We hope you’re getting your flutes and wine glasses ready to welcome in the new year! If you’re like many others, you might be trying to determine what your New Year’s resolutions will look like this time. If you’re still struggling to find ones that you know you’ll stick with, we’ve come up with some fun resolutions that will suit any wine enthusiast perfectly. Do something different and add these 10 wine-based resolutions to your list!

Branch Out More

Everyone has their favorite wines, but why not try mixing it up a bit and saying yes to tasting new wines? Grow beyond your comfort zone and sip wine you were once reluctant to – or revisit a wine you weren’t fond of in the past. One of the most beautiful things about wine is that it’s always changing, just like your taste buds. Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or are just starting to dip your toes into the world of wine, have an open mind and try anything that sounds delightful.

Learn Wine Lingo

Terminology in the wine world is undoubtedly fascinating, but it can appear daunting to a newbie – and it can be difficult to know where to start. Begin by learning a few helpful phrases and words that will help you better understand wine, like tannins, terroir, residual sugar, and decant. From there, continue to expand your wine know-how. You can even begin learning the various flavor profiles your favorite wines have (and then taste them to connect the word with the flavor itself!).

Explore the Wines of the World

There’s more to wine than just what lies in your own backyard. If you haven’t tried any international vino, you should make it your mission to sample some next year! You can begin in France or Italy, two countries best known for their wide portfolio of wines. Spain and Germany also boast delectable wines like Cava and Riesling, respectively. Of course, if you’re feeling more adventurous, try lesser-known (yet just as enchanting) wine from Greece, Portugal, Croatia, and South Africa!

Drink Local Wine

Once your taste buds have returned from globetrotting, bring your palate back to a local level and drink wine from wineries near you. You’d be surprised just how incredible locally-made wine can taste! Better yet, get a first-hand experience and visit a local winery like Chaumette Vineyards & Winery. It’s a guaranteed way to relax you and help you make unforgettable memories (and bring home a souvenir while you’re at it!).

Keep a Tasting Journal

If you want to remember how those new wines tasted and made you feel, why not start keeping your very own tasting journal? It’s a fantastic way to help you recall flavor profiles, think more deeply about the medley of flavors the wine presents, and spur you to research the wine further! Designate a specific notebook to be your wine tasting journal, then jot down the name of the wine you tried, the winery from which it came, and the notes you detected from the wine.

Choose Quality Over Quantity

Have you been reluctant to try a more expensive wine? Next year, be adventurous and choose a bottle that’s a tier or two above what you normally select. It might be slightly more expensive than what you’re used to, but the quality difference will be evident – and you might find a new favorite!

Discover Delicious Food and Wine Pairings

There’s really nothing quite like pairing the perfect food and wine together. When wine and food complement each other’s profiles, your taste buds are taken on an unforgettable culinary experience. Explore which food and wine pairings make your heart sing. You can even think outside the box as you grow bolder and try a few unusual (and unique!) food and wine pairings.

Reap the Health Benefits of Wine

If health is on your mind for next year’s goals, wine can help you along the way! There are countless studies that show wine boasts several health benefits when enjoyed in moderation, including improved cognition, lowered cholesterol, greater heart health, and much more. Go ahead, pour yourself a glass and make a toast to a happier, healthier you!

Start or Grow Your Own Wine Library

What’s almost as enjoyable as savoring your favorite bubbly? Reading about it, of course! Make next year the year in which you expand your wine repertoire and grow your own little wine library. Include musts like The World Atlas of Wine, an up-to-date wine guide, and some books about various wine styles. What’s a library without a little fiction? Add a few wine-based novels in the mix to round out your little library.

Join a Wine Club

There’s nothing more delightful than enjoying award-winning wine without having to lift a finger. If you want to sample a diverse portfolio of Missouri wine, join our Wine Club! You can choose between our Dry Club or our Sweet Club, and you will receive two bottles of our finest wines six times next year!

From all of us at Chaumette Vineyards & Winery, we truly hope that next year will bring you health, happiness, and serenity. Salut!