What to Say Instead of “I Like Dry Wine”

If you’ve ever been at a wine bar or restaurant and told the server, “I like dry wines,” you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common phrases people use when ordering wine.

The problem? It’s also one of the least helpful. Why? Because “dry” can mean completely different things to different people. And if you really want to find wines you love, it’s time to get more specific.

What Do You Actually Mean by “Dry”?
When you say “dry wine,” are you talking about…

• That cotton-ball feeling in your mouth?
  (That’s actually called tannin, not dryness in the sugar sense.)
• Absolutely zero sugar?
  (That’s closer to the technical definition of a dry wine.)
• A wine that isn’t too fruity?
  (You might be thinking about flavor profile more than sweetness.)
  
  

See the problem? You and your sommelier (or the friend picking the bottle) might be speaking totally different languages.

Here’s the truth: a lot of wines are dry in the technical sense. But that doesn’t mean you’ll like all of them. If you just say “dry,” you’re not giving your wine guide much to work with.

How to Get Better Wine Recommendations
Instead of sticking to the word “dry,” describe what you want to feel or taste:

• “I like a wine that makes my mouth feel a little puckery, like cotton balls.”
• “I like wines that taste crisp and refreshing, without much fruitiness.”
• “I like red wines that are bold but not jammy.”
  
  

Yes, it might feel silly saying “cotton balls” at a nice restaurant — but trust me, your sommelier will love you for it.

Don’t worry about sounding fancy or using “correct” wine terms. Wine is supposed to be fun, not a vocabulary test. The more you describe what you actually like to taste or feel, the more likely you are to get a glass or bottle you truly enjoy.

So next time you’re about to say “I like dry wine,” stop yourself and try to be more specific. You might just find your new favorite pour!