We are making it through March ...

I had a business friend recently make a very valid critical note regarding my blog (or, more appropriately, lack thereof). I made the somewhat standard response of the "Cobbler's kids and shoes", however, he did make me think and realize, he was right .. no excuse. I am very glad to have someone paying attention.

My core business experience and value comes from my involvement in the food/wine and event/entertainment areas, as well as fund raising for a number of wonderful causes (mostly volunteer). As such I intend to share a variety of blogs on those topics with some intended for consumers (which, of course, we all are) and some intended for client types.

This one is for you wine drinkers out there. Here is a social activity that will entertain you and your friends while enjoying your interest in wine. Plan a weekend evening with some close, dear wine friends and plan dinner/hors d’oerves and a movie.

Grab a wine video (DVD or streamed) and plan a casual evening. Some wine , some cheese and crackers, followed by a movie and then a tasting plus some food and you have a planned gathering everyone will love.

Even if you have seen the movie before, sharing them with friends is a joy to experience. Much better to discuss than politics or religion. Talk about the movie or talk about the wine … you can’t go wrong. Although somewhat standard, here’s a few movie suggestions and ideas to tie in to them:

1. Sideways – although personally not one of my favorites, it is a classic. Well viewed as a wine movie and for the impact it had on the Merlot wine industry. Commonly known as the Sideways effect (pinot noir sales went up). Suggestion: Open up a few Pinot Noirs before the movie and enjoy. Watch and then enjoy a wide range of merlots (4-6 various ones) and enjoy the discussion Merlot versus Pinot or merlot versus merlot. I fully enjoy merlot and it deserves more respect, find out for yourself.

2. SOMM – This is a very interesting documentary on students attempting to pass the Master Sommelier (post nominal MS) of which there are currently less than 300 in the world. Intriguing insight in to the world of wine and appreciation. Post movie, why not try a “simple blind taste” and appreciating how hard it really is. Pick 4 reds and/or whites. Tell everyone what the wine varietals are, but have them guess and name them. Remind competitive people, this is for “fun”.

3. Bottle Shock – this is my favorite wine movie because I found it to be a fun and entertaining story whether you are in to wine or not. You will feel good at the end of this movie. About the now infamous, 1976 blind wine tasting often referred to as “Judgment of Paris”. Afterwards, open up an equal number of Napa wines alongside French wines and “judge” for yourself. Both white and red.

Regardless what you select, you will have a very social evening with dear friends (and wine) and isn’t that what it is all about?

Regardless what you select, you will have a very social evening with dear friends (and wine) and isn’t that what it is all about?