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Break out the Pinot - September is California Wine Month, and that makes it a perfect time to enjoy a glass of California wine. California Wine Month celebrates the state’s ideal climate for wine, and its importance to the California economy. Did you know that California is the fourth largest wine producer in the world and makes 90 percent of American wine? In celebration, learning about wine can be one of the easiest and most fun things you do all month.
Here’s my Top Ten list of ways to make wine more accessible all month long:
1. Open A California Sparkler For No Reason - There are so many reasonably priced bubblies that they can be a better bargain than many still wines. Put a bottle in the fridge and open it for dinner.
2. Drink More White Wine With Cheese - I've discovered that white wine generally tastes better with most cheeses than red. The acidity in white wines is what does the trick.
3. Take A Flight - Try a wine bar you have never visited and order a flight of wine.
4. Take Notes - You'll find that the wine will change with time, air and warmth. When you go back over your notes, you might be amazed at the changes.
5. Stop Holding Back Bottles - I'm as guilty as anyone of saving wines instead of enjoying them. Without waiting for a special occasion, invite friends over and open some of those gems you've got stashed away.
6. Visit A Local Winery - You’ll be amazed at the diversity of wines and styles in your own neck of the woods.
7. Try Different Wines - There are more than 5,000 grape varieties in the world, but many of us drink the same one, or ones, week after week (the equivalent of eating chicken every night).
8. Try A Wine You Think You Don’t Like - Are you sure you don’t like Riesling? Things change, including your taste.
9. Order the Least Expensive Wine On The List - This takes courage, but I've found that many restaurant wine buyers work hard at finding great deals. Why not take advantage.
10. Enroll In A Wine Appreciation Class - Taking a wine class can be a fun and un-intimidating way to learn more about wine. Whether you take a class on the basics or one with a narrower focus, you'll learn something new and have fun in the process.
Hope to see you soon.
