Like all forms of alcohol right now, wine is having an awkward time, challenged by neo-prohibitionists, scientists and policy makers as being bad for you and not favoured by the young.
That is not how I see it however. Proper wine, in all forms has a unique space. Sparkling wine is by far the choice of important celebratory gatherings, and no other form of beverage enhances the dining experience than a glass of really good still white, rosé or red. And young people, when given the chance and confidence to experience a great bottle of wine over dinner, or at celebrations, know that this is different, with a story and authenticity unmatched by any other drink. We need to make proper wine easier for them.
We need to stop being everything to everyone. Let the beer, spirits, RTD’s and cocktails fill the role of refreshing bar and BBQ drinking, before and after dinner moments, or no- and low-alcohol options, with or without stimulants. But leave the celebrations to traditional proper sparkling wine, and the dinner table to wine crafted by great farmers and artists in the cellar.
Proper wine, consumed in moderation with delicious food and great company will definitely make you want to live longer. There is every chance you will! And if you want to consume less alcohol, consider having just one glass with dinner (make sure it’s one of ours). Don’t fall for drinking that industrialised, low-alcohol excuse for wine that has all the goodness spun out of it, literally! And if you want to do zero alcohol, Antipodes Sparkling Water is the best table water in the world, and will enhance your dining experience with zero artefact.
Steve Smith MW
Founder and Estate Director
Pyramid Valley, Smith & Sheth, Lowburn Ferry
Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine Estates.
