Although the vast history of wine does not change, the experiences you cultivate can. If you want to enjoy casual conversation at social gatherings or delight in the company of food & wine connoisseurs, you should develop an understanding of what you like, learn to articulate those thoughts & be confident in sharing them. Gaining a core knowledge and assessing the dynamics of wine's various nuances are a lot easier than you would imagine. With an open mind & most importantly, an open mouth, you're already closer than you think.
I've noticed a disturbing trend, one I hope to greatly diminish. Whenever I talk to people about wine, I notice an apprehension in their voices; an uncertainty due to a lack of knowledge. I often equate the study of wine to that of the law or medicine. They are all quite complex, have a plethora of history & when discussed, all make you sound cultured & astute. However, wine's primary variant is it's subjectivity. This makes your opinion integral; you own your palate! Understanding how to interpret it is the craft & the beginning of deciphering the connectedness & integration we search for in each bottle.
the nitty gritty
Of all of the wine tastings, classes and conventions I have attended, I specifically remember the moment that was the impetus of my excitement and desire to explore the depths of wine.
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The german sommelier I first studied with told me, "Wine, starts with a grape and ends with it's juice & all juice is clear!" While this may not sound revolutionary, it changed my perspective about wine & I was no longer intimidated by what I did not know. There are several factors that make wine beautifully complex & learning them should be fun! So let's have a little, shall we?