Wine is basically an acid ingredient (which helps tenderize the outside of the meat) and it has a lot of flavor. The wine-based marinade helps keep meat, poultry, or seafood moist while it cooks, too.

Wine that has been aged in oak barrels has a vanilla aroma and palate-pleasing smoothness. Oak can be good because it balances big, bold, jammy, fruity flavors and higher alcohol contents.

While there has been research to suggest a glass of wine a day can promote longevity or heart health, the consensus on alcohol’s salutary effects has started to change, writes Jonathan Reiner.

The wine I remember with the most affection is sloe wine, maybe because I associate it with the golden years when I was 19-22. I lived in London then, and went for country weekends to Buckinghamshire.

Once the top-selling imported wine in America, Frascati fell out of favor with drinkers as quality declined. But a small group of producers is making this crisp, value-oriented white interesting again ...

Food & Wine's guide to popular white wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio/Gris, as well as white wine varietals you might be less familiar with, like Pinot Blanc and Viognier ...