Razz on Wine: January 9, 2008 - Santa Clara Weekly

Here we are in a New Year! Wow, where did it all go? It seems like yesterday that I was writing my first 2007 column; time seems to whiz by, doesn't it? I thought I would write to you about some New Year wine resolutions, something to keep in mind during your wine experiences in 2008. Here we go with a list of top ideas for vino;

1. Think out of the box- I am a real victim of sticking with wine I love and wine I know. Having grown up in the Italian and French wine business in Europe I tend to look at wines from other regions as second choices (although, never inferior) for my pocketbook although I understand and have tasted marvelous wines from elsewhere in the world. I think we all gravitate to what we learned as a kid and what our family background may have been, mine being northern Italian with a major dunking in language, cuisine and vino. I tend to go that way in wine and sometimes it takes a nudge for me to purchase elsewhere even though I sell and enjoy wines from virtually everywhere on the planet. It's tough to break out of the mold. If you find yourself in this situation give yourself a once a week wine refresher and try a different varietal or wine region to explore.

2. Spread your wine costs over the board- We sometimes think of spending "under" a certain amount for wine or think that only the expensive wines will do. Go with the flow and see what catches your eyes regardless of the cost but within a comfortable limit that won't whack your finances. It's good to stretch your budget once in a while and see what comes up. I know some folks won't do this because they are afraid they "will like" expensive wine. I understand all too well this problem, believe me. My answer is, drink less but drink better wine, have something to really look forward to.

3. Visit wineries- we are blessed with some nice producers in the Rogue Valley as well as with my readers in California. Both area, as obvious as it sounds, are crazy with wine opportunities no matter where one looks. Tastings, visits, clubs and newsletter are everywhere and the only thing holding you back is getting there. Most wineries hold barrel tastings and wine pairing classes with excellent speakers. Restaurants hold winemaker dinners on a regular basis, so check around.

4. Read- There are many offerings about wines and wineries on the net as well as in wine mags.It is to the point in today's wine world that one can get as specific or general about wine as one wishes. I know a gentleman who only looks at Tuscany (food, language and vino) and can find lifetimes worth of info and resources on this wonderful spot on the globe simply by moving a mouse along his desktop. We are living in a world of infinite access to wine if we simply put one foot in front of another and one taste bud in front of another. I urge you to move ahead and open up this fascinating world of wine waiting to be experienced. 2008 promises to be a wonderful time for wine exploration!