Watch this space max.
Here's something to try.
Get yourself 2 reds and 2 white. Most supermarkets sell small taster bottles. But look only for the grape variety.
Reds
1. a Cabernet Sauvignon (from New Zealand if you can, but anywhere will do)
2. a Pinot Noir (from anywhere, but avoid France)
Pour a glass of each. Hold them to the light.
One of them (the Cab) is dark red. It will smell and taste of blackcurrant jam.
The other (the pinot) is light and clear. It smell and tastes almost spicy.
These two varieties will always, always, always have those characteristics. If you see wine on a menu made with those grapes, you will know what to expect. And if the two were ever put in front of you, you would instantly know which was which (that's a promise).
White
1. a Chardonnay (try Australia, because they have mastered Chardonnay).
2. a Sauvignon Blanc (back to New Zealand for this).
The Chardonnay is darker (always!!), a "rich" yellowy colour. The Sauv Blanc is much lighter.
Smell them. The Sauv Blanc (close your eyes here) will smell of strawberries, lime, pineapple. It will taste "zingy" ... sharp and refreshing.
The Chardonnay smells a bit like butter (yes, really) and it tastes richer and almost creamy.
Again, if you look at the wines on a menu, you have got these wines in the bag.
Trust me ... this will ALWAYS work. You will not come a cropper, and you will not find a bottle of wine made from these 4 grapes which does not match these characteristics.
Now go and try this at home.
max ... those wine lists are now yours for the taking !!! Trust me, with this little bit of knowledge, you will make a better wine selection than the twit on the next table who is waffling on about regions and vintages.
(tune