The four main styles
- Red: ranges from light and fruity to full and structured. Lighter reds suit a wide range of food; fuller reds stand up to richer dishes.
- White: from crisp and zesty to rich and rounded. Crisp whites are refreshing with lighter meals; richer whites have more texture.
- Rosé: often made from red grapes with brief skin contact. Often dry and refreshing, and an easy choice when guests' tastes vary.
- Sparkling: bubbles in styles from very dry to sweet. Useful for toasts, but also good with food.
Dry vs sweet
"Dry" means little or no noticeable sugar; "sweet" or "off-dry" means some sweetness remains. Many people who say they don't like wine simply haven't found the sweetness level they enjoy. Knowing your preference here is the single most useful thing to tell us.
Body
Body is how heavy or light a wine feels: think skim milk versus whole milk. Light-bodied wines feel delicate; full-bodied wines feel richer and fuller.
Matching the weight of the meal
A simple rule: match light with light and rich with rich. Salads, fish and chicken usually suit crisp whites, rosé or lighter reds. Grilled meats and hearty dishes suit fuller reds. Our wine for dinner guide walks through it.
Choosing a bottle for an adult dinner
Plan around the main course, ask guests whether they prefer dry or sweet, and consider one red and one white or rosé to cover most tastes. Set a budget per bottle before you shop.
Wine as a gift
Think about what the recipient already enjoys, such as a favorite grape, region or style, and choose something in that direction. A bottle that matches their taste is more welcome than one chosen for its label alone. Our liquor store shopping guide has more tips for planning a visit.
What to tell our team when you call
Call (601) 353-0331 during store hours and share:
- The occasion and the food, if any.
- Red, white, rosé or sparkling.
- Dry or sweet, and light or full.
- Your budget per bottle.
- How many bottles you need.
We'll suggest options from what's on the shelf that day. If you have a specific bottle or vintage in mind, mention it when you call.
Common questions
What wine goes with dinner?+
Match the weight of the wine to the meal: crisp whites, rosé or lighter reds with lighter dishes, and fuller reds with richer or grilled food.
What does 'dry' mean on a wine?+
Dry means little or no noticeable sweetness. Off-dry and sweet wines keep some sugar. Telling us your preference is the fastest way to a bottle you'll enjoy.
How do I know what wine you have today?+
Call (601) 353-0331 during store hours for current options, or check our DoorDash store page for what's available for delivery.
Keep reading
- Choosing wine for dinner: A simple guide for Jackson hosts.
- Choosing a liquor store in Jackson, MS: A local shopping guide.
- Choosing a bourbon gift: If your gift list includes whiskey too.