New Year’s Wine Resolutions
Each year we make New Year's resolutions. Perhaps it is to exercise more, read two books a month, or cook something new once a week. This year at purple cork, we decided to make some New Year’s wine resolutions. Yes, you heard it right, wine resolutions!
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Keep track of wines you like
Wine is such an expansive world...it can be hard to remember everything you like and learn about a specific wine or vineyard. So, this year we are keeping a journal to write it all down. We’re old school and like pen on paper, but of course you can keep a digital log. That way we will never be at a loss when trying to find that amazing red from that local restaurant (or our last purple cork virtual wine tasting).
The wine you like will be right at your fingertips, and you can also confidently build out your wine cellar with the bottles you know you enjoy.
Drink beyond the label
This is a classic, but always a good goal to have. Our usual go-to wine or region can be comforting, but sometimes the wine we end up loving the most is the one we wouldn’t have picked out ourselves. This year, purple cork is taking you out of your comfort zone. We are branching out to try new varietals, explore new regions, and drink more great, yet undiscovered, wines.
Learn from winemakers
The wine world is not lacking in vocabulary, and as a result, learning the language of wine can be overwhelming! While we always say, “you do you,” meaning we don’t take wine words too seriously, it can also be rewarding to learn about something you love. So in 2021, take advantage of the exclusive access to winemakers on purple cork tastings. Learn about biodynamics, tannins, and brix (just a fancy word for sugar).
Seek out sustainability
This year, purple cork is even more committed to showcasing wineries that are practicing sustainable winemaking. Sustainability doesn’t just mean organic—it’s the awareness and action to make a smaller footprint in our world. Wineries are getting more and more thoughtful about the amount of water they are using to produce their wine, the carbon footprint they make based on their shipping methods, and the ecosystem they are building.
For example, Skipstone in Alexander Valley uses cover crops to return nitrogen to the soil and perches for wild birds to attract beneficial insects and creatures who keep away pests.
Pink bubbles!
Not just for summer...Rosé is a wine we drink all year round, always reaching for our favorites from Red Car Wine and Azur Wines. These wineries are intentional about making rosé using some of their best fruit and winemaking practices.
We’re also a huge fan of sparkling rosé — there’s something about bubbly pink juice, right? And if you’re not as familiar with this delicious category, join us for a couple of glasses at Charles Heidsieck Rosé Champagne and Caviar in February.
Enjoy wine with family and friends
We always say, “the best wines are the ones we drink with friends.” Even though 2020 put a wrench in our weekend wine getaways and vineyard explorations with family and friends, we can still enjoy wine in 2021 with our loved ones. Virtual wine tastings give you the chance to expand your wine horizons while enjoying virtual toasts with loved ones near and far.
There you have it—our New Year’s wine resolutions. We look forward to amazing global wine adventures in 2021. Buckle up—let’s go!
