Are you looking for a quick wine guide to help you pair up the right foods with the right wines? There are a few rules of thumb you can use to help you choose. Red meat and red wine go very well together because the stronger flavors of a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot complement the hearty meat. White meats such as chicken and fish benefit from the milder taste of a Chardonnay or other whites. Meat and wine pairings are practically a science in the minds of some chefs, but you can demystify the process by reading the wine guide.

Wine and meat pairings aren't just for the dinner table; they can also help if you are looking for a way to enhance an old standby dish such as steak or fish. Marinating a chopped steak dish in a Merlot can give it a delicious, unexpected flavor. Don't tell those around the table what you did, just let them try it and compliment you on how different this meal tastes compared to the last time you prepared it without the marinade. When cooking with wine, you don't need to invest a lot of money, just consult your wine guide, pick an inexpensive variety you've tried before and you're ready to cook.

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