There’s something ritualistic about the way wine fills a glass. The slow pour. The subtle swirl. The scent that lingers before the first sip touches your lips. It’s not just about drinking—it’s about feeling. Remembering. Savoring.

I’m not a sommelier. I don’t swirl my glass and say things like “unctuous” or “a fine expression of terroir.” However, I do love wine—deeply. I love the way it slows time. The way one sip can hold memories, or moods, or the weight of a whole day. I love the places it takes me—to vineyards tucked into hills, to small tables under string lights, to quiet moments alone at home with a full glass and a full heart, to a cottage a husband built for his wife who was so in love with Snow White.

This series isn’t about tasting notes or rigid rules. It’s about experiences. It’s about that first sip of something you can’t quite describe, only feel. It’s about wandering into a winery that smells like oak and earth and realizing you could stay there for hours. It’s about letting wine be something more than just a drink. I’m not here to teach you how to taste wine like an expert. I’m here to invite you to feel something.

Before we wander into the vineyards, I want to start here. With a slow pour. With the basics. With the kind of wine knowledge that makes you feel something instead of impressing someone.

What You’re Actually Drinking

Wine isn’t just red or white. It’s a whole mood board of flavors, textures, and stories.

Here’s the simple breakdown that’s actually helpful:

• Red – Think cozy, earthy, bold. Great with food, fireplaces, or heartbreak. Try: Cabernet Sauvignon (heavy), Pinot Noir (light, moody).
• White – Crisp, clean, sometimes buttery. Good for sunny days and seafood. Try: Sauvignon Blanc (zippy), Chardonnay (rich).
• Rosé – The middle child, in the best way. Light, refreshing, best during golden hour or when you don’t know what you’re in the mood for.
• Sparkling – One of my favorites! Champagne, Prosecco, Cava. Not just for celebrations. Great for brunch, breakups, and the “I made it through this week” toast.
• Dessert Wines – Sweet, indulgent, slow-sipping kind of wines. You don’t need a reason. Pair it with fruit, chocolate, or silence.

You don’t need to memorize anything. Just remember what you like—and that it’s okay to like what you like.

How to Taste (Without Overthinking It)

How to Taste (Without Overthinking It): There are rules, sure.

Here’s my short and quick version, made for normal people who just want to feel fancy once in a while:

• Look – Hold it up to the light. The color tells you things—how aged it is, how bold it might taste, but mostly, it’s just pretty.
• Swirl – You don’t have to know why you’re doing it. It just feels right. (Okay, it does release aromas and oxygenates the wine. But still.)
• Smell – Stick your nose in and inhale like you mean it. You might catch something familiar—berries, spice, vanilla, grass. Trust your senses.
• Sip – Let it roll over your tongue. Don’t rush it. Notice the texture. Is it silky? Sharp? Heavy? Light?
• Savor – The aftertaste is called the finish. It might linger, or it might disappear fast. Either way, let it sit with you.

Pairing Wine with Your Mood (Not Just Your Meal)

Now for all my foodies…forget the “red with steak, white with fish” rulebook. What are you in the mood for?

• Cabernet + Cloudy Weather – The heavier the wine, the better it is with gray skies and long thoughts.
• Chardonnay + First Light – A little buttery, a little bold. Pairs well with confidence and clean sheets.
• Rosé + Sundays – No plans, soft music, maybe a long bath, or dancing around pant less in your kitchen. That’s a rosé day.
• Pinot Noir + Deep Talks – Quiet, layered, maybe a little mysterious. Best sipped slowly. With a best friends or with a significant other…or maybe someone even new!
• Sparkling + Anything – Don’t save it. Celebrate Tuesday. Celebrate breathing. Celebrate you.

Make It a Ritual

Here’s the truth:

• Wine doesn’t need a vineyard to be beautiful. You can make a whole ritual out of a Wednesday night glass. Light a candle. Put on a playlist that makes you feel something. Pour your wine slowly, like you’re giving yourself a gift. Pair it with a good book, or a journal, or someone you love. You don’t need to know the perfect pairing. The perfect setting. The perfect bottle. You just need a moment—and something worth pouring into it.

Up Next With Wine & Wander:

Next up, I’m taking you to a winery that looks like it was pulled straight from a storybook. Literally. Briar Rose is whimsical, hidden, and wildly underrated. There’s history in its beams and bold Syrah in its barrels.

But we’ll get there. For now, pour something that makes you feel warm and human. Take a sip. Take a breath. Stay awhile.

Explore More with My Military Lifestyle and Beverages!