They say wine improves with age, and people improve with wine. With 3,200 bottles being sold every minute in the UK, that’s a lot of self-improvement – but also a lot of room for error. Learning your Albariños from your Zinfandels might sound like a barrel of laughs, but becoming a Master Sommelier takes an entire decade. That’s why most of us stare gormlessly when waiters hand over a wine list that reads like War And Peace. Sifting through the vines to find the perfect bottle is both an art and a science, so to guide you through the process, we spoke to London Wine Week festival director Emma Murphy. These are her top tips to pick your tipple – and at least look like you know what you’re talking about.

Broaden Your Horizons

The simplest way to come off like a pro when browsing the wine list is to avoid the usual suspects in terms of regions; so skip past France, Argentina and New Zealand. “When you see a rogue choice from a country you never knew made wine, it’ll generally be the gem,” says Murphy. “In recent years countries such as Bulgaria, Slovenia, Hungary and Greece have massively upped their game and are turning out some real top notch varieties – try something off piste and you may find a winner.”

Quiz Your Sommelier

Attempting to bluff your way through a wine list in front of an expert is like trying to beat Usain Bolt in a foot race. Your best bet is to lean on a sommelier (figuratively, not drunkenly) and ask the right questions. Check for a bottle that pairs well with your date’s main dish, or ask if the restaurant has acquired anything new. “They are the very best; they have the joyous task of tasting all of these wines and generally will know the list by heart and what wine pairs best with every dish on the menu.” (Related: A Bluffer’s Guide To Whisky)

Save Money With Hipster Fizz

When bubbles are required, it’s a fair assumption that most will reach either reach for prosecco or – if purse strings allow – champagne. A mistake, Murphy says. “There are plenty of lesser known sparkling options that can rival even the most well-known champagne houses at a fraction of the price. “If sticking with France, cremánt is a fantastic choice – produced in the same method as champagne but from various other regions of the country. Elsewhere, Spanish cava, franciacorta from northern Italy, and in particular, English sparkling wines, are again all made in the same way. Plus, it’ll sound way more impressive on a date than reaching for the house prosecco.”