Does wine require an advanced degree?

I often hear other people say "I like wine, but all I know is what I like or don't like." This view reflects a fallacy, I think, that is sadly encouraged by many wine advocates and marketers. One easily knows of people who encourage such a view -- anyone who eagerly plays up their knowledge of a subject. Someone who likes to make others feel inferior by what they don't know. Such a person deters others from learning about a subject because of that person's desire to play up their knowledge or to say "no" too often without saying "yes." Such hubris has no place in life (whether it's wine or any other subject), and simply deters others from learning about all the wonderful things that wine has to offer.

All that one needs to know about wine is what one likes and does not like. First, it starts with the varietals one likes. From there, it turns into what characteristics of those varietals one likes. For example, I prefer older Cabernet to younger Cabernet. While fruit is important, I also want tobacco and other flavors. Fruit bombs, while tasty, are not preferred. All this knowledge comes from experience -- no classes, no professional training. Just simple experience.

So the lesson, if there is one, is to try what one can, and to avoid anyone who feels like he or she must make themselves important by making one feel insignificant.