And just like that it was over; another International Wine Day in the books. Though I never truly needed a designated holiday to open a good bottle of wine, it may be just the reason some use to open a special bottle, one that has been stuck in the back of their wine chiller, lying in wait for such an occasion. It turned out to be quite a weekend of wine celebration as National Chardonnay Day was on Thursday and with only two days to recover, International Wine Day. Two wine holidays within three days--I’m getting too old for all this celebrating…oh, and yesterday was Memorial Day.

The hope of these holidays, I’m sure, is to enlighten some of those that are not so familiar with Chardonnay, or wine for that matter, which for our business is great. I am all for anything that helps to introduce new people to what I believe to be a very healthy, incredibly interesting and delicious beverage.
Beer and spirits may be what dominates print and television screens, but more and more we are seeing people making wine their adult beverage of choice…and that is a good thing. I look forward to Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir Day, but I guess I already celebrate that most every day…

The holiday that sometimes may get lost in automobile and mattress sales is Memorial Day. Living in a largely military community helps to keep the reason for Memorial Day from being lost in the commercial propaganda initiated by a multitude of retailers. To many others it can be seen only as a day off from work or school. But to the men, women and families of those who have served or died for the cause of freedom, this can be a most somber day. So please, as you get back to your daily routine today, don’t be too shy to thank the military personnel you pass on the street each day…they earned at least a thank you.

Ken Amendola, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Wine Supervisor

Follow him on Twitter @abcwinekena