Introduction

Hello and welcome to my wine experience thus far. As a freshly 22 year old, I have had a year to experiment with wine, but it didn't necessarily start there.

When I was in high school, I worked at a little farm to table restaurant in my hometown. My bosses were formally trained in cooking and knew a lot about wine to match. I was hardly able to understand what was going on with the pairings, but I was encouraged to start to pick up on information and "swirl and sniff" to start learning. A few sips here and there let me know that I liked wine, but without the ability to really try I didn't really internalize much information. I know enough from those days to be familiar with the basics: some naming practices and grape varieties, general tastes, and how to serve. I want to finally learn everything my coworkers were trying to teach me a while ago. I also got to work weddings at a few wineries and vineyards in Loudoun County, which made me more comfortable with the environment. I can't wait to really wine tour a little next time I go home, and carry my new knowledge with me.

My family is full of beer drinkers, but at holidays we drink wine. The smell of a nice full bodied red or magnum from Costco brings back memories of Christmas and my Aunt Keri's laugh. Most of the family prefers reds, but I broke the tradition when I realized I liked whites and rosés. This realization came partially from the sips I was given at the bistro and my tastes developed with my ability to try more when I turned 21. My mom is exploring wine more now that I can try new things with her. She seems to be a big Cabernet Sauvignon fan, which I like (especially when she buys it), but I'm looking to expand and try different varieties more with this class.

One of the things I tried back at the restaurant and loved from the first sip was a Vinho Verde. I can't remember the name of the exact one I tried, but that sip started a love affair. The ones I've tried (admittedly very few) are delightfully tart and slightly effervescent. The thought of my favorite (Broadbent Vinho Verde Rosé) makes my mouth water. I've got a new one from the Vintage Cellar that's just waiting to be opened for some tasting notes.

I'm taking the Plaid Avenger's advice from the Wine IQ videos and drinking wine while learning. I'm currently working on a Kirkland Pinot Grigio from California which has proven to be very refreshing. (Hopefully as I try more wines I come up with more ways to describe things.)

This is me, with this beautiful red blend with an even more beautiful name:

 

This class is at the perfect time. Not to make it too dark, but my Grandad left us this past year. He loved wine. I have a strong image of him holding a glass of red wine in his hand (not just at holidays like the rest of the family). I want to learn more about this thing that he loved and I'm starting to harbor a love for. Cheers, Grandad!