Quality to some can be likened to a rainbow, logically the rainbow must have a beginning and an end but we only see the beautiful and somewhat mystical final arch and not where it begins nor where it ends. Much like rainbows, we as consumers often don’t realize that the mechanisms allowing for quality are hidden beyond the horizon, in the background or at the end of the rainbow.

Quality is also a subjective factor. In the wine industry there are many experts who through experience, education (or self-proclaimed) have positioned themselves as authorities on quality. Whether this is a positive thing or not is up to the individual to decide, but it has allowed for a more objective approach to quality. Through yearly judging and rating competitions, consumers can measure wines to a standard. Some take these ratings as gospel while others continue to enjoy the brands they always have regardless of ratings.

No matter your stance on stickers, wine judges and the word of a wine master, anyone who drinks wine must know that quality begins in the vineyard.