A Journey into Wine Appreciation

 In the past, beer was my drink of choice. Recently, however, I've found myself indulging more in wine rather than beer. Several factors may have influenced this shift, such as emotional changes, aging, and shifts in societal preferences.

About four years ago, I began finding solace in sipping wines. It was a time when I felt overwhelmed by the everyday grind, so I decided to take a spontaneous solo trip to a hotel. I sought to overcome burnout and recharge. 

One night, feeling a bit adventurous, I grabbed a half bottle of wine from a nearby store and savored it while looking down the urban night view from my hotel room. That experience proved to be a soothing remedy for my burnout. Even after I returned home, I found myself craving that feeling of relaxation. Subsequently, whenever I needed a mental getaway but lacked the time, I turned to wine. Just a few glasses served as a reminder of my rejuvenating vacation.

While I still appreciate beers, they are mostly for quenching my thirst. A single bottle or can of beer was enough, and pairing it with food was optional. The accessibility and affordability of beer at local markets were advantageous. In contrast, wines tend to be more expensive and less accessible. However, savoring wine, especially with food pairings, became an enjoyable and leisurely experience. It shifted from merely satisfying thirst to providing deep relaxation. With age, I found that the rapid refreshment offered by beer was no longer my preference. Instead, I embraced the slow enjoyment of wine. This transition seems to resonate with others as well, as wine is gaining popularity, even among the younger generation, leading to wine sections overtaking craft beer shelves in markets.

Exploring and discerning between grape varieties of wine is a joyful experience. Each wine has its unique aroma, flavor, and character, although wines of the same grape variety share certain similarities. I've already begun distinguishing characteristic flavors of a few wine varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Malbec.

My love for wine even led me to get a wine cellar, and currently, I have two mini wine cellars, each capable of storing 8 bottles. Given my propensity to dive deeply into hobbies, there's a risk of overindulgence and overspending. Moderation, therefore, is key to maintaining a healthy passion for wine.