A Gentleman’s Guide: Choosing the Right Wine for the First Date

Don’t you dare look at the cocktail menu. It’s a date, not a happy hour. You want to impress her on the first night? Know the wine. I spent my first year in New York as a bartender and waiter at a wine bar in Union Square. Under the supervision of highly experienced sommeliers, I had to learn about the extensive wine list and sear each characteristic onto my palate over time. But it’s the hundreds of dates and “girls night outs” that I’ve waited on which taught me the most about what she’ll love.

First off, confidence is key. Wine menus can be intimidating so tame the beast or it will show. ‘17 or ‘18 Chablis? Is the 2015 Brunello too early to drink? Don’t matter. Nod. Take your pick. It’s also imperative you understand the person sitting across from you which is pretty tough on a first date. Is she wearing jewelry? Can you name the perfume steaming off her wrist? Are we lookin’ at tough CEO vibe or chill Venice beach vibe? Once you have an idea, use this list to choose correctly.

Disclaimer: This is from my personal experience. There are many variations and price points when it comes to these grapes, but this’ll give you a solid basis. Half the battle is “knowing what you’re doing”, because nothing is sexier than knowing what you’re doing.

I. Whites

Sauvignon Blanc (Sancerre, France)

Dry and fruit forward, this French white is a no-brainer and the most popular by far. It’s vibrant acidity wakes up the gums and floods the palate with notes of citrus, peach, and grapefruit. If she’s new to wine, this is the move.

Riesling (Rhine region, Germany)

Doesn’t get more crisp than this. Riesling gives off intense aromas that can turn the nostrils into a Le Labo paradise. It is admired by sommeliers who use this wine to cleanse and rebalance the palate. Riesling has a sweet reputation, mainly to balance its high acidity. You’ll find notes of orchard fruits like nectarine, apricot, honey-crisp apple, and pear. If she likes sweeter wines with hypnotizing perfumes, this is it.

Similar choices: Gewürztraminer and Chenin Blanc

Chardonnay (Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California)

This creamy, oaky white is for the intense gal. The kinda gal who knows where to go when you ask her where she wants to eat. Its intense body isn’t a coincidence as the ABV (alcohol by volume) in Chardonnay tends to be higher than most other wines. If you wanna get drunk without having to take down a bottle, sip on this beast.

Rosé (Provence, France)

It’s summer. It’s hot. She already looks like this date is another chore in order to tell her mom she’s “dating”. You’re not you when you’re thirsty, so get a glass of this dry, elegant rosé to rebalance the soul. Rumor has it Frederick Olmsted used barrels of this stuff to water his Central Park landscapes. Another refreshing option is the Grüner Veltliner, which is a great summer wine with super dry characteristics and a touch of effervescence.

II. Reds

Pinot Noir (Sonoma County or Willamette Valley, OR)

The Salvator Mundi of grapes at the moment. Don’t let its translucent color fool her because this light-bodied red can make the date flawless. Pinot Noir is everywhere, but try to find a California red, specifically Sonoma. They tend to be a little fuller and more fruit forward than its European counterparts. Recent vintages from Willamette Valley have been makin’ some serious moves as top contenders as well. Pinot Noir pairs well with almost anything and doesn’t try to impress. The grape is honest and true, hopefully like your date.

Chianti Classico (Tuscany)

If I ordered a glass at the Roman coliseum back in the gladiator days, chances are they’d have this shit on draft. A true warrior, the Chianti is everything you thought a wine should be: medium-bodied with dark fruits and a hint of smoke. It’s a blend from Tuscany that is as essential to Italy as olive oil. If she likes pizza (she does) and dried meats, close the damn menu and tell the waiter, “She’ll have the classico.”

Tempranillo (Rioja, Spain)

You ever see someone that just gives off this sexy vibe? You don’t know what it is or whether the dictionary has a word for it, but it’s there…some presence. This Spanish red is notorious for its spicy finish. It’s got a medium body with hints of cherry and tobacco. This wine is complex, but its ruby red hue is unmistakable. It either makes you wanna ride a bull or dance on a smoky stage. If she’s feeling risky, look no further.

Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

The world’s most popular red. The horse that never loses. This is a great winter wine with a consistent boldness. It’s a versatile grape that can withstand stormy harvests, in other words, it’s got tough skin. Chances are there will be several options, but go for the North coast of California, where you’ll find some of the highest rated Cabs in the world. If she wants to get straight down to business, choose the grape that is the business.

Similar choice: Zinfandel which is a bit fuller, with a jammy-ness that gives the palate disco fever.

You got this. Stay confident. Be bold. Choose wisely. After all, it’s just grapes.