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As the clock strikes midnight and the calendar flips to a new year, many of us embark on a journey of self-improvement and new experiences. For wine enthusiasts, the New Year presents a perfect opportunity to explore the vast world of wines and elevate your tasting adventures. Here are some resolutions tailored for wine lovers, promising a year filled with diverse flavours, expanded knowledge, sustainable sips, and the joy of uncorking those special bottles.
- Discover a New Grape Every Month
The world of wine is a treasure trove of grape varieties, each with its unique flavour profile and characteristics. It’s fair to say that we tend to stick to what we know when buying wine, so make it a resolution to expand your palate by trying a new grape variety every month. Yes you might not like some of them, but you might just find your new favourite wine! Here are 12 ideas to get you started! White grapes:
Assyrtiko from Greece, Godello from Spain, Falanghina from Italy, Feteasca Regala from Romania, Torrontes from Argentina & Gruner Veltliner from Austria.
Red grapes:
Mencia from Spain, Negroamaro from Italy, Tannat from Uruguay, Touriga Nacional from Portugal, Egri Bikaver from Hungary & Pais from Chile
- Uncork Local Delights: Visit a Nearby Winery
Sometimes, the best wines are just a short drive away. Resolve to explore local wineries and tasting rooms to experience the craftsmanship of wines produced here in the UK. Our reputation for producing high-quality wines, particularly sparkling wines is growing every year. Many wineries offer tours and tastings, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process. Some of our top picks within an hour’s drive of Brum are Welcombe Hills in Stratford-upon-Avon, Astley Vineyard in Stourport-on-Severn and Halfpenny Green between Bridgnorth & Wolverhampton.
- Sip Sustainably: Embrace Wines from Eco-Friendly Producers
In an era where sustainability is a global priority, wine enthusiasts can contribute by choosing bottles from eco-friendly producers. Some notable examples include the Torres family in Spain, who are aiming to be net zero by 2040 and Yealands estate in New Zealand, who have committed to planting over 1 million native trees to improve water quality and biodiversity. South Africa in particular has been hit hard in recent years with drought and COVID restrictions, but a lot of producers support their workers through Fairtrade and sustainability initiatives. By opting for wines with eco-friendly certifications, you not only enjoy quality wine but also support producers who are dedicated to preserving the environment and promoting ethical practices. This is often stated on the label, so give it a good read the next time you’re out shopping.
- Learn the Art of Food & Wine Pairing
Enhance your culinary experiences by mastering the art of wine pairing. Resolve to experiment with different combinations and discover the magic that occurs when the right wine meets the perfect dish. Whether it's a robust Cabernet Sauvignon complementing a juicy steak or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc elevating a seafood dish, understanding the fundamentals of wine and food pairing can transform a meal into a sensory delight. There’s an app called Pocket Wine which is brilliant for food matches, or join us for one of our Birmingham Wine School wine dinners to find out more.
- Expand your knowledge with a WSET course
They say that knowledge is pleasure as well as power, and what could be more pleasurable than learning how to taste wine! The Wine & Spirit Education Trust courses (WSET) are a great way to fill in the gaps in your wine knowledge and learn how to better appreciate what you are drinking. You can either start with a one day course for level 1 or take a three day course for level 2, both are designed for beginners. We have a real mix of wine enthusiasts and people who work in the trade, all are welcome!
- Open the Good Stuff: No Occasion Required
This has to be my favourite resolution. We've all been guilty of saving that special bottle for a momentous occasion that never seems to arrive. This year, resolve to break free from the habit of waiting for the perfect moment and instead, create those moments yourself. Open that fancy bottle of Claret or that wine you brought back from a memorable trip to Italy. Celebrate the small wins with the Champagne you've been saving for too long. Non-vintage Champagne should be drunk within 12 months of purchase and most of our houses are far from ideal for long term storge of wine. Life is too short to keep the good stuff tucked away in the cellar; let 2024 be the year you uncork and savour the joy in everyday life.
Some wine recommendations to help you keep those resolutions…
The Best Assyrtiko, Greece, £10.00 from Morrisons
Morande Reserva One to One Pais, Chile, £8.99 from Majestic
Halfpenny Green Brut Sparkling 2021, England £24.95 from Halfpenny Green Vineyards
Zalze Reserve Fairtrade Cabernet Sauvignon, South Africa £9.50 from Co-Op
