>>21548486
I try to explore a different region every time I go on vacation. You really start to understand how soil and climate shape the different grape choices and ultimately the cuisine of an area (think of how arbois goes so well with comté or how a corbiere meshes perfectly with an aligote).

You can even go cider/Calvados tasting in Normandy and the food will pair perfectly with the apple flavors of the local drinks. It's uncanny and amazing.

Basically to learn, buy a Larousse Grand Vin encyclopedia, build a small cellar, and pair every meal you make with a bottle. You'll see the light after a few months (that is: you can be a degenerate alcoholic and still appear sophisticated with wine).