Wouldn’t it be nice to read a wine list with knowledge, instead of confusion? With that goal in mind, I went to my first wine tasting at Chelsea Wine Vault. A tasting usually involves sampling four to six wines that are related in some way, either by country or vineyard. This night was dedicated to Chilean wines — a great find because they combine affordability with the long-standing traditions and expertise of European wine makers who emigrated there. Plus, Chile’s high altitude and temperate climate make the grapes brighter and more intense than their European counterparts. Click through to the next page to see which wines Lisa liked.

I loved the delicious William Fevre La Mision Pinot Noir 2005 (a steal at $10). I was surprised to find a Chilean Pinot, since most of my wine knowledge comes from the film Sideways and I thought California was the only place that produced Pinot Noir grapes. This light and funky lovely wine is smooth, clean and fruity. It tastes as relaxing as it made me feel. Chill it slightly and treat yourself (or friends) to an affordable luxury: the opportunity to sit and unwind.

My second score was the slightly pricier William Fevre Gran Cuvee Carmenere 2003 ($18.99). The Carmenere grape, originally from Bordeaux, is now Chile’s national grape: Garnet-colored and chocolate-scented, soft, juicy and tasting of ruby-fruits and blueberries. It’s ideal for indulging in an evening of lingering looks and meaningful conversation. And who doesn’t need more of those?! — Lisa O.