Christmas is upon us and one of the traditions this time of year is deciding what to put on your with list.  If you are like me your list often consists of wine or wine themed gifts.  Below are some of my suggestions and thoughts.

If you are going to put wine on your list make it something you have always wanted to try.  Maybe it is a new brand, or a specific vintage or a wine from a particular region.  Also, I suggest being specific in what you ask for on your list when it comes to wine ( just my two cents). If you are asking for wine themed items here are some thoughts.  If you enjoy reading there are a lot of great books out there on wine outside of the reference material.  There are books on the history of wine, the wine business, the making of wine, and the interesting stories of famous wine families.  If reading isn’t your thing try a film on wine.  In recent years there have been some fun ones that have come out such as SOMM or Blood Into Wine.  Finally, there is always a pleathora of wine accessories and gadgets out there that will help with any of your wine needs.  Happy Christmas list creating !

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Do you view wine only as a drink ?  Or do you view it as possibly something larger.  Let me explain.  As part of our Mission statement states:  “We believe that wine is more than a drink, we believe that it is a lifestyle and culture to be enjoyed.”  One of the ways we believe this to be true is by viewing wine as entertainment (and no I don’t mean drinking to much of it and doing something ridiculous).  What I mean is that wine can be a good source of creating entertainment. Examples include movies, TV shows, music, and board games.  Since wine is such a broad topic it can lead to many fun and interesting ways to entertain ourselves.  Below is a list of some wine entertainment you should check out.  Remember wine is more than a drink.

1.  Movies: Bottle Shock, Blood into Wine, Somm

2.  Books:  The House of Mondavi, Napa: The Story Of A American Eden, The Billionaire’s Vinegar

3.  Games:  Wine Wars:  A Trivia Game For Wine Geeks and Wannabes, Wine Smarts Game 2.0, Wine Party Game

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I know what you are thinking why bother with such a topic that doesn’t really matter.  My answer is becuase it is fun and light hearted ( and who couldn’t use a little fun).  Have you ever wondered what type of wine your favorite super hero would drink?  Or what kind of wine your favorite movie character or character from your favorite novel would drink ?  Maybe they wouldn’t drink wine at all (this would be a shame).  This question came to mind recently for no apparent reason.  However, we can all relate to certian fictional characters and, you never know maybe the wine they would like might be something you would like.

If we are speaking about super heros my thought is that if they have two identities ( a mild manner side and the super hero side)  they probably have two different wines they perfer.  This would not only help to disgise there identities but also help to better define each of there identities.  An example would be Batman.  As Bruce Wayne I could see him drinking a champagne from Dom Perignon or a Chateau Mouton Rothschild from Bordeaux.  This would show those around him that he has class, taste, and money.  However, as Batman I could see him drinking something like a Pinot Noir  since Noir means black in French. (Thanks John).  This is just a example, but as you can see the personality of the character and even what they do or there upbringing could play a role in what they pour into there glass.  I believe the same is true for other Fictional characters in literature and film.

So the next time you get ready to sit down and read or turn on a movie disect your characters a little and come up with a wine you think they would like based on what you know of them.  Then try to find that kind of wine and pour yourself a glass.  It may help you better connect to the characters.  If it doesn’t than it is a good excuse to try something new and fun that you may enjoy !

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Not only do I enjoy drinking wine but I also enjoy reading about wine and its storied past and bright future.  I believe wine related literuature can give us insight into wine and the culture and lifestyles it can create and influence.  Once you learn more about what you are drinking you will have a better appreciation for what’s in your glass.  So pick up one of the below books today for your summer reading you never know what you will learn.

The Billionaire’s Vinegar  (by Benjamin Wallace)

A interesting look at one of the great american wine conissuers Thomas Jefferson and the bottle of wine that made history and head lines.

The House of Mondavi  (by Julia Flynn Siler)

A facinating look at americas first family of wine.  Anything is possible when wine is involved !

Napa: The Story of an American Eden (by James Conaway)

Learn how a little part of California could transform the meaning of wine to a nation.

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