Love at First Sip
Wine isn’t always love at first sip. And that’s okay—it doesn’t mean wine isn’t for you, or that the grape isn’t for you. Sometimes, you just need a fresh start—a back-to-basics moment.
Consider this guide your blueprint. Inside, you’ll find the 5 S Breakdown and a deep dive into your flavor profile. By the end, you’ll know your way around a glass of wine, sip with confidence, and maybe even impress your friends at the next dinner party. Because wine isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about discovering what works for you.
The 5 S Breakdown: Sip with Confidence
Sight: Start with the color. In reds, ruby hues suggest youth, while garnet or brick tones hint at age. Whites play along too—pale yellow-green means fresh and young, while gold signals oak or age. And clarity? A cloudy wine might be unfiltered or natural—think “wild child,” or rustic, rather than “flawed.”
Swirl: Swirling wakes up the wine, releasing aromas and showing off its personality. Older reds or tannic wines? They need more air to soften up. Pro tip: a simple swirl is all it takes—no need for dramatic wrist action.
Smell: Stick your nose in and take a deep breath. What do you catch? Fruits, spices, florals, or maybe a hint of oak or earth? This is where most of the story lives—each sniff is a preview of what’s to come.
Sip: The main event. Let the wine roll over your palate. Taste the fruit, feel the texture, and catch the subtle hints of citrus, vanilla, or earth. It’s not just about flavors—it’s about how the wine feels.
Savor: Pause. Reflect. Did the flavors linger, or disappear too soon? Was it zesty and bright, or deep and cozy? This is where you piece the story of your wine together—and maybe decide to pour yourself another glass.
Finding Your Flavor Profile
Wine isn’t just about what’s in the glass—it’s about what speaks to you. Earthy? Smoky? Bright and citrusy? The wines we gravitate toward tell us a lot about who we are. Let’s explore what your preferences say about you, and match you with a grape (or two) that fits your personality.
Your Wine Personality Quiz
How do you want your wine to feel on the palate?
A) Dense and velvety, with lasting richness.
B) Smooth and balanced, easy to drink.
C) Bold and exciting, with a spicy kick.
D) Light and zesty, a little fruity.
E) Floral and aromatic, soft on the tongue.
F) Crisp and refreshing, with a hint of butter.
What’s your ideal wine moment?
A) Sipping by a fire with a hearty meal.
B) A casual dinner with friends—it goes with everything.
C) A lively night out, trying something new and vibrant.
D) A sunny picnic with fresh fruit and light dishes.
E) A cozy date night with creamy pasta or roast chicken.
F) A quiet evening with cheese and crackers (or popcorn!).
Which flavors speak to you most?
A) Earthy, smoky, or leather-like notes.
B) Dark fruits like plum or cherry.
C) Peppery spice and rich berries.
D) Bright citrus, apple, or peach.
E) Honeysuckle, floral, or tropical vibes.
F) Vanilla, butter, or a clean minerality.
What Your Answers Say About Your Wine Vibe
You answered mostly A’s:
You’re drawn to bold and brooding wines. Think Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Malbec—rich and deep. Full-bodied and earthy.
You answered mostly B’s:
You’re a crowd-pleaser. Wines like Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Grenache match your vibe—smooth, balanced, and perfect for any occasion.
You answered mostly C’s:
Adventure calls your name. Wines like Zinfandel or Shiraz, with their bold, spicy, and rich berry flavors, bring excitement to every sip.
You answered mostly D’s:
Light, bright, and full of life—that’s you. Wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Rosé match your sunny disposition. Crisp, zesty, and refreshing.
You answered mostly E’s:
Romantic and aromatic, you lean toward delicate, complex wines. Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or Viognier are your perfect match—floral, fragrant, and subtly sweet.
You answered mostly F’s:
You enjoy elegance with a touch of indulgence. Wines like Chardonnay (especially oaked) or Albariño are your go-tos—creamy, buttery, and refreshing. You love wines with sophistication and smoothness.
Cheers to Confidence With Each Sip
Now you’ve got the basics down. Whether you’re swirling a bold Maryhill Syrah or sipping a crisp Maryhill Riesling, the next glass is a chance to explore. So, when someone asks, “What kind of wine do you like?” you’ll have more to say than “a glass of red.”
Stop by one of our four locations to discover your next favorite bottle—we’ll guide you every step of the way.
SWEET
White: Moscato
Character: Chelsea
Light, fruity, juicy, and maybe too trusting for her own good. Chelsea is the Moscato of the group—bubbly, bright, and deceptively harmless… until she’s halfway through her third glass and casually brings up your full astrological birth chart. Rising sign included.
OFF-DRY
Red: Beaujolais
Character: Rick
Rick is the Beaujolais of the bunch—light, charming, and one passive-aggressive conversation away from losing it in the infinity pool. Notes of spice, florals, and emotional fragility. Drinks easy. Unravels easier
Dry:
White: Pinot Grigio
Character: Jaclyn Lemon
Crisp. Polished. Efficient. And still quietly competing with everyone at the table. Jaclyn is Pinot Grigio in yoga pants—cool-toned, high-functioning, and oddly refreshing once you accept that every compliment is also a critique.
BONE DRY
Red: Cabernet Sauvignon
Character: Timothy Ratliff
Timothy is the wine you serve at a tense family dinner—bracing, herbal, and 100% judging your seating chart. He’s got backbone, edge, and a spreadsheet for every emergency. Except the one he caused. Also, maybe don’t let him pour.
SAVORY / EARTHY
White: Oaked Chardonnay
Character: Vera
Grounded, generous, and always ready with essential oils and the Wi-Fi password. Vera is an oaked Chardonnay—warm, layered, and absolutely in control. She can de-escalate a murder meltdown while locating your third chakra.
SPARKLING
Wine: Traditional Method Sparkling
Character: Violet Ratliff
Violet sparkles—and expects you to do the same. She’s crisp, stylish, and slightly terrifying in a tasteful caftan. Under the bubbles? Strong opinions, several pearls, and a tendency to correct your grammar mid-toast.
Cheat Sheet: Decode Wine Jargon
Lost in wine-speak? You’re not alone. But don’t sweat it—we’ve crafted this cheat sheet to help you decode the jargon:
Acidity: The zing or brightness that makes your mouth water. (Think the crisp green apple notes in Maryhill’s Sauvignon Blanc).
Bouquet: A fancy term for all the smells in the wine. (Floral, fruity, or earthy notes, like in Maryhill’s Pinot Noir).
Finish: The lingering flavor after you sip. The longer, the better. (A Maryhill Syrah might leave a peppery finish that lasts).
Notes: The specific flavors or scents you taste or smell. (Like the blackberry or vanilla in Maryhill’s Merlot).
Oak: The vanilla or spice flavors from aging in barrels. (Maryhill’s Chardonnay often showcases this creamy, toasty flavor).
Body: The wine’s weight—light, medium, or full. (Maryhill’s Albariño is light; their Malbec is full-bodied).
Dry: No sweetness here, just pure wine. (Maryhill’s Dry Rosé delivers crisp and clean flavors).
Terroir: The vineyard’s soil, climate, and vibes, bottled up. (Taste the volcanic influence in Maryhill’s Columbia Valley wines).
