After all the indulgences of the holidays, and checking the scale, it is time to set our New Year’s resolutions. Often these include weight loss, changes in nutritional habits or behaviors and other actions to create a healthier lifestyle.
Whichever you decide to do, or if you don’t change a thing, I hope that you have a Happy 2024 and get curious about wine this year. We look forward to seeing you at a From the Vine to Wine class or event in Portsmouth, NH or Portland, ME this year!
DRY JANUARY
Many people set an intention to not drink during “Dry January”. 31 days without alcohol can be cleansing as well as sometimes challenging. This trend started in the UK and has caught on worldwide. Keys to success are making this goal known to those around you and limiting “triggers” or places where you may be tempted to consume alcohol.
But just because this trend is followed by others doesn’t mean you have to go along with the crowd. Two other options that might fit your lifestyle better are “Damp January” and “Try January”.
Want to have something to look forward to after you complete your challenge? Sign up for this great event in downtown Portsmouth on February 1, 2024
The Wonderful Wines of Italy Tickets, Thu, Feb 1, 2024 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite
DAMP JANUARY
Damp January is a scaled back version of Dry January. You may not feel that alcohol consumption is an issue for you (note: if you do, there are groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous that can be a support as well as your physician or therapist). If so, you may choose another plan to reduce alcohol consumption. It can be only drinking on the weekend, switching from spirits to lower alcohol or beer, or substituting low alcohol beverages for high alcohol drinks (spritzers versus martinis). Another option is choosing quality over quantity. Perhaps drinking one really nice glass of wine with dinner versus two or more of your go-to everyday wine. In this way you are more mindful of the experience and drink to enjoy rather than intoxicate.
TRY JANUARY
Something that I recommend if you are not choosing Damp or Dry January is Try January. This is a great way to get out of your rut and experience new styles of wines and new grape varieties. It can be as simple as going to the store and picking a wine you have been curious about, looking up information online and tasting it. Or you can choose to try wines from a country or region that you haven’t tasted before. This is a great thing to do with friends or family once a week without being overindulgent. Local wine shops like Islington Bottle Shoppe and South Street & Vine in Portsmouth, NH as well as Grippy Tannins in Portland, ME, often have regular tastings or offer flights of samples of wine. These locations as well as small wine shops around the country have knowledgeable staff that can introduce you to new wines to expand your horizons. Check out our Wine Tasting Themes page for more focused and educational avenues to explore the world of wines.
Cheers to 2024!
