If you’re trying to find a new bottle of wine, it can be tempting to search online and purchase it without ever sampling the wine or knowing anything about the shop where you purchased it. However, many experts recommend doing some research before you buy any wine, because this can prevent you from getting ripped off and help you find the best wine possible with the best flavors and aromas. Here are things to check before you purchase any Wine online.

1) Check the vintage

Check the vintage of the wine. Grapes were harvested in different years and vintages will taste differently. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in 2010 will not taste the same as those grown in 2008 or 2009. How does the price compare? Compare prices between two or three wines from different wineries before purchasing one. You want to make sure that you’re getting a fair price for your money. Where does the vineyard grow their grapes? Some wines are made with grape varietals from specific regions such as Napa Valley and Willamette Valley.

2) Check the region

One of the first things you should look for is the region of the grape, as different regions will have different flavors. For example, a Cabernet from Napa Valley may taste different than one from Sonoma County. Be careful about purchasing wines that are not available in your local stores.

3) Check the alcohol content

Before ordering a bottle of wine online from an online retailer, it is important to know what the alcohol content is. This will tell you how strong the wine is so that you can order accordingly.

A good rule of thumb for ordering wines is:

Light-bodied wines are usually 13% and below

Medium-bodied wines range from 13% to 15%

Full-bodied wines usually contain over 15%

4) Check the producer

Check the producer. Wine is made in many different countries and each has its own unique flavors, so it’s important that you know where the bottle comes from. For example, wines produced in New Zealand often have a very light taste while those coming out of Australia are fuller bodied. And French wines are known for their rich taste, as well as their high price tag.

5) Check user reviews

The best way to ensure that you’re purchasing a good bottle is by reading reviews. User reviews will tell you how other people felt about the wine, what flavors they picked up on, and how they felt while drinking it. The best part? There are plenty of sites out there that allow customers to upload their own photos so that you can see the bottle in all its glory.