Dr. Vinny’s Top 10 Questions of 2024
The year’s most popular wine questions, from pairings to storage and beyond
Hello there! I'm Dr. Vinifera, but you can call me Vinny. Ask me your toughest wine questions, from the fine points of etiquette to the science of winemaking. And don't worry, I'm no wine snob—you can also ask me those "dumb questions" you're too embarrased to ask your wine geek friends! I hope you find my answers educational, empowering and even amusing. And don't forget to check out my most asked questions and my full archives for all my Q&A classics.
The winter holiday season is one of my favorite times to share great wine with friends and family. The end of the year also makes me reflect on the questions I’ve had the joy of answering over the past 12 months.
Below are the year’s 10 most popular questions, including new topics and classics, from food-and-wine pairings to storage conundrums to advice for dining out and beyond.
Here’s to another wonderful year of learning about and enjoying wine in 2025. You can catch me here each week, and don’t forget to submit your pressing vinous questions.
Just click on the headlines below to read each answer. Cheers!
Top New Questions
1. In 2024, what’s the most widely planted white wine grape in the world?
Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, oh my! We love them all, but which can claim top vineyard acreage?
2. What’s the best wine to serve with Mexican food?
From tacos to seafood and beyond, get my best pairing ideas—including Mexican wines.
3. What’s the proper etiquette when a server at a restaurant pours you a small taste of wine?
And the real question: To sniff or not to sniff the cork?
4. Which wines pair best with Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing and sides?
The Thanksgiving table is a famously tricky pairing challenge, but it doesn’t have to be so complicated.
5. What should I do if a cork gets stuck in the neck of a wine bottle?
Pro tips for pulling that cork out—or pushing it all the way in.
6. Which is better for smoothing out red wine tannins, decanting or bottle aging?
Tannins give red wine structure, but they can be harsh. What’s the best way to smooth them out?
Top Classic Questions
1. Once chilled, must a wine stay chilled? Is it ruined if it warms up again?
Wine is resilient—but how does it handle big temperature swings?
2. I left my wine in a hot car. Is it ruined?
How hot is too hot for your bottles?
3. What temperatures should I set my dual-zone wine fridge at?
You won’t regret investing in proper wine storage. But what now?
4. Is it OK to drink wine if the cork crumbles and pieces fall into the wine?
It’s a fact of life: Things fall apart, and corks crumble. Can you still enjoy your bottle?
