Over time in the wine industry, you see wines come and wines go. Popularity of varietals surge and wane, as evidenced by the explosion of popularity in Pinot Noir and the sag in Merlot following the release of the movie "Sideways". Remember that one? Each year we also see some new proclamation that "this" grape is the new "that" grape, but at the end of the day, it always comes down to a fairly simple proposition: What is it that you like? What we like and don't like is the most important criteria for each of us as wine consumers.

Our job as wine professionals is to match wine we feel each customer will appreciate based on what we know of their palate and preferences. We get to know what each wine consumer likes based on your feedback over time. The most valuable information for us is when you tell us, "Liked that; this one, well not so much." As part of that exercise, we always encourage folks to tell us when we don't get it right; it is every bit as valuable as the positive reviews.

One of the most interesting and rewarding parts to us as wine professionals is to see how tastes change. Not the collective tastes but those of individuals. We have long felt that tastes do in fact change for all of us; there is a lot of wine out there and little reason to drink the same ones all the time. The great importer Kermit Lynch once said, when asked what he enjoyed drinking, "Right now I really like Vermentino, but that will pass. Wine is not marriage, you have the ability to move around". We agree, and based on what we see from wine consumers, you agree as well.

We have had several occasions over recent weeks when we saw stark evidence of this. One of our regular customers came in to stock up, and we recommended a wine we thought for sure would fit. During the same trip we recommended another that was quite different, and while it is a pleasant wine, we thought it could be a bit on the light side for this particular buyer. The first wine we recommended was from California, big and rich in the new world style; while the second was very fruit driven with no oak barrel ageing. When the same customer came back to reload, he felt the California wine was too oaky and he loved the European, opposite to what we might have predicted. Clearly over the years his tastes have changed. Gradually, no doubt, but on full display with his feelings about these two wines.

Similarly, at a tasting we hosted this past weekend at a charity auction lot we donated to Turkeys for All, we talked with one of the attendees about a wine that has been one of their favorites. It was a reserve bottling from a California winery that we know well. They are a solid producer of several different varietals, and not at all bashful about their use of oak. The wine is a style that is not our first choice, but the wines are well made. One of the other California wines we featured in the tasting could not have been more different. This Cabernet we tasted was fruit driven and bright on the palate, the oak while there was well integrated and balanced. It was our guest's favorite. Just the opposite of what we would have expected, based on their affinity for the other wine.

Tastes do indeed change. Whether for the long term or just the mood you are in at the moment, they do change. We have always encouraged folks to try new things, to identify the things you don't like and find the new wines you will love. As you go through this exercise, couple it with going back and trying some that were your all-time favorites. You will likely notice changes in your own palate which will help you purchase bottles that appeal to you now. As Kermit Lynch said, "wine is not marriage" so have some fun finding what you like to drink now.

If there is a topic you would like to read about, or if you have questions on wine, you can email [email protected], or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d'Alene Press.

George Balling is co-owner with his wife Mary Lancaster of the dinner party, a wine and table top decor shop in Coeur d'Alene by Costco. George has also worked as a judge in many wine competitions; his articles are published around the country and is the wine editor for Coeur d'Alene Magazine (www.cdamagazine.com).

You can learn more about the dinner party at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com. You can get all of these articles, as well as other great wine tips, by friending us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#/dinnerpartyshop.