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Jack: If they want to drink Merlot, we’re drinking Merlot.

Miles Raymond: No, if anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving. I am not drinking any fucking Merlot!

MULTIMEDIA Video:  Wine tastings are for everyone (21 and over)

When Paul Giametti’s character Miles Raymond spouted off in the 2004 film “Sideways” (www.imdb.com/title/tt0375063/), it became an instantly classic cinematic moment for oeneophiles. For these connoisseurs, Merlot is kind of an elementary wine — almost a gateway wine from which you move on to a more sophisticated grape.

To which we say, who cares! Wine drinking and learning about the origins of wine without pretense and snobbery can be exceedingly fun. And there are many, many local opportunities to get your feet (and your lips) wet, often at no cost whatsoever.

Somewhat surprisingly, the crowd at the regular monthly wine tasting last Thursday at Eliot food and wine shop Through the Grapevine was an older one. Instead of the slick, 25-40 yuppie demographic sometimes associated with sipping events, this was a down-home elderly group. One elderly woman told me her doctor had instructed her to drink a glass of red wine daily “for the antioxidants.” Gary Walker, a rep from South Portland Wine Company, www.sopowine.com, was pouring a variety of Italian wines for the customers, many of whom make these events a regular part of their social life, noshing on the shop’s prepared food and chatting with friends. Two whites, three reds and one dessert wine were on the list — everything from the expected Chianti (made with Sangiovese and Canaiolo) to a Pinot Bianco/Sauvignon Blanc blend. For many there, wine has come a long way, baby. Since Diana Krieger’s first taste 10 years ago (that old favorite Riunite in a box), she has developed a taste for quality reds, her favorites being Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

Through the Grapevine is owned by personable Mainer Kate Gray. She has grown the shop’s reputation in the area, simply by aiming to make it an important part of the Eliot, Maine, community. And judging by her loyal wine tasting regulars, she certainly has. Check out our accompanying video to meet some of her local customers and wine rep Gary Walker.

A random sampling of regular events in our area:

Through The Grapevine, 21 Cedar Road (just off Route 236) Eliot, Maine, (207) 439-9551. Tastings are held on the third Thursday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m.

Meat House, 2222 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, (603) 422-6328, www.themeathouse.com Tastings are held the last Friday of the month from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The frequency will increase as the weather warms up, so customers are encouraged to check back this spring for more dates. Call other locations for local times.

Enoteca Italiana —122 State St., Kittery, Maine, (207) 439-7216. Tastings are held the last Friday of the month from 3 to 7 p.m.

Attrezzi — 78 Market St., Portsmouth, (603) 427-1667. Tastings are held every weekend, 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Frisbee’s 1828 Market, 88 Pepperrell Road (Route 103), Kittery Point, Maine, (207) 439-0014. Themed tastings are usually held the third week of every month, on a Thursday or Saturday, from 5 to 7 p.m. Call to confirm.

Philbrick’s Fresh Market, 775 Lafayette Road (Lafayette Plaza, Route 1, next to Pier One Imports), Portsmouth, (603) 422-6758 (wine department is ext. 414), www.philbricksfreshmarket.com. Tastings are held every weekend in the wine department from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.