Wine resolutions for the New Year

When you think of resolutions the popular ones that come to mind are losing weight, and getting healthier but why not branch out a little bit?  Justin Ove is the Ambassador of Wine Education for Arizona Stronghold Vineyards suggests a wine-olution, especially if you drink wine once a week.  

Ove says most wine drinkers find one or two wines they like and stick to them, so a wine resolution can help them break out of their routine and try something new and exciting.  

He suggests limiting the amount of times you allow yourself to buy the same wine in 2012.  He says, "If you only allow yourself to buy a wine you're familiar with three times all year, then you'll be forced to branch out and try new wines."

He goes on to say you may find a few new wines you don't like, but you'll also get the reward of finding ones you do like, and with the amount of affordable wines on the market these days you have no reason not to!

If you need assistance finding new wines, Ove suggests developing a relationship with the staff of your local wine shop.  If you share the characteristics of the wines you like, they will be able to recommend new ones for you to try.  He goes on to say, as you enjoy more wines you may even notice your palate is broader than you thought.

So now that we have determined your first resolution should be to try new wines, your second resolution is to visit Arizona's wine country.  You may have tried Arizona wines at local restaurants, but taking a quick trip to visit the tasting rooms will give you a better feel and understanding for what you are drinking.

Since the wineries in Arizona are much smaller than those in California, Ove says, you have a better chance of meeting with the owners and vintors who may actually be the ones pouring your wine.  

Most of us are aware of the wine region in Northern Arizona, but there are 3 main wine growing regions in Arizona; Willcox, Sonoita/Elgin and the Verde Valley.

Ove says each area is very different, and each has its own charm, so set a goal to visit them all and see which one you like the best.  He goes on to say the area is growing at a rapid rate and there is no better time to visit.  Much like visiting Napa before it hit it's hey day.

You may be wondering what Ove's wine resolution is for the year, he says he would like to make his own wine at home.  

That may be a bit ambitious for the rest of us, but he says the bottom line with wine resolutions is to get creative and find ones that suit you.

If you need some help Ove suggests the following, resolve to trust your palate, host a wine party or keep a wine journal.  There are no wrong answers, just sip, and enjoy. 

Join Eric Glomski of Arizona Stronghold Vineyards and Page Springs Cellars for an 'All Arizona' Winemaker's Dinner at The Stockyards Steakhouse this Friday, January 6th 2012.  Limited seating for the full course dinner is available for $75 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and reservations are required.  Call The Stockyards at 602-273-7378 for reservations.

Winemaker Dinner
6:00 p.m. Reception
6:30 p.m. Dinner

Hosted in the historic Rose Room
The Stockyards Steakhouse
5009 E. Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034