1. Building our own “wine cellar.”
The wine we keep in our basement requires some thought. We go over our budget. We choose white, red, rose, sparkling wines, and even some after-dinner liqueurs. There are numerous wine categories, but our wine stocks typically include table wines (for meals and Hors d’oeuves), cooking wines, Sherries, and Ports. Do your research and be familiar with wine terminology. Visit this site to learn about wine types by region, grape, and type.
What we put in our “life cellar” will also require some thought. Relationships, careers, spirituality, lifestyle, and health all play a role in what we do to and for ourselves. We have the ability to make our lives as purposeful as our wine cellar.
2. Planning our meal to complement our wine.
The wine and meal pairing can be done in either direction. Do we design the meal backwards, starting with the wine and working our way up? Or do we choose our meal first and then look for the perfect wine pairing to complement the flavors of our meal? So, go ahead and test them both! In either case, you must know what you want (and what you have) in order to achieve the desired result.
To achieve the desired result, you must also understand what you want (and what you have). The challenge, however, is to stop striving for other people’s goals and dreams. They do not represent you. Because of our genetics and environmental experiences, each of us is a one-of-a-kind creation in need of a one-of-a-kind life plan. Our decision must be made by us!
3. Allow the wine to “breathe.”
Our wine needs to breathe, so decanting allows oxygen to enter and bring the wine to life. It also allows the sediment to “settle” in older wines. Pour it into a half-full glass to allow it to breathe and release the aroma and bouquet that hints of vanilla, berries, nuts, roses, or countless other earthly delights!
Our lives must also breathe. Our daily lives are filled with saying “yes” to too many things that suck the oxygen out of us, leaving us unable to breathe and fully live our lives. Perhaps we should plan each day half full and leave room for the unexpected.
4. Take in the experience and enjoy the pairing.
The wine (if properly paired) should tie everything together during and after the meal. Food, wine, company, conversation, and experience are frequently the start of wonderful memories.
Our lives can also connect us to our passions and dreams if they are properly paired. Having enough space and planning ahead of time can help you thrive and “breathe” in the right environment.
5. Create future menus based on the key takeaways from previous wine pairings.
What wine discoveries did you make? What wine and food pairing suggestions do you have now? And who do you want to accompany you on your journey?
What have you discovered about life pairings? Are you evolving into the person you desire? Do you own your dreams? Is it comfortable?
Make room for more wine, aromas and bouquets, and even swirling the wine to enhance the flavor. After dinner, my French-born father, Roger Voisin, would frequently drop peaches, raspberries, strawberries, or pears into his half-empty wine glass. He sliced some Camembert or Brie (he liked soft cheeses) and served it with a piece of French bread for dessert. The conversations that followed were usually filled with life, love, and reflections on the good things in life. He cleared the way for the good stuff!
Do the same with your “life-glass” – unexpected experiences, conversations with like-minded people, momentary reflections, a sunset cloud formation, or anything else you come across in your daily life. Continue to work, and your future will be half-full!
