New year(s), wine predictions, and saying no to #DryJanuary
Because ringing in a new year without wine is a sin.
Welcome to 2024, everybody.
I love January because I get to celebrate not one, but TWO new years. Yes, I’m a proud Capricorn–and two weeks from today, I’ll be turning 35 years young. 🥳
Every trip around the sun is a blessing, and I’m beyond grateful that I’m often right where I need to be. But when it comes to my wine journey, I am declaring this a year of exploration and expansion.
From tasting and studying more wines from off the beaten path to exploring new regions, asking all of the questions, and pitching stories that will undoubtedly challenge me to practice (and improve) my craft, I’m looking forward to boldly and confidently standing on business as a writer, author, and wine culture expert in 2024.
And I guess it doesn’t hurt that I do have a book coming out on March 12 (which you can pre-order here!), so cheers to taking that first step into a new growth zone!
What are you looking forward to in this new year? How are you planning on stretching yourself into the person you are destined to be? Which wines are you hoping to sip and savor in 2024? Leave a comment below and let me know!
2024 WINE PREDICTIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS
As a self-proclaimed wine culture expert, I can’t help but jump down a rabbit hole of trend and prediction articles at the top of a new year. Through my digging, I found that many industry publications and leaders are aligned on a few points (which I’ve listed below.) But I also wanted to throw in a few recommendations for those of you who are hoping to step out of your comfort when it comes to fermented grape juice.
PREDICTION: Younger wine drinkers are here to stay. (FINALLY!) – For so many years, the industry has harped on millennials and Gen Zers not drinking enough wine when the truth is, we have just been sipping on all of the other options on the market. This year, I believe that millennials are about to tap into their wine era and go beyond the rivers and lakes they’ve been used to.
PREDICTION: Natural, low-ABV, and no-ABV wines will continue to have a moment. And I don’t think the industry should view this as a bad thing. People choose not to drink for various reasons, and I think it’s important to always have non-alcoholic options for those who don’t want to partake. I also think it could be an opportunity for industry leaders to create new partnerships and build brands that appeal to everyone.
PREDICTION: Orange wine will continue to tantalize millennials’ tastebuds. The number of people I saw drinking orange wine via Instagram stories last year made my heart smile. It also makes me giggle a bit because it is just white wine with a lil’ tint, but that’s beside the point! I’m on the hunt for sparkling orange wines, so if you know of any - holler at me!
RECOMMENDATION: Support your local wine bars, wine shops, and wine programs! Chicago has a great wine scene, with several wine bars and shops that I frequent often. This year, my goal is to visit one new wine shop or wine bar each quarter - and yes, I will report my findings here. I encourage you to do the same!
RECOMMENDATION: Explore a grape variety or wine region outside of your normal choice. I am notorious for picking up the same bottles of bubbly from the same region whenever I go to Binny’s, and I kinda want to break that habit this year. In addition to personally studying four new regions (one each quarter), I’m going to try wines from different regions as well.
RECOMMENDATION: Take a road trip to a wine region nearest you! While I love visiting wine regions abroad, I have been dragging my feet on showing love to the ones right in my backyard! This is the year I will be taking a road trip to Traverse City, and spending time in the former cherry orchards turned wine vineyards.
WINE-ish NEWS CAN USE
Women in wine supporting other women in wine is a beautiful thing.
My fellow wine writer Sydney Love penned a lovely piece asking, “Whom Does Wine Belong To?”
Wine bars without menus are cool in theory, but they may throw an unexpected curve ball to the customer when that check comes.
When you create, you’re deepening your faith. (Word to
)A comedian moonlighting as a cognac connoisseur just gave one of the best interviews in 2024. “The truth don’t need motivation.”
My dear friend
published her first newsletter of the year in with some very helpful tips on goal setting.
TO #DRYJANUARY OR NOT TO #DRYJANUARY?
That truly is the question. (But not for me, I’ve got bottles to pop all month long. 😝)
However, I have observed Dry January once in my adulthood (three years ago amid the pandemic) and I found it to be an interesting experience. As a wine professional, taking a little hiatus from drinking wine is never a bad thing – especially after the many holiday parties and gatherings that take place in November and December.
In her latest newsletter
, author and wine educator shared how her video on Dry January might’ve shaken the table a bit, but with good reason:Lots of people said—and I agree—that we are all in charge of our individual bodies. Individual choice is paramount. But I remain sad and perplexed that the wine industry fails to tell its own story—the story of how healthful, communal, and good wine is in moderation. And how good it has been for thousands of years. As I said in the video (only slightly tongue-in-cheek), Dry January might find me drinking Extra Dry Champagne.”
And I couldn’t agree with her more. So if you’re taking on #DryJanuary - Godspeed! And if not, continue to pour up responsibly - and drink lots of water!
PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY OF WINE CONVO GENERATOR!
Thank you to everyone who has pre-ordered a copy of the book – I appreciate you so much! And if you haven’t, there’s still plenty of time!
Click below to get your copy so we can celebrate together on March 12, 2024!
Take it easy, homie.
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Just pre-ordered! Can’t wait to read it
I'm committing to one year of full-time entrepreneurship in 2024...I've had plenty of stops and starts on this journey, but trusting God's got me and my gifts will make a way!