When it comes to wine, personal preference is everything. Your go-to bottle might change based on the season, your mood, or even the dish on the table. But have you ever wondered why you’re drawn to certain styles of wine?

It turns out that our wine choices often reflect broader patterns in taste and sensory preference—whether we love bold flavors, bright acidity, or refined elegance. To explore this idea, the folks at Coravin—makers of the innovative device that lets you pour wine by the glass without pulling the cork—commissioned a poll of 2,000 wine drinkers.

The results? While purely for fun, they offer some interesting insights into the connections between wine preferences and personality traits. Let’s take a look—do your favorite styles match your approach to food, flavor, and life?

Red Wine Lovers: Structured and Satisfying

If you reach for red wine first, you likely enjoy complexity, structure, and layers of flavor. Reds often have more tannin, which contributes to their texture and aging potential—something that appeals to those who appreciate depth and patience.

Red wine drinkers tend to describe themselves as:

  • Adventurous eaters who enjoy bold flavors
  • Fans of well-balanced structure (in both wine and life)
  • Appreciators of tradition, but always open to something new

Beyond the glass, red wine lovers in the survey were also more likely to enjoy a quiet night in with a book, prefer dogs over cats, and have a soft spot for jazz. (A velvety Merlot and Miles Davis? A perfect pairing.)

White Wine Enthusiasts: Bright and Expressive

Crisp, aromatic, and refreshing—white wines bring vibrant acidity and fresh flavors that appeal to those who love brightness and energy in their glass. If you gravitate toward a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, chances are you appreciate freshness and nuance, whether in food or conversation.

Surveyed white wine lovers often described themselves as:

  • Curious and quick-witted, with a love for learning
  • Fans of lively, expressive flavors and textures
  • Social and opinionated—always up for a great discussion

Interestingly, the poll found that white wine drinkers were more likely to be extroverts, night owls, and cat lovers. While none of this is scientific, it’s fun to consider how different sensory preferences shape our overall experiences!

Rosé Fans: Versatile and Playful

Rosé drinkers embrace versatility—just like their favorite wine, which straddles the line between red and white with ease. A well-made rosé is crisp, fresh, and food-friendly, making it an ideal choice for those who love balance and flexibility.

Common traits among rosé lovers:

  • Open-minded and adventurous, always up for trying something new
  • Lovers of alfresco dining, travel, and spontaneous plans
  • A strong appreciation for both fun and finesse

Sparkling Wine Lovers: Effervescent and Elegant

If sparkling wine is your drink of choice, you probably know how to celebrate life’s little moments. Whether it’s a glass of Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava, bubbles bring energy and refinement.

People drawn to sparkling wine tend to enjoy:

  • Elegance and detail, in both wine and daily life
  • A good balance of sophistication and spontaneity
  • The joy of sharing experiences—because bubbles are always better with company

Beyond the Stereotypes: What Your Wine Preference Really Says

While this survey was all in good fun, there is something to be said about how we experience flavor. Do you love high-acid wines? You might also love tangy, zippy foods. Prefer a full-bodied, structured red? You may also enjoy rich, complex flavors in cooking.

At Capital Wine School, we believe that understanding your palate is key to deepening your appreciation of wine. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to refine your knowledge, our expert-led classes offer the perfect mix of education and enjoyment.

Explore our wine tasting courses and discover how to navigate the world of wine with confidence—no personality quiz required.

Whether you prefer learning from the comfort of your home or joining us at our school in Washington, DC, we’ve got a class designed just for you.