I think she probably wanted it to be cold. :D
As regards the wine I wouldn't be too genned up, and not at all on reds, but with whites you should be able to at least tell a roundy, buttery, Chardonnay from a highly acidic white like a Riesling, they are totally different. There's your starting point then. Go to it, and good luck! :D
My favourite tipple is a nice Chablis, can't beat it, well worth the extra few yo-yos for what is a real quality wine. A nice drop of Sancerre is the business too but they're taking the p**s over here with the prices.