Valentines Day was yesterday, and I did not put out an article out on what to buy your sweetheart for that special day. Of course, I could have followed conventional wisdom and boosted my readership (perhaps), but I didn’t do it on purpose.
First off, Valentines Day fell on a Friday, which meant that more would go out on the town, knowing they would have the weekend to recover. When Valentines Day falls on a week day, it is more than likely going to be a stay-home celebration. In that case, more will bring home a bottle of wine and a bunch of flowers, perhaps cooking at home (or, have an earlier more conservative dinner out). The evidence (although not hard) of this was at the store I work at.
Last year when V-Day fell on a Thursday, wine sales in my department were strong. This year, not so much. Why you ask? It’s simple…Folks were going to a restaurant with their significant other. In the town I live in, all the popular restaurants were booked, I know because I tried to get a reservation for my wife and I. When folks go to a restaurant, they rely on the wine list offered and the suggestions of their server.
Yeah, I know I could have guided you on what your sweetheart might appreciate, but she or he was with you and certainly would have let you know right then and there. Hopefully the restaurant you went to had an adequate wine list and an informative Sommelier, waitress or waiter. I truly hope you found a wine you and your partner liked and didn’t have to take a loan out for.
I’m sorry if you came to my blog hoping to find an article on best wines for Valentines Day. Be forwarned, next year it falls on a Saturday and once again, you and many others will eat out. Once again, I will not post an article. However, the following year is a different story. As you know, I love to give advice on wine purchasing, and helping you find the best wine for your hard-earned dollar. Valentines Day is a tough one, because you need to know what your partner likes to drink.
My wife knows she can buy me just about anything, because I enjoy all styles, varietals and regions when it comes to wine. My wife loves Riesling. Most if not a majority are not that easy (and I’m a cheap date on top of it). So, here is my advice to you for the next year… Pay attention to what your partner says about the wine that you are drinking with them, and try to get a grip on their palate. It means a lot when you can buy the perfect bottle for them. Don’t assume they like everything you purchase throughout the year. Watch their reaction when they drink the wine and ask them some questions. It’s a fun assignment, and will give you a broader understanding of the pure subjectivity of wine.
I bought my wife a beautiful orchid…She loved it. I brought home a bottle of Syncline Wine Cellars “Scintillation” Sparkling Brut Rose that was absolutely deliciously dry with notes of tart cherries and cranberries with a backdrop of yeast and bread dough. My wife likes sparkling wine as well, but she was feeling under the weather and we had a quiet Valentines Day together at home. I hope you had a great V-Day with your significant other, partner or spouse.
Cheers! Stan The Wine Man
