Happy 2025 everyone! I love the freshness of a brand-new year. Listen, you can always make big changes in your life on a random Thursday in March, but there’s something about the entire planet kind of hitting the reset button together that is vibrant and uplifting.
Maybe this year you’ll join a gym (and actually USE it!) Or maybe you’ll travel to a new country, or learn how to knit, or get married, or buy a house… there are so many wonderful goals to discover.
But I’m here to help you with your WINE RESOLUTIONS for 2025 – a few commitments and thoughts to carry with you into this new year.
#1 – always – is: BE ADVENTUROUS!
There are so many different grapes, locations, and styles out there to try. If you keep orbiting in your humdrum Pinot Grigio/Cabernet cycle, you are missing out on SO much. I have spent a year leading a group of Intrepid Imbibers where each month I suggest a new wine or style for us to try. This year, resolve to join us. The more, the merrier! And I have some fabulous themes on deck. I’ll be posting at the end of the month so you can prep for February. How exciting. (Sign up for I.I. missives under the Subscribe Now section HERE.)
#2: Be willing to splurge from time to time
Whether your usual budget is $12 or $120, there is definitely reason to bump that up on occasion and try a wine from a slightly higher quality level. You can learn so much about what makes wines cost a little more, be it from a smaller location, with more thoughtful winemaking, older vines, you name it. (Or, you may learn your $12 wine is an absolute steal and never stray again!)
#3: Engage in conversation
A lot of folks feel insecure about their (lack of) wine knowledge. They are a little embarrassed to admit they don’t understand tannins, or a vinification technique, or how to pronounce a certain grape variety or region. That is 100% okay in my book. No one burst from the womb a super-savvy wineau! We all had to start at the beginning. So, talk to people about wine, even if you feel you have to say, “I’m not sure this is correct, but,” or “Could you help me understand something?” Wine nerds will appreciate the chance to edify, and others will appreciate that you are opening the door to conversation about something THEY may not know well either.
Oh, and if you encounter a Wine Snob, don’t let them steamroll over you. A simple, “That’s interesting,” and you can walk away.
#4: Travel to a wine region
The absolute best way to understand wine is to visit where it’s made. When you see the vineyards, talk to the winemakers, walk through the barrel rooms, dine on local cuisine… it all starts to make sense. Taking a trip to Europe? Many major cities have wine tour day trips. Wine is made in all 50 U.S. states… and quality keeps on rising. Want something more in-depth? I am always happy to help.
#5: Don’t save the Champagne for a special occasion
I have encountered so many people holding on to a special bottle or gift for “the right time.” No no no no no! The odds of that wine staying under perfect storage conditions for months or years in most folks’ homes are low. So, you may finally pop it… and it’s dead. Or you’ve managed to keep it pristinely and finally found the “perfect” occasion to open it… and you don’t like it! I always say, don’t save a good bottle for a special occasion, make opening it the special occasion. Have a vintage Champers with pizza and Netflix. Pop that 2010 Bordeaux on a random Wednesday. You won’t build it up too much, and you’ll elevate your life. Win-win.
What are some of YOUR 2025 wine resolutions? Comment below!
Cheers.
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