How to Taste Wine – The Best Simple Shed Edition

So, you’ve spent the arvo tinkering in the shed, fixing up the old ute, or giving your tools a well-earned cleaning. Now, you’re ready to kick back, but instead of reaching for the usual tinny, you’re thinking—what if I tried a drop of wine instead? If that sounds like you, then welcome, mate. You’re about to discover the fine art of wine appreciation, shed-style. No fluff, no fancy talk—just the basics on how to swirl, sniff, and sip like a pro, with some ripper Aussie wines to get you started.

First things first—grab a decent glass. You don’t need anything fancy, but a wine glass with a bit of a curve at the top will help capture the aromas. Pour yourself a small amount (150ml is standard) and have a gander. Hold it up to the light—what colour is it? A deep, inky red? A bright, golden white? The colour can tell you a lot about what’s in the glass. Young reds, like a fresh Shiraz, will have a deep purple hue, while older drops might have a brick-red edge. Whites like Sauvignon Blanc will be pale straw or even greenish, while a well-aged Chardonnay might have a deeper golden hue.

If you want to get really fancy, check how the wine clings to the side of the glass after swirling—those little streaks are called ‘legs’ and can hint at the alcohol content. Thicker legs usually mean a richer wine.

Now, here’s the part that makes you look like you know what you’re doing. Give the glass a gentle swirl to release the aromas. Stick your nose in there and take a good whiff. What do you smell? Fruit? Spices? Maybe a bit of oak? Wine is all about aroma, and half the fun is trying to pick out the different scents. If you’re not sure what you’re smelling, no stress—just enjoy it. A good place to start is an easy-drinking Australian Shiraz, known for its bold, fruity nose and peppery finish.

Reds will often have notes of berries, cherries, or even chocolate, while whites can smell like citrus, melon, or even butter (especially in a Chardonnay). If you pick up a whiff of vanilla or spice, that’s likely from the wine spending time in oak barrels.

Now for the good part—taking a sip. Don’t skull it like a cold one; instead, let it roll over your tongue. Notice the flavours—sweet, sour, bitter, or maybe a bit dry? A nice Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia will hit you with dark fruit flavours and a bit of grippy tannin. White wine more your style? Try a crisp Aussie Chardonnay—it’s full of citrus, stone fruit, and a touch of oak.

You might also notice a ‘texture’ to the wine—some feel light and zippy, while others are full and velvety. This is all part of the experience. And if the wine feels particularly dry, that’s due to tannins—those mouth-puckering compounds found in red wines like Shiraz and Cab Sauv.

Wine’s best enjoyed with a good feed. You don’t need anything fancy—just match the weight of the wine with the food. Grilling some snags? A bold Shiraz will hold up to that smoky char. Seafood on the barbie? A zesty Sauvignon Blanc will keep things fresh and light. And if you’re just after a lazy arvo sip, a Rosé is always a safe bet.

If you’re a fan of smoked meats, a Malbec could be right up your alley, with its dark fruit flavours and a bit of spice. Meanwhile, a Pinot Noir is a great all-rounder—it’s light enough for poultry but still has enough depth for a juicy steak.

Let’s say you don’t polish off the whole bottle (no judgment if you do). How do you keep it fresh? Reds are best kept in a cool, dark spot with the cap or cork firmly in place. You can store an open bottle of red wine at room temperature for a day or two, but after that, stick it in the fridge to slow oxidation. Whites and Rosé should always go back in the fridge once opened.

If you want to go full pro, invest in a wine preserver or vacuum pump to suck out the air before sealing. But honestly, what is the best way to keep wine fresh? Drink it before it turns!

At the end of the day, wine appreciation isn’t about rules—it’s about what you like. The best way to get into it is to try a few different styles and see what tickles your fancy. Just Wines has a cracking range of Aussie wines delivered straight to your door, so you can start your wine journey without even leaving the shed.

So, next time you’re done fixing up the mower or knocking up a new workbench, swap the stubby for a glass of vino and see what all the fuss is about. Who knows? You might just find your new favourite drop. Cheers!