How to Pick a Good White Wine

White wines are made in different parts of the world. In the U.S., white grapes used for wine are harvested from New York, Washington, Oregon and California. The French culture produces some of the more renowned white wines. Chardonnay is the most popular on the market. The type of white wine you select should complement the food you are serving.

• Determine the menu items that are going be served. You can serve white wines to large groups of people, or even a dinner for two. The key is finding a wine that enhances the taste of the food.

• Compare prices based on your budget. You can find a great tasting bottle of white wine in a $10 range. The taste of white wine does improve as it ages. As a rule of thumb, choose the most recent date. For example, if you see 2010 and 2009 white wine labels, purchase the 2010 bottle.

• Decide on the type of white wine. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blancs go well with shellfish and pork. Pinot Grigio, Soave and Riesling compliment Asian foods and dishes that are spicy. The process of choosing a wine to go with a meal is referred to as "pairing."

• Try different types of wine to develop a taste for each variety. Eventually you gain a knack for determining tartier wines from sweet ones. Initially you might purchase cheaper bottles until your taste develops.

• Learn the differences between white and red wine. Red wine tastes better as it ages, are best chilled. Enjoy your learning experience, use online resources and print materials for reference.