Wine 101: What Makes a Wine “Good”?
Let’s cut through the noise.
In a world full of tasting scores, swirling jargon, and $300 bottles locked in glass cases, the question that really matters is:
Do you like it?
That’s it.
That’s the metric.
That’s the moment.
Because at the end of the day, a good wine is the one you enjoy. Period.
The “Professional” Answer
Ask a sommelier or wine critic and they’ll toss around terms like:
Balance (nothing overpowers anything else)
Structure (how tannins, acid, alcohol, and fruit all play together)
Complexity (multiple layers of aroma and flavor)
Length (how long the flavors linger after you sip)
And yes, those things can help define quality from a technical standpoint. But they’re not the full story. Because wine isn’t math. It’s memory. It’s mood. It’s magic.
The Revival Answer
Wine is good if it:
Makes you pause for a moment.
Pairs perfectly with your playlist and your pizza.
Feels like sunshine, comfort, or celebration in a glass.
Makes you want to pour a second round for the people you love.
Maybe that’s a crisp Albariño on a hot afternoon.
Maybe it’s a juicy Zinfandel with your late-night burger.
Maybe it’s a chilled red with your favorite takeout.
That counts.
All of it counts.
No Shame in Your Sip
We’ve all been there—standing at a party or in a wine shop, hearing someone describe a wine as “intellectually interesting” or “tight, but promising.” Meanwhile, you’re just wondering why it tastes like wet gravel and regret.
Don’t let other people’s language make you question your own palate.
You’re not wrong.
You just like what you like.
And the more you taste, the more your preferences will evolve. But that doesn’t mean you need to graduate from “fun” wines to “serious” wines to earn your stripes.
Joy is the goal. Everything else is bonus.
Revival Wines That Prove “Good” Is Personal
Gulp Hablo Garnacha – Chillable red, juicy and easy—zero pretension.
Maison Noir “Horseshoes and Handgrenades” – Bold and playful. Like Syrah with sneakers on.
House of Brown Chardonnay – Organic and expressive. Sunshine in a bottle.
Field Recordings “About Time” Red – California soul with chill, natural energy.
Oddbird Sparkling Rosé (N/A) – Proof that pleasure doesn’t require alcohol.
In Short? Drink What Makes You Happy
Wine is meant to be shared. Sipped. Savored.
It’s not meant to intimidate you or sit untouched on a shelf because it “scored 96.”
At Revival, we’re not in the business of snobbery.
We’re here to help you discover wines that move you—whether they’re rare finds or everyday stunners.
So the next time someone asks what makes a wine good?
Say: “Me. I make it good.”
Then raise your glass and own it.
-Mickey