Meditation & Merlot... Mindful Wine Tasting

While many of us can appreciate and enjoy a good glass of wine, what if we were to pause and mindfully consume a great Cabernet, Pinot Noir, or Sauvignon Blanc? I’m not suggesting that you light incense, don stretchy pants, and roll out a yoga mat every time you pour a glass (unless this is your thing, then by all means!)—it’s more about stopping to really see the color, breathe in the aromas, and taste all that the winemakers and their teams have artfully created.

By being present while wine tasting, you can elevate the experience and take things to a new level. The simple act of slowing down to select a wine that will accompany your pasta, Thai takeout, or grilled portabello mushrooms is an opportunity to be in the moment - and truthfully, we could all use a little grounding these days.

How to go about this? For starters, it can be as easy as shutting off your devices, dropping your shoulders, and pausing to observe your breath. Before you mindlessly grab a bottle of wine from the store shelf, your wine cellar, or kitchen counter, taking a moment to step into the present will pay dividends when it comes to your overall health and well-being. Mindfulness is about settling our minds, reconnecting with the actual environment, and stepping away from the digital chaos of modern daily living. Here are three easy steps to help you on your path to mindful wine tasting:

1. Set aside time each week to review your meal plans and recipes. If you’re not into cooking, plan which take-out you’ll be ordering and jot down a few wine and food pairing ideas.

2. When you open your next bottle, look at the label, listen to the sound of the cork being extracted as you pull it from the neck, and let it breathe. Now, let yourself breathe slowly in for a count of three, then slowly exhale for a count of three. Repeat this two or three times before pouring that first glass.

3. Sip and ponder. Where did the grapes come from? What was the weather like in the region where the vines grew that year? Go from drinking wine to experiencing wine by slowing down to read a bit about the winemaker, the vineyard, and perhaps the type of grape(s) used to produce what you’re sipping.

We hope these tips help inspire you to take a moment to sip and enjoy the moment.