How to drink wine?

I am a new comer to the drinking of wine. It is a real experience in consuming the wine. Well, that experience was when I was on a flight to Shanghai with a group of my friends.
My question is: My friends told me that it is no good to drink wine and then follow by drinking beer. If done so, he will get drunk very fast. I need more explanation but my friend cannot answer. I hope somebody can help me.
Thanks.