Photo from Jarritos

A few years ago a friend of mine, who worked in a college career center at the time, invited me to offer a “Wine 101” workshop to a group of graduating seniors and their parents.

The following year, also during graduation season, that same friend asked if we could organize a workshop around “How to Talk to a Sommelier.”

Yes, and yes.

She expressed her intention behind those sessions were to offer the new-gen employees some sort of understanding of wine as a basic skill as they stepped into the workforce.

This is an innovative and well-thought idea. It is possible that as these young folks make their career progressions, they may have to welcome a client and may need to go through a wine list. The moot idea here is to make them manage the situation smartly and confidently.

Currently, I remember my friend and the sessions she held for two potential reasons. First, its the graduation time and a responsible, amicable introduction with wine can be a unique gifting idea for the newly certified LDA (Legal Drinking Age) individuals. Secondly, these are exactly those set of people that the wine industry needs to impress upon, which includes Matthew and myself.

The term “romance” is very intentionally chosen here. It may be shocking to see headlines stating that the wine consumption is reducing among the younger group or even that minimum quantity of liquor is beneficial. Such news is hurtful to digest, not just because the research is incorrect in certain parts; but majorly because the aspect of enjoyment is absolutely missed.

Reluctance or doubts about wine are not what we aim for; instead, we desire to instill the enchantment connected with it, especially among the younger generation. Instead of gravitating towards the ever-expanding variety of wine alternatives by new-coming of age consumers, we want them to establish their identity as wine enthusiasts.

We can achieve this subtly. Responsibly. In an appealing manner. And most importantly, with immense delight.

Image credit: Unsplash | Photo by warm oven

The memory of my 21st celebration feels fresh as ever.

It feels like just yesterday, but in actuality, it was 20 years ago. Incredible.

For years, I’d been frequenting the bars of Santa Barbara with a counterfeit ID. I recall clearly, that night I walked into The James Joyce in Downtown SB. An honest-to-goodness grin was across my face as I anticipated presenting my legally issued ID to Patrick, the head bartender, and a notable figure in Santa Barbara’s nightlife.

Unsurprisingly, he made me pay for my past deceit. My confession of previous underage drinking at his bar put him in an unusual spot. His punishment? THREE “3 Wise Men” shots. Those in the know will feel a pang of recognition at the mere mention of such a strong shot. Those not privy are left to their online search capabilities.

I must specify that there wasn’t a drop of wine consumed on my turning of age, at 21.

My upbringing in Santa Barbara, a city known for its vibrant drinking culture and globally recognized wine region, shaped my peculiar reality. Inspired by a college roommate’s father, a man with an impressive wine collection and an extensively admirable personality, I ventured into the world of wines. By 21, I had more knowledge about wine than most of my peers.

What about those who have just reached the legal drinking age? What determines their choice of drink?

Wine is not exactly an economical beverage. When compared to a case of beer, a bottle of vodka/gin/tequila/whiskey, or modern-day popular drinks like ready-to-drink mixes or seltzers, the average price of a wine bottle can be quite overwhelming.

However, we must note that as individuals advance in age and acquire more discretionary income, they tend to gravitate towards wine as their preferred choice of drink.

Another key aspect to highlight is the matter of health. It’s critical to maintain a unified message. We should clearly inform people of all ages whether drinking a glass of wine can contribute to their wellbeing. The contradictory statements from health bodies are confusing many. The younger generation, it seems, have no issues entirely dismissing alcohol.

I suggest adhering to the findings and principles of Dan Buettner, renowned for his Blue Zones research which inspired a popular Netflix Documentary, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones. In his discussions about centenarians, Buettner consistently brings up their diet which includes two glasses of wine a day. The only exception being the Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, California, who abstain from alcohol and often live up to a decade longer than the average American.

Everyone desires a health-conscious lifestyle, and while total abstinence from alcohol might seem healthier, it invariably makes for a less sociable choice. This essential detail is another factor influencing those likely to become centenarians: being sociable.