We Asked A Sommelier What Wine They Drink When Theyre Not Working

Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, August 10th 2025 at 17:39 GMT by The Takeout
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A sommelier's job might be defined by wine, but that doesn't mean they approach every wine like it's their job. Here's what we gleaned from one of the pros.

Sommeliers Reveal Their Go-To Wines for Every Mood and Moment

In the world of wine, selecting the perfect bottle isn't just about pairing it with food—it's often about matching it to your mood, the occasion, or even the weather. To demystify this, a group of expert sommeliers shared their personal recommendations for what they reach for in a variety of everyday scenarios. These pros, with years of experience tasting, curating, and serving wines from around the globe, offer insights that go beyond the basics, highlighting affordable gems, hidden favorites, and timeless classics. Whether you're nursing a broken heart, celebrating a milestone, or simply unwinding after a long day, their picks provide a thoughtful guide to enhancing life's moments through the lens of vino.

Let's start with those times when you're feeling celebratory. One sommelier swears by Champagne, but not just any bubbly—specifically, a grower Champagne like those from Pierre Péters or Agrapart. These small-producer sparklers, often made from single vineyards, bring a level of complexity and terroir-driven character that mass-produced options lack. With notes of brioche, citrus, and fine bubbles, they're ideal for toasting achievements because they feel special without being overly extravagant. Priced around $50-$70, they strike a balance between luxury and accessibility, making you feel like you're popping something truly festive. Another expert leans toward Italian Prosecco Superiore from regions like Valdobbiadene, emphasizing its lively effervescence and fruit-forward profile—think green apple and pear—that adds joy to any gathering without the heaviness of richer wines.

On the flip side, when heartbreak hits and you need something comforting, sommeliers often turn to reds with depth and warmth. A favorite is a soulful Burgundy Pinot Noir, such as those from the Côte de Nuits. These wines, with their elegant red fruit flavors, earthy undertones, and silky tannins, provide a sense of solace. One sommelier describes it as "a hug in a glass," perfect for reflective evenings because the subtle complexity mirrors the nuances of emotion. If Burgundy feels too pricey (entry-level bottles start at $40), alternatives like Oregon Pinot Noirs from producers like Domaine Drouhin offer similar delicacy with bright cherry notes and a touch of spice, evoking rainy-day introspection. For those preferring whites, a rich Chardonnay from California's Russian River Valley, with its buttery texture and tropical fruit essence, can be equally soothing, wrapping you in creamy comfort.

For budget-conscious moments—say, when you're craving quality but your wallet is thin—sommeliers point to underrated regions and varietals that deliver bang for the buck. Portuguese Vinho Verde, a crisp white blend often under $15, is a top pick for its zesty acidity, slight fizz, and flavors of lime and white flowers. It's refreshing and versatile, great for casual sipping or pairing with light meals, proving that affordability doesn't mean sacrificing enjoyment. Another recommendation is South African Chenin Blanc from the Swartland region, around $20, known for its honeyed apple notes, minerality, and surprising age-worthiness. Sommeliers love these for their value, often comparing them favorably to more expensive Loire Valley counterparts. Reds-wise, Spanish Garnacha from Navarra offers juicy berry flavors, soft tannins, and a hint of pepper for under $15, making it an easy weeknight choice that feels gourmet.

When the goal is impressing guests at a dinner party, the experts suggest wines with storytelling potential. A Barolo from Piedmont, Italy, with its robust structure, rose petal aromas, and flavors of tar, cherries, and licorice, is a showstopper. Aged Nebbiolo like this demands decanting and pairs beautifully with hearty dishes, sparking conversations about its royal heritage. For something lighter, a Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley brings vibrant grapefruit, grass, and flinty minerality—elegant yet approachable, around $25-$35, it's a crowd-pleaser that elevates simple appetizers. Sommeliers emphasize decanting and proper glassware to enhance the experience, turning a meal into a memorable event.

Unwinding after a stressful day calls for something effortless and relaxing. Many pros reach for rosé, particularly Provençal styles from France, with their pale pink hue, strawberry notes, and crisp finish. At $20 or so, they're low-alcohol and easy-drinking, ideal for patio lounging as they evoke Mediterranean vacations. Alternatively, an off-dry Riesling from Germany's Mosel region, with its petrol aroma, peach flavors, and balancing acidity, provides a gentle sweetness that soothes without overwhelming. These wines are forgiving—serve them chilled and sip slowly to let the tension melt away.

For adventurous palates or when you're in the mood to explore, sommeliers recommend natural wines or orange wines. A skin-contact white from Georgia (the country), made from indigenous grapes like Rkatsiteli, offers funky amber hues, tannic grip, and notes of apricot and tea. It's a conversation starter for those bored with conventional bottles. Or try a pét-nat (pétillant naturel), a lightly sparkling wine like those from France's Loire, with wild yeast fermentation leading to unpredictable bubbles and fresh fruit profiles—fun and unpretentious.

Seasonal shifts also influence choices. In summer, light whites like Albariño from Spain's Rías Baixas, bursting with saline minerality and citrus zest, beat the heat. Come winter, fortified wines like Port from Portugal, with its sweet plum and nutty warmth, pair with fireside chats. For fall, earthy Syrahs from the Rhône Valley, redolent of black pepper, bacon fat, and dark berries, complement harvest flavors.

Health-conscious drinkers might opt for low-intervention wines with minimal sulfites, such as biodynamic options from California's Central Coast. Sommeliers note that while no wine is "healthy," moderation and quality matter—wines with lower alcohol (under 13%) like Beaujolais Gamay provide lightness without the hangover risk.

Pairing with food is another layer: for spicy cuisine, off-dry Gewürztraminer from Alsace cuts through heat with lychee and rose petal notes. With cheese, a bold Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley stands up to blues and cheddars. Vegetarian meals shine with Grüner Veltliner from Austria, its peppery green notes enhancing veggies.

Ultimately, these sommelier insights remind us that wine is personal. Experimentation is key—start with their recs, but trust your taste. From joyful bubbles to comforting reds, there's a bottle for every chapter of life, turning ordinary moments into something extraordinary. (Word count: 928)

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