Wood on Wine

Resolve This!
© by Linwood Slayton
I made no resolutions about wine this year. I did not resolve to explore new wine vistas. I did not resolve to visit France or Italy or Portugal to experience wine from the "source." I did not resolve to drink a new wine per week and to make copious tasting notes to share with everyone. I did not resolve to host a series of wine dinners at local restaurants that match fine Atlanta cuisine with equally fine wines at affordable prices. I did not resolve to continue to host monthly wine tastings that are sponsored by a different vintner and that allow good people to come together and share a common love - good wine.

No, I did not resolve to do any or all of these laudable things in 2002. Okay, I admit that I seriously thought about making these resolutions only to discover and realize that by the time that I had completed my thought process, it was 2002. It's a little late to be making resolutions - here we are into the third week of the year. Besides, everyone knows that New Year's resolutions are quickly forgotten or "modified" by the third week of January or at least by the time the Super Bowl rolls around.

Instead, I just made up my mind that 2002 was going to be a new year for me and I was going to "just do it!"

I have thoroughly enjoyed my recent foray into the world of wine. Last year marked a breakthrough for me in so many respects. I moved from the role of avid consumer to a commentator. I moved from the role of drinker to taster. I moved from the role of a guest at social events where wine is served to a columnist. I moved from the role of attendee at wine events to a host of wine events.

My enjoyment of wine has enabled me to transition from a very personal perspective to a more public perspective. I find that I am now reading about wine, talking about wine, thinking about wine, buying wine, drinking wine and observing people and wine differently. I have witnessed a renaissance of sorts among my friends and peers here in Atlanta when it comes to wine and socializing.

Having written WOOD ON WINE for over a year now and having had the pleasure and privilege of having my columns published worldwide in WineLoversPage.com, my world has indeed expanded. My wine vista is definitely broader and has considerably more breadth. Yet, I continue to strive to remain as I was when I started this endeavor - just another brother who enjoys wine and who happens to also enjoy the special dynamics that always emerge when good people, good wine and good food come together. That's what I did and that's what I will keep on doing.

So, now that we are halfway into January 2002 and it is too late to make more resolutions, I will simply make a few promises to you. I will keep on enjoying wine - of all kinds and varieties. I will keep on enjoying bringing wine, food and people together in nice social settings. I will continue to explore all that the world of wine has to offer and share this experience with you as often as I can. I will continue to reach out and to dialogue with and interact with all elements of the wine and food community so that I can enhance my wine savvy and yours. I will keep on looking for unique observations and experiences involving wine that make for humorous and anecdotal commentary to which most people can relate. Finally, I will keep on keeping the world of wine real and "in the now".

Wine is for all of us to enjoy !

Jan. 11, 2002