Hints
Today’s NYT Connections puzzle is a delightful challenge for fans of wine and wordplay alike. The theme, “Grape expectations,” will set you off in the right direction, but you might need a little nudge to uncover all the hidden words. Remember, your goal is to identify words that connect to the theme while tackling the game’s intricacies.
One great tactic is to focus on the letters that are available. Finding shorter words can help unlock hints related to the theme. Here are some useful four-letter words that you might stumble upon as you navigate through the puzzle: DALE, DEAL, LETS, BELT, LACE, LAME, CABLE, CLOT, BARD, NOTE, LEND, TENT, HARD, and FLAN. These could potentially reveal clues and aid your progress.
As you engage with the puzzle, keep an eye out for words that might lead you to the thematic answers. Each word you find could spark recognition of your next move.
Answers
The puzzle today revolves around beloved varieties of wine. As you piece together the names, you’ll discover a list that many wine enthusiasts will appreciate:
Non-spangram answers: MALBEC, ZINFANDEL, MERLOT, SHIRAZ, CHARDONNAY
Spangram answer: BYTHEBOTTLE. Finding this requires some navigation: start three rows over from the left, then count down seven letters to locate the “B.” From there, proceed downwards, over, and up to complete the spangram.
Puzzle-solving is all about pattern recognition and persistence, so take your time and enjoy the process. Engaging with others about the clues and answers can also spark new thoughts and strategies, enriching your experience further.