Bottom shelf
A biweekly column by the Guardian's US opinion editor, Megan Carpentier, on how to pick out and drink good wine without breaking the bank.
How to choose great wine at a hotel bar – no matter where you're traveling
The economics of hotel bars don’t lend themselves to many thoughtful selections but there are ways maximize your drinking pleasure
Thin mints and a glass of red? Wine with Girl Scout cookies is surprisingly good
A New York City wine expert takes on the challenge of pairing five Girl Scout cookies with affordable wines, and the results are unexpectedly delicious
Is it ever worth it to buy an expensive bottle of wine?
Price does not necessarily equal quality but branching out from cheaper, corporate products can let you discover wines you don’t yet know you like
Christmas wine gift guide: six rules for choosing the perfect bottle
If you’re willing to part with a few extra dollars – and a few extra minutes – here’s how to make your recipient’s holiday extra special
Ditch the chardonnay and try one of these different, better white wines
If you’ve ever watched your host mask a grimace when you show up to dinner with a Barefoot chardonnay, follow these tips to bring a wine others will enjoy
How to pick a decent wine with five minutes and $15
How to buy a decent bottle of wine in five minutes – video
'Notes of tar and rose petal': how to decode unappealing wine descriptions
Why would anyone want to drink a wine that tastes of tobacco or dirt? Maybe it is ‘bullshit’ but, if you’re trying to pick a wine you’ll love, it’s a bit of helpful bullshit
How to order wine at a restaurant: find the oldest year and an unfamiliar grape
A really good wine buyer or sommelier will almost always have a special wine in their median price range somewhere on the list – here’s how to find it
How to buy wine: look for specific words on the label, not cute design
Wine labels are designed to catch your eye in a dizzying sea of often-lookalike options, but grabbing for the best-looking label is not the smartest way to shop
