Cheers! Grab a glass and take a sip (or gulp), National Wine Day is May 25
By Natalie Marusin
As famous New York wine merchant William Sokolin once said, “What is the definition of a good wine? It should start and end with a smile.” We couldn’t agree more. So, whether you are gathering with friends, enjoying a meal or just having a single glass, May 25 should be filled with smiles as we celebrate National Wine Day.
And while the mood to celebrate is in the air, it might suffice to take a step back and learn a few quirky facts and misconceptions about that alluring drink some know as vino.
All wine is better with age? Not so much.
The next time you are wined and dined, take note. It is most likely that the oldest is not always the best wine on the list.
According to Kevin Zraly, author of Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: 25th Anniversary Edition, more than 90 percent of all wines should be consumed within the first year of bottling. What? That wine myth certainly had us fooled.
The three major collections that should be preserved for more than 10 years, however, are Châteaux of Bordeaux, the best kinds of California Cabernet Sauvignon and the most exquisite of vintage port.
Raise a glass to your health.
The sweet nectar of the gods can take the edge off a long week. It is also said that a glass a day can keep the doctor away. But can we believe it?
A report by the American Journal of Epidemiology claims that those who regularly drink red wine had 44 percent fewer colds than those who do not drink red wine. A healthy dose of wine also has been found to help lower cholesterol by up to 20 percent if consumed in moderation.
An added bonus, according to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, is that there are only 100 calories in a 5-ounce glass of wine. So, as if you needed any other reason to toast on this national holiday, know wine is also fat-free and cholesterol- free. Cheers to that!
Wine has been around how long?
As we tip our glass and pour another goblet, one might wonder where this worldwide celebrated beverage made its start. Legends and accounts date wine back to as early as 7000 BC in what is now the country of Georgia. Say what?
Although, the oldest bottle of wine in existence was discovered in Speyer, Germany in 1867, during an excavation of two Roman stone sarcophagi. This 1,650-year-old bottle, on display at Pfalz Historical Musuem in Germany, dates back to 350 AD. It is sealed with wax and contains a white liquid. Scientists have debated cracking open the more than 602,000 day-old bottle but have yet pop the cork.
Celebrities are hitting the bottle.
The list of celebrity-owned wineries has soared sky high, as many star-studded aficionados are trying their hand in the wine market. Some celebs, including Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and David and Victoria Beckham even have vineyards for their own personal use. How about an invite?
Others have hit the market and are leveraging their name in the wine industry. NBC reports stars like Drew Barrymore, Antonio Banderas, singers such as Fergie, Mick Fleetwood and Bob Dylan, as well as athletes like race car driver Jeff Gordan have all dabbled in the wine-making biz. In fact, according to the network, celebrity wine sales exceeded $50 million in 2008. Needless to say, the wine market is the new it-thing in Hollywood.
So, how will you celebrate National Wine Day? As you know, May 25 only comes around once a year, so we are stocking up on all our favorites without breaking the bank. Here are three to check out:
- Wine.com is offering 5 percent off your purchase of 12 or more bottles and $10 off all purchases over $150.
- WSJ Wine is also offering a fabulous deal that will pad your pocket. Join the WSJ Wine Club and have 12 world-class bottles delivered right to your door with $120 savings.
- And even if you want to celebrate this national holiday low-key, Wine of the Month is offering a deal that will mash your grapes. Two premium select wines at just $9.98? Can you say a 55 percent savings? We can!
Other articles you might also like:
• How to look festive on Memorial Day – without being cheesy
• 5 freebies to kick off your summer vacation
• Skinny cocktails, backyard games and other healthy ways to celebrate Mother’s Day
