Originally Posted by DallasBill
Everything has its place. No direct offense, but that statement is indicative of an attitude that's prevailed and it's made wine inaccessible to more people. It has made them afraid to ask questions to learn more and to "move up" to other types, so to speak. You still get that attitude in many wine stores today.
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No offense taken, as a born and raised wine snob I know exactly what you mean, but beg to differ with you on people in wine shops and tasting rooms being accessable. Having shopped for wine all over the country I can tell you that it is rare to find people that look down on beginners.
In Napa Valley you will find a lot of wineries that offer specific tours and tastings designed to attract more people to wine (usually their wine). There are also a lot of places that most standard issue tourists cannot get into, but for the most part these folks are interested in paying the super big bucks for the trophy wines anyway.
I will give that box wine a shot (if for no other reason than the cooking tip).
regards
Brentley