First Blog // My experiences thus far

        My family likes wine. Period end. Growing up, we would have family dinner every night in a dining room around a table because my parents are traditional in that sense. There are 4 of us: my father, my mother, my older (5 years) brother, and myself. At dinner, there would always be a bottle of wine set out and while my brother and I had no interest in it, my parents would have a glass with dinner. This is still the case to the current day, but as I've grown up and my tastes matured, I also have a glass with dinner when I go home to visit with my parents.

        My first memorable experience with wine to note, aside from a holiday glass of sparkling wine or mimosa, was when I was 21. I had drank mostly cheap beer with my friends or shared Coors with my father when we worked on cars together, but I had no real taste or interest in wine. I was in DC with my family, having dinner at a nice restaurant and I decided on ordering a glass of wine with dinner. The server asked what I liked and I had no idea and my parents suggested tasting a few different reds because I knew the basics of wine pairing and had decided on an entree already. The server came back with three small pours and tasting each, I declared that they were all "fine". My older brother wasted no time and seized the opportunity to absolutely lambaste my lack of palette much to the amusement of my parents and the waitress. 

        Since then I think my tastes have matured and I typically have a bottle on hand (in the fridge) to use in my cooking and drinking. My girlfriend and I share dates at wineries and wine bars. I go to the Vintage Cellar for tastings and have been to the Wine Lab on a few occasions and I always take the time to pester the Kroger sommelier for his best >$10 picks whenever the opportunity presents itself.