The old saying around wine instructors is that white wines are for amateurs – reds for professionals. And the world has loads of amateurs, doesn’t it? So, I may have guessed wrong at last week’s fundraiser for the University of the Arts.
It’s summer time still. It’s warm outside. And the University wants a wine instructor for a garden party. So, we pick four whites and two reds thinking that people will love the Chardonnay and the Sauvignon Blanc. Food pairings to match.

The reds went fast. Not so much the whites. And several commented that they were just not white wine drinkers. What gives?

Turns out that a recent study of U.S. drinkers by Corkguru shows 58% of Americans prefer red. And another study shows that there are only 3 states in which white outsells red. Guess.

So, I feel compelled to argue for the now maligned white wine. Here are five good reasons white makes more sense.

  1. It doesn’t stain your teeth.
  2. It doesn’t stain your shirt.
  3. It doesn’t stain your pants.
  4. Many overcropped pinot grigios taste like water and everyone needs to consume more fluids.

So, I have done my best to argue for a resurgence in white wine loving. As Marie Antoinette reportedly said “I have seen all. I have heard all. I have forgotten all. Except for my Gruner Veltliner.” In fact, the idea of Marie and Gruner in the same sentence may be the image needed to restore white wine!