There’s something very extraordinary about wine. Something beyond the nose, beyond the palate, something beyond the bottle. Maybe it’s the way holding a stem brings about a sense of sophistication and class. Maybe it’s the graceful aging in barrells or the romantic image of a wine bottle crusted with a cellar aged-label. Maybe it’s the toast that brings a feeling of hope. Perhaps it’s the way it brings people together, creates laughter and brings on a euphoric energy. It’s a much different experience than one gets from enjoying a cocktail. Wine brings people together, creates ‘moments’ and an ‘experience’ you most likely won’t forget. For example, I remember having my first bottle of Tignanello at Branzino, my first glass of Efeste at Urbane and my first bottle of Obelisco with Darin Williams of Small Lot Co-Op. In fact, I remember exactly where I was, who I was with and where I sat when I enjoyed my first glass of wine. Well, let me rephrase that…my first glass of ‘good wine’. Each sip felt like a ‘moment’ and each ‘moment’ became nostalgic.
In ancient times, wine played an important role in ceremonial life and still does today. We drink wine to celebrate, we drink wine to mourn, and we drink wine for pure palatable pleasure. And while I don’t remember my first vodka drink or my very first shot of tequila, I do remember the instant before, how I felt during and the moments succeeding my first sip of wine.
A few restaurants known for their spectacular wine lists:
