Let's raise a glass to .... Wine!!!

I really love to have a glass of wine. To me, it is a relaxing, somewhat indulgent event. I place a nice glass of wine on my list of "life's little luxuries". To me it is important how I have this experience. Not just any wine will do. Not just any glass will do. I like to have it in a relaxing environment, while I'm cooking, with a nice dinner or with friends. Slurping a quick glass at the kitchen counter does not cut it for me!! I like to savor the experience, making it almost a celebration!! Sounds high maintenance? No, I know what is important to me in the enjoyment of the glass of wine and I'll get it myself, thank you!! I think that's pretty low maintenance self service!! Isn't that what the idea of luxury is all about? Finding something you really enjoy and having it the way you enjoy it!!

In line with The Luxurious Life, I have become a "keen observer" of wine, over the years, so I know what I like to drink. I am not a wine expert, by any means, I just know what I like and expand upon that. I am a White Wine drinker. I have several varieties I really enjoy, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Vouvray, Viognier, Muscadet are some of my favorites. I do not enjoy Chardonnay, most of them are too oakey for me. I have composed this list over years of trying different wines, going to wine tastings, attending wine dinners, talking to Sommeliers at restaurants and the experts at wine shops. Since I have an understanding of what I like, I can get suggestions of other wines or brands that will fit my wine criteria.

To me, the glass is also an important part of the experience. Drinking wine out of a paper cup or one that is too heavy takes the luxury out of it for me. I like a very thin crystal glass with a larger bowl. Reidel's Sauvignon Blanc glass is my favorite. The thin crystal allows you to view the wine, the larger bowl allows you to swirl the wine freely and I like the way the delicately thin stemmed crystal balances in my hand!! Sounds like a party to me!! I also have some glasses that have a little curve and shape to them, seem very feminine and indulgent.

Today's little luxury is to explore something you really enjoy and find out how you can expand on the experience. If you like to drink wine, find some new varieties and try a new wine glass!! Invite some friends over to bring a bottle of their favorite type and have a wine tasting. Be a keen observer of what you enjoy so you can add something new to enhance the experience!! Knowing what you like and how you like it is the best luxury!!