Wine possesses an inherent elegance that transcends mere liquid refreshment. It’s like poetry in a bottle, with each sip a verse that dances on the palate. Perhaps it’s the way it effortlessly pairs with a gourmet meal, transforming a simple dinner into a symphony of flavors. Or maybe it’s the way it ages gracefully, like a fine art piece maturing with time, its complexities deepening with each passing year. Whatever the reason, wine exudes an aura of sophistication that elevates any occasion, turning even the most mundane moments into something memorable.
Live a Wine Life
Wine is the great equalizer of the beverage world. It doesn’t care if you’re wearing a three-piece suit or pajamas with cartoon characters on them. It doesn’t care if you’re sipping it from a crystal glass or a red solo cup that’s seen better days. Nope, wine just rolls with the punches, happily making itself at home in any setting. It’s like the friend who shows up to a black-tie event wearing flip-flops and a Hawaiian shirt, yet somehow manages to charm everyone in the room. So, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a casual sipper, rest assured, there’s a glass of wine out there with your name on it, ready to mingle with your taste buds and make your day a little brighter. Cheers to the great leveler of libations!
The perception of wine as a pretentious drink likely evolved over time and can be attributed to various factors. Historically, wine has been associated with luxury and sophistication due to its long-standing presence in aristocratic circles and its role in religious ceremonies. Additionally, the intricacies of wine production, including factors like terroir, grape varieties, and aging processes, contribute to its image as a complex and refined beverage.
In modern times, the wine industry’s marketing strategies, focus on branding, and the emergence of wine critics and ratings systems have also played a role in shaping wine’s perceived exclusivity. Certain cultural attitudes and societal norms surrounding wine consumption, such as wine etiquette and the emphasis on wine knowledge and tasting rituals, can also contribute to its perception as a drink reserved for the elite or those with refined palates. I call bullshit.
While wine may be associated with pretentiousness in some contexts, it is a beverage enjoyed by people from all walks of life, and many individuals appreciate wine simply for its taste and the enjoyment it brings, without getting caught up in notions of elitism. My kind of people!
Wine is the sunlight held together by water."
- Galileo Galilei Tweet
While I do love a little pomp and circumstance from time to time as well as a whole lot of bling, I believe that wine is something everyone should enjoy and not feel intimidated by. Wine is a humble libation at it’s very root, punn intended.
Wine, a humble joy in every pour, connecting hearts and stories
There are several orders of monks within the Catholic Church that have a tradition of including wine as part of their meals, particularly during communal gatherings or special occasions. One notable example is the Benedictine Order, founded by St. Benedict of Nursia in the 6th century.
I love the monks and their wine. It’s like a holy communion of grape and grace. In the world of monastic dining, wine isn’t just a beverage; it’s a sacrament. Picture a table set for a medieval feast, with hooded monks raising their goblets in a toast to divine inspiration. It’s like they’re saying, ‘Let’s wine down after a hard day of praying and chanting.’ No, these monks aren’t turning water into wine every day; but many of them are making it the good old fashioned way. they’re all about moderation. After all, it’s all about ora et labora – prayer, work, and just a splash of merlot to keep the spirits lifted.
Remember, humble, calloused hands till the soil, prune the vines and pick the grapes. Those hands should be the first to enjoy the fruits of their labor, literally.