin by getting familiar with a particular type. Many people prefer to start with white wine, as it’s lighter on the palate. If you want to impress your friends the next time you’re dining out or shopping for a cocktail party, use this guide to pick the perfect bottle.

3 White Wine Varieties & How to Enjoy Them

1. Pinot Grigio

This wine’s taste may vary depending on where the grapes are grown. For example, American and French versions are fragrant and fruit-forward, while those from Italy and Germany are dry, crisp, and acidic. You can enjoy the former with spicy dishes, and the dryer versions with lightly fried, white fish or seafood salads.

2. Riesling

This grape was originally grown in Germany but has since been added to wineries around the world. All rieslings are subtly sweet, but those from California are the sweetest. When you take a sip, you may liken the smell to fresh apple cider. To savor this summery wine, pair it with chicken, pork, or eel, which are fatty enough to balance the beverage’s sweet, crisp flavor.

3. Chardonnay

Chardonnay was originally grown in Burgundy, France, and it’s now grown in California, Australia, and South Africa. These grapes create a round, full flavor that’s often described as rich and buttery. As you taste the wine, you may detect notes of citrus, coconut, or toffee. This full-bodied wine shines when paired with salmon, lobster, or a spring vegetable risotto.

If you want to get more familiar with whites, contact the team at Oeno Winemaking on Oahu, HI. This winery carries over 150 different bottles from around the world, ensuring you’ll find something that pleases your palate. Visit the website to get more information about their selection, or call (808) 263-6366 to sign up for their wine club.