Swirl and sip!  Why not? it’s National Wine Day. This day is celebrated annually in the United States with the simple purpose of buying wine, appreciating wine and enjoying the tradition and history of wine. This day is also dedicated to spreading awareness and health benefits of drinking wine. After all, wine has been a part of human civilization for thousands of years. It’s also weekend so this could be the perfect day to gather your friends and family over a glass of wine. If not that you can also go to fun events and tastings happening across the USA.

“Age is just a number. It's totally irrelevant unless, of course, you happen to be a bottle of wine”. – Joan Collins

History

While the history of National Wine Day seems to be hidden with the course of time, scientists, on the other hand, do have a pretty good idea when wine started being produced and consumed. The earliest evidence of wine production dates back to 4,300 BC in Armenia when scientists found a winery. Archaeologists not only discovered cups and jars holding wine but other wine producing equipment such as wine presses and fermentation vessels.  Before this site was discovered, the oldest known winemaking could only be traced back to about 900 years later than this find in an Egyptian tomb.

Wine has held its place in medicinal practices throughout the world as well. Only recently researchers have begun to find that wine may have possible therapeutic benefits. There are some health benefits also of drinking a glass of wine. Moderate drinkers have lower risks of liver disease, heart attack, stroke, and type two diabetes. In order to get the health benefits, make sure you aren’t overindulging

“Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance.” – Benjamin Franklin

What are the sommeliers serving on this day?

“I shall drink no wine before its time! Okay, it’s time.” – Groucho Marx

1. 2016 Saved Magic Maker Rosè

Rosès are the hottest blend especially during summer time and Saved’s take on this style is something to try on.  It is slightly acidic, somewhere between red and white which makes it perfect for summer offering. This is not overly sweet; you will get hints of fruits ranging from strawberry and peach.  Goes very well with seafood

2. Cavit Pinot Grigio

Enjoy this light and delicate wine with refreshing notes of green apple, almonds, and citrus. It can also be enjoyed as a splendid aperitif with dishes such as pasta in cream sauce, veal, risottos, and chicken.

3. Opaque Darkness

Everything that we love about big bold wines is captured by Opaque. Opaque’s flagship wine is the Darkness red blend, which combines Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Petit Verdot. After aging in French and American barrels, this handcrafted blend reveals ripe flavors of raspberry and blackberry with notes of spice and vanilla.

“I never taste the wine in restaurants. I just ask the waiter to pour.” – Nigella Lawson

4. 2014 Hunt Cellars Imagination Pinot Noir Reserve

There’s plenty of dark cherry in here with the addition of vanilla, raspberry, and chocolate which coats your mouth with flavors. Tannins are balanced perfectly which doesn’t give Imagination an overwhelming taste.

5. Winter’s Hill Rosè of Pinot Noir 2018

Taste and smell the terroir of this sophisticated pinot noir based rosè from Oregon Valley. It has a floral nose with ripe notes of guava and melon. It finishes beautifully with a balanced palate.

6. Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Double Diamond has lush flavors and food-friendly profile. It leaves a lasting impression, with intriguing aromas of black currants, dark cherries, cherry compote, and toast, that is mirrored on the wine’s rich palate.

7. Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2017

This stylish wine has several complex layers which reveal a little more with every sip. It is a light to medium bodied wine with balanced acidity which grows on the finish.