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| Holidays are
a prime time to quaff and eat |
| I LOVE THIS TIME
of year! Everyone is in good spirits–shopping, parties,
gift giving and all kinds of joyous activities abound. |
| But what, happened
this year? Had the Grinch truly stolen Christmas and our spirit
alike? Were people holed up in their dwellings afraid to come
out and partake in the season? Had the recent horrific events
and the subsequent economic downturn paralyzed us all? Certainly
it hit us hard. And for many that lost loved ones and jobs it
can, be a long painful journey rebuilding their lives. But the
season is upon us now and we must celebrate. |
| Celebrate for
being forever stronger and wiser having survived another difficult
year. Mankind's ability to rebound after tragedy is amazing.
And although it looked as if we would wallow in sorrow and fear
for too long and miss this opportunity to rejoice in the holidays,
it appears that we are back. I can feel it in my shop. I get
goose bumps as I feel the warmth and happiness (yes, and sometimes
a little stress), that exude from people as they get into the,
spirit of the season. So, gather 'round your family and friends
with a bounty of delectable food and enough fermented grape
juice to put a smile on everyone's face. |
| This is the time
of year when wine should be shared and enjoyed by all. Don't
hold back. Buy that expensive bottle you've always talked yourself
out of in the past. Pop open those collectibles that you've
been holding for just that right occasion and drink them –
share them with your friends and loved ones. Even as I write
this, it is happening. The dust that had settled on my once
untouched champagne bottles has suddenly dissipated. Parties
are being planned. Every party should start with a glass (or
two) of bubbly. How festive it is to hear the POP of a champagne
cork and to watch the bubbles in a glass as they ascend to the
top. Pour someone a glass as they enter your home and watch
the room light up with cheer. No expense is spared with food
this time of year. Juicy nib roasts, bounties of seafood, roast
turkey and honey-baked hams on crowded tabletops. So, dont hold
back on the wine. Buy those big bold cabs for your prime rib.
Splurge on the '97 vintage if you can find them and skip to
the '99s if you cant. Go for the fat, rich California chardonnay's
dripping with buttery, toasted oak flavors. Live it up! Be adventurous!
Try an Alsatian pinot blanc or a New Zealand riesling with a
crustacean feast. And dont spare the desserts! There's no better
way to end a holiday feast than to enjoy a glass of your favorite
sauterne (truly the nectar of the gods), 1 or a chewy, sweet
vintage port. |
| Well, it's time
to go. It's an hour before I officially open and someone is
knocking on the door in hopes of beating the holiday shopping
crowd. Time to conduct a little commerce. I love this time of
year! |
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