Think outside the bottle!

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOTTLE

NEW YEAR’S WINE RESOLUTIONS

A new year brings new beginnings…and without fail, resolutions. Are you embarking on a health kick (along with the rest of the world) or are you thinking outside the…bottle this year? As you contemplate ways to better your mind, body and soul during these upcoming weeks, WineMasters has one mission for you: to spice up your wine repertoire. With these mini motions, we guarantee that you will not only follow through with your New Year’s resolution past February, but will still enjoy the wine you drink come this time next year. 

Resolution #1: Set an Attainable Goal

            This is Goal Setting 101, but there is a very good reason that is the first tip for any resolution. When you have an end point in mind and can envision yourself down the road, you are more likely to stick with it. Think about what you want to achieve. Is it to discover new wine? Learn all there is to know about Chardonnay, or the region where your favorite Pinot Noir is from? Regardless of your specific goals, dive right in, take the first sip and see where it leads you. 

Resolution #2: Pick a New Destination

It’s all about location, location, location. Take a step outside of your comfort zone because there are several new regions that are bottling up some delicious, affordable options such as New Zealand and Argentina. Also, if you know you love Chardonnay from Mendocino County in California, start small and try one from Napa Valley, then one from Monterey. Before you know it, you will be well on your way to becoming a wine connoisseur.

Resolution #3: Take Notes

            Have you heard of the old weight-loss trick of writing down everything you eat? Well, keeping track of the wines that you have tried will not only help jog your memory of what you like and what you are not the biggest fan of, but will be a valuable tool the next time you would like to try something new. Things to think about: style, region, varietal and sweetness level will be key assets when choosing your next selection because you will begin to figure out what qualities you look for in wine.

Resolution #4: Go Green

           If you haven’t jumped on this bandwagon just yet, ease into it with organic wine selections! There is no question that “going green” isn’t just a trend, but a lifestyle change that is here to stay. Our favorite certified organic wines include the Casa al Vento FoHo Chianti Classico and Costa al Sole Montepulciano. 

Resolution #5: Try a New Varietal

            Do you have a go-to varietal? What about one that you ALWAYS stay away from? Try that one! Unless you have had a very bad experience recently, you may surprise yourself.  As your taste-buds develop and you acquire a taste for different sweetness, body and acidity you can venture out of your comfort zone. If you like soft, silky flavor try a Pinot Noir like Orbit Vineyards. For sweetness with a clean finish try a Riesling like Jung Riesling Spatlese or if you are into bold flavors try a Zinfandel like Vicarmont Vineyards

Resolution #6: Pop the Bubbly on a Tuesday

  

Move away from the notion that champagne is to only enjoy on special occasions. There are so many options in varying prices ranges that you can sip on this non-traditional choice any day of the week and not feel guilty. We love Eugene Deybach Cremant d'Alsace Sparking Rose and Gimonnet-Gonet Brut Sparkling White. However, if you over-indulged at the stroke of midnight, may we suggest trying this a little later in the year…