I think far too many of us, myself included have fallen into the trap of the myopic point of view on our window of the world. Unwilling to step out of safe cocoons and give this big world a good swirl, put something new and fresh in our collective glasses and lean into it.
The same can be said about our choices in wine, I work part-time in retail wine sales and run into folks all the time who have no desire to adventure outside their normal everyday tried-n-true staples; like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Pinot Noir and in some ways I totally get it. The words are easy to say and you can read the label pretty easily. People say to me all the time, I don't want "that" because I can't taste it, what I think they are really saying is "I'm not familiar with that".
Good point I get that, but how do you fix that, one way is to go to "focused" tastings where you can experience new wines, a new habit I highly recommend leaning into. But if you want to drill down a bit deeper and you fancy yourself as the adventurous type, you can take a wine-tourism-trip to get a first hand experience with new wines flavors and styles. You will also learn to make a connection to the folks behind the label, where you can not only learn to drink like a local but eat like one, taking the road less traveled, with each sip, swirl and slurp.
This folks is the tipping point for a majority of wine-geeks like me, once you experience the wine lifestyle out-side the comfy confines of the states, you're hooked. You go abroad enamored with wine drinking and wine culture and come back with a passion that can lay siege to your very soul. Once you have peaked behind the curtain there's no going back to the mundane. It's the kind of experience that just grabs you and pulls you in, like no other beverage can or ever will, wine is in the fabric of nearly every great nation and peoples on this planet, embrace it.
Even folks with a cursory knowledge of history, can see the imprint wine has made upon lives and culture through out the the ages. As you're reading this, think of my words as type of invitation to get out there, lay aside the mundane commodity wines and go see for yourselves the breadth and depth of what is available on this vinous third rock from the sun. I think you too will come back with a deeper appreciation and understanding of why wine is not just an ordinary beverage, helping you to find a broader window on the world.
Now that I've hopefully grabbed your attention, I wanted to shine a light on a great jumping off place for you to do exactly what I've described above, a place which in my mind ideal in helping you get out there to the; Ruta del Vino de Navarra or the simply the "wine-route". Once you click on the link above, you will find abundant information on the wineries you can visit, tours you can take and other needed travel information.
Many folks ask me about my own trip to the Ruta del Vino de Navarra and look at me a puzzled when I mention the Navarra Wine Route in northern Spain. But when I tell folks about one of the great jumping-off points for this great vinous adventure, happens to be in Pamplona, their eyes light up and their heads nod in knowing approval of this very famous destination and that's no bull. Pamplona, is a great place to stay, while visiting the Navarra Wine Route.
It's also a great place hang out in the evening after a long day out on the wine-route, as the city pumps with action nightly even in the off-season [which is the best time to go]. There are pintxos bars to visit, many upscale tasty dining options and great tasting vino to drink all within easy walking distance from many hotels in the area.
I stayed at the stunning Palacio Guendulain with the rest of the Navarra Five, a great place to re-charge your batteries. As our group hit the ground running everyday soaking in the culture and exploring the fantastic Ruta del Vino de Navarra first hand, where we saw medieval castles, Roman ruins, experiencing all the wondrous aspects of the Kingdom of Navarra. But hey, don't just come for the bountiful wine-experience, stay for the wonderful culture. So what are you waiting for? Book it now, you'll thank me later. If you would like to see more of the pictures I took while I was there, please feel free to click over to my Navarra Five page on flickr . Until next time sip long and prosper cheers!
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