Wine goes with whatever the hell you want it to go with, but yes, there are plenty of generally accepted 'recommendations' such as this. Someone mentioned wine as the most expensive way to get drunk, which is basically true, and absolutely true if you're trying it while going out. The mark-up for wine in bars and restaurants is flat ridiculous. That said, you can buy plenty of good wines at any store in the $10-$20 range. A liquor store like Spec's would be your best bet for helpful salespeople, but many higher-end grocery stores have their own sommeliers as well.
Red wine should be served at room temperature as defined as the temperature of a wine cellar in France. Room temperature in your house is likely too warm and you would be fine to chill it, even red wine. It should not be warm. Here's a quick reference I just found: http://www.wineintro.com/basics/temperatures.html
White Russians always sound and look terrible. Especially when I've been sipping scotch all night. Then a girl will order one, I'll ask what it is, then I'll wind up taking a sip. And loving it.
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First thing you need to do is drink without the goal of getting drunk or buzzed. Second drink with food and try different craft beers and wine with different types of food.
I keep it simple, for beer I love Asahi (Japan), San Miguel (Philippines), Taiwan Beer (Taiwan), Tsing Dao (China) and Stella (Belgium/UK). There are some specific ones on tap from certain bars that I just absolutely love (Like champs draft in Hong Kong). When it comes to mixed drinks and stuff you can never go wrong with the club standard, vodka/rum/whiskey + coke/oj/cranberry. I love a good whiskey straight, absolutely love white/black russians, when I feel like it a mojito or whiskey/midori sour is good. A good wine during dinner with my family is always perfect. I can go on and on about what I like to drink but those that I've mentioned before are pretty good to start off after beer I guess.
I LOVE Bushmills Distillery Reserve. The problem is that you have to go to Northern Ireland to get it (although it is occasionally available on eBay).