Walking into a wine shop can be exciting — but when you’re faced with hundreds of bottles, choosing the right one can also feel a little overwhelming.
Should you buy Shiraz or Pinot Noir? Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc? Something light and fresh, or rich and full-bodied?
The good news is that choosing wine doesn’t need to be complicated. A few simple things — what you’re eating, what you normally enjoy, the occasion and how much you want to spend — can point you in the right direction.
Here’s our simple guide to choosing a bottle you’ll love.
Start With What You Like
The most important rule when choosing wine is surprisingly simple:
Buy what you enjoy.
Wine has plenty of rules, but there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to taste.
If you enjoy fresh, crisp wines, look for varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling or Pinot Gris. If you prefer something richer and more textured, Chardonnay could be a better choice.
For red wine, Pinot Noir is generally lighter and more delicate, while Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon tend to be fuller-bodied and more structured.
Not sure what you like? Think about the wines you’ve enjoyed before and use those as your starting point.
Choosing White Wine
Sauvignon Blanc
Fresh, crisp and aromatic, Sauvignon Blanc is an easy choice when you want something lively and refreshing.
Australian Sauvignon Blanc can range from tropical and fruit-driven to more restrained and mineral.
Great with: seafood, salads, goat's cheese and lighter dishes.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the world's most versatile grapes and can taste completely different depending on where and how it is made.
Cool-climate Chardonnay can be elegant, citrusy and mineral, while warmer-climate examples can be richer and more generous.
Great with: roast chicken, seafood, creamy dishes and richer cheeses.
Riesling
Riesling is naturally high in acidity, making it incredibly refreshing.
Australian Riesling, particularly from regions such as Clare Valley and Eden Valley, is generally dry, aromatic and beautifully precise.
Great with: seafood, spicy food, Asian cuisine and fresh salads.
Pinot Gris
Usually a little rounder and more generous than Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris offers plenty of fresh fruit while remaining crisp and easy to drink.
Great with: seafood, chicken, salads and lighter pasta dishes.
Choosing Red Wine
Pinot Noir
If you don't normally drink big, powerful reds, Pinot Noir is a great place to start.
It is generally lighter-bodied, silky and aromatic, with flavours of cherry, strawberry, spice and earth.
Great with: salmon, duck, roast chicken, mushrooms and charcuterie.
Shiraz
Shiraz is one of Australia's signature varieties.
Depending on the region and style, it can range from medium-bodied and savoury to rich, powerful and deeply concentrated.
Great with: steak, barbecue, lamb, burgers and hearty dishes.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet is structured, dry and generally full-bodied, with flavours of blackcurrant, dark fruit, herbs and spice.
Australian Cabernet from regions such as Margaret River and Coonawarra can be particularly impressive.
Great with: steak, roast beef, lamb and hard cheeses.
Grenache
Grenache is becoming increasingly popular in Australia, particularly from regions such as McLaren Vale and the Barossa.
It tends to be generous, juicy and aromatic, with plenty of red fruit and spice.
Great with: grilled meats, pizza, Mediterranean food and slow-cooked dishes.
Think About the Food
One of the easiest ways to choose a wine is to start with dinner.
You don't need to follow complicated pairing rules. Think about the weight and intensity of the food.
Light food → lighter wine
Seafood, salads and delicate dishes generally work well with Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris or lighter Chardonnay.
Rich food → richer wine
Steak, lamb, slow-cooked meats and hearty dishes can handle fuller wines such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Spicy food → aromatic wines
Riesling, Gewürztraminer and aromatic whites can work beautifully with spicy Asian dishes.
And remember: sometimes the best pairing is simply the wine you enjoy drinking.
Choosing Wine by Price
More expensive doesn't always mean better.
There are fantastic wines available at almost every price point, particularly if you know where to look.
Around $15–$20, you'll find plenty of excellent everyday drinking wines.
Around $20–$30, the choice becomes even broader, with many small producers and regional wines offering exceptional value.
At $30 and above, you start to find more premium wines, distinctive vineyard sites, older vines and wines with greater complexity and ageing potential.
Rather than automatically buying the most expensive bottle, ask what represents the best value for the occasion.
Choosing Wine for a Special Occasion
For a dinner party, look for something approachable that most people will enjoy.
For a gift, consider choosing a recognised region or variety, or ask your local wine merchant for something interesting and a little different.
For a special dinner, this is the perfect time to spend a little more on a bottle from a producer or region you've been wanting to try.
And if you're celebrating, don't forget sparkling wine.
Try Something New
Once you've found a few varieties you enjoy, use them as a starting point for exploring.
Love Pinot Noir?
Try Pinot Noir from a different region — perhaps Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Tasmania or Beechworth.
Enjoy Shiraz?
Compare a cool-climate Victorian Shiraz with a richer Barossa example.
Love Chardonnay?
Try comparing Margaret River, Yarra Valley and Tasmania.
You may discover that the same grape can taste remarkably different depending on where it is grown.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask
One of the advantages of buying wine from an independent wine shop is that you can ask questions.
Tell us what you normally drink, what you're eating, your budget and what you're looking for — and we'll help you find something.
Sometimes the best bottle isn't the one with the biggest name or the highest price.
It's the one that makes you want another glass.
The Bottom Line
Choosing wine doesn't need to be complicated.
Start with what you like, think about the food, consider the occasion and don't be afraid to explore.
And if you're unsure, ask.
There are thousands of great wines out there. The fun is finding the ones that are right for you.
At Purvis Cellars, we're always tasting, searching and discovering new wines from Australia and around the world — from everyday bottles to special-occasion wines.
Not sure what to choose? Come in and talk to us. We'll help you find the right bottle.