How to Cook with Wine, According to the Experts Ted Levine/Getty Images Taste of Home's culinary deputy editor and an executive chef from Sonoma explain how to cook with wine. Pour a glass and learn from the pros! Whether you’re looking for a satisfying way to finish off a bottle or want to elevate an otherwise humble meal, learning how to cook with wine is an easy way to take your culinary skills to the next level. According to Carl Shelton, an executive chef at J Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma County, California, wine adds acid to your dish and enhances the flavors on your palate. He adds, “when wine is reduced, the sweetness will create richness in a sauce or a braise, adding more complexity and depth to the dish.”