Of all the drinks there are in the world, wine is one of the best that the world has to offer. It’s a staple at all kinds of parties as well as weddings, bar mitzvahs and even just casual get-togethers. However, there are multiple types of wine and multiple brands so buying it can be very confusing for someone who is only just getting started. There are actually four main types of wine to choose from so people get confused. These include white wines, red wines, blush wines and dessert wines.

Red wines can be broke down into categories like cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot noir, zinfandel and are the most commonly consumed wines at dinner. White wines are things like chardonnay and Riesling and are common for meals that take place during the day or that are lighter. Blue wines are very light wines that are best paired with light meals like picnics. And then the desert ones – like ports of Sherries – are usually had with pastries and other sweet foods.

Now that the types of wines are laid out, it’s time to learn how to decide which one to buy. Most people hold to the “Three P’s” when it comes to buying wine from local wineries. The first “P” refers to price which is a huge factor when looking at wines since most people assume it’s expensive. In fact, there are many types of wine that can be bought for as little as $15 – good wines, too, not cheap wine.

The next “P” stands for preference, which is just as important as the price because wines can be an acquired test. If you’re throwing a party you have to be careful picking wines because wines are an acquired taste for many and they may be too strong for some people. Go with “softer” red wines like merlot or even a pinot noir to make sure to avoid this problem and that everyone enjoys themselves. And if you want a white wine instead, buy chardonnay or pinot blanc instead.

The final “P” stands for pairing with is important as well. Before you buy a wine, consider what meal that you are going to pair that wine with. White wines go best with lighter meals like fish or chicken while red wines are best suited for meals that contain red meat. No matter what you decide, stick to the “Three P’s” to make sure you pick the perfect one.