Thou shall keep wine simple and truthful!

By no means would I ever supplant the original 10 Commandments but I do believe it’s necessary to (as always) take the mystique out of wine. Without further adieu… here is my take on the 10 simple rules of wine:

1. DRINK WHAT YOU LIKE.

Do not drink by the label because someone TOLD you are supposed to like that particular wine.

If you like it…enjoy.

If you don’t…don’t drink it.

Life is way too short.

2. MATCH YOUR FAVOURITE Food TO THE Wine.

If blue cheese excites your palate with ice wine then so be it. (One of my personal favourites by the way).

3. MATCH YOUR FAVOURITE Wine TO THE Food.

Same as #2 but the difference is…did you start with the food or the wine? Think about it.

4. GOOD COMPANY IS THE KEY.

Some of the worst wines that I have had (and I have had a few) tasted great because of who I was with.

5. MUSIC… IT SOOTHES THE SOUL.

Think of your favourite song or a melody that just makes you feel content. Just like good company your taste buds recall a great tune. So when you open your favourite wine just remember to play a favourite song that maybe you haven’t heard in awhile.

6. WHEN YOU TOAST SOMEONE…LOOK THEM IN THE EYE.

If you don’t mean it…don’t say it. Enough said!

7. SHOULD YOU RAISE A GLASS IN HONOUR OF SOMEONE…DON’T FORGET THE LIVING.

Often a glass is raised in honour of someone that is no longer with us. And that honour is bestowed upon them deservedly. Wouldn’t it be nice to honour someone that is still with us yet maybe never had the accolades that they so richly deserve. Toast someone that is still with us or with you at that time.

I hope I get to hear some nice things about me before I leave this mortal coil… just in case I don’t hear them from where I am.

8. POSITIVE, POSITIVE, and POSITIVE.

If you are going to enjoy a glass of wine, a martini, a cold pint or whatever, it should bring on good cheer. If you are not in a good place , then don’t drink!

If a drink makes you feel unhappy, then fix what makes you unhappy. A glass of cheer is, I believe, called so for its’ namesake.

Always take care of your own backyard and when you are comfortable within your own confines… then invite people in.

9. UNCORK WITH WHO YOU LIKE.

Good company is absolutely amazing. Share with those you can be honest with and those that can be honest with you!

10. YOUR TASTEBUDS REMEMBER THE OCCASION.

It is not the wine or the food. It is the occasion that you remember.

Your first date may have been Kentucky Fried Chicken as the main course with Baby Duck to wash it down (no offense intended), but if it was the best date you ever had then it actually was.

Recall commandments 4, 5 & 9.

Cheers,