An Ode to Wine

I was looking through my phone pics yesterday and realized that I have quite a few random photos of wine. Clearly, I love the stuff. I drink it regularly. And apparently I like to visually capture my bottles and glasses...and kitchen counter.

Red, white, (dry) rose', bubbly - I love it all. And I'd like to think I'm more than just a wino. I honestly enjoy learning about wine. Kevin Zraly's Windows on the World is perched on my coffee table. I jump at any opportunity to visit a winery or try a new label. Tannins, residual sugar, oak or steel...I'm into it. This interest is due in part to my dad, a self-educated wine geek with a contagious zeal for the nectar of the gods. I still remember the first time we visited a winery during one of my parents' trips to Northern Va. Dad sprung for the reserve tasting and we spent 45 minutes in the cellar with the "wine bitch" (I wasn't the one who came up with that nickname). By (large) tasting #6, my mom was getting giggly and chatty, much to the chagrin of the WB. Meanwhile, my dad was listening intently, hanging on to every word, asking detailed questions (and evoking an eyeroll or two from Lo). When I think back on memories like this, I realize that some of the best times in my life involve a glass (or bottle) of wine shared with dear family and friends.

My friend Allie once asked me, "If you could drink only one varietal for the rest of your life, what would it be?" At the time I said Pinot Noir. Today I'd choose Red Zinfandel.

What about you? What's your favorite wine? (Oooh, the first time I'm asking for a comment! Please throw me a bone. :) )

And as far as champagne + Doritos - don't knock it 'til you've tried it.