New Year’s resolutions don’t always have to involve giving something up. Instead, we challenge you to create a more thoughtful, intentional, and meaningful relationship with wine by making every sip count. We admire the spirit behind Dry January and strongly support anyone who’s chosen to explore this option. However, we’ve noticed over the years that when people decide to participate, they often fail to identify a specific intention and define their ‘why.’
Perhaps you’d like to cut down on alcohol for health reasons. Did you know Bright Cellars now offers low-alcohol wine? Plus, certain wines (in moderation) can actually be diet friendly. Maybe you’d like to save money this month (all those fancy cocktails at the bar add up!). Did you know a wine subscription can actually save you money in the long run?
As we set our intentions for the new year, we encourage you to make the best decisions for your lifestyle and always place your sights on an intentional, fulfilling relationship with alcohol. Here are 7 ways to make this month a ‘Try January.’
1. Try a new style of wine, new variety, or wine from a new appellation
Red wine drinkers, we’re looking at you. This ‘Try January’, we encourage you to step outside your wine comfort zone! Try white, Rosé or sparkling wine. Play around with variety and appellation as well. If you swear by Cabernet Sauvignon, perhaps you’d enjoy a Tannat or Carménère. If you’re dead set on Italian wine, try a bottle from right here in the U.S. (perhaps the Pacific Northwest?)
If you’re the type of person who knows exactly which wine you like, we applaud you. You’ve put in the hard work to learn your palate, and that should be celebrated. But the journey doesn’t stop there! Keep your wine education coming by expanding your wine horizons. The more wines you try, the better you’ll understand their relationship to each other. Who knows? You may just find a wine that surprises you.
2. Experiment with pairing your wine with food for a whole new experience
Pairing food and wine unlocks a whole new flavor sensation. If you’re looking to take your wine to the next level, start with the basics and work your way up. Which wine should you serve with BBQ? Which wine pairs best with seafood? Specifically sushi? We always say, “what grows together, goes together” but there’s so much more to learn. Keep the pairing knowledge flowing and learn how to pair food with wine like a pro.
3. Lean into low-alcohol wine
Attention wine lovers! Bright Cellars has officially started offering low-alcohol wine. They’re the same Bright Cellars wine brands you know and love, but instead of the regular 10%-15% alcohol content, these bottles have an ABV of 6%. If you'd like to buy a custom case, email concierge@brightcellars.com.
Low-alcohol wine allows you to mindfully consume alcohol in a way that aligns with your goals. You can still enjoy the experience of wine while practicing moderation.
4. Drink diet-friendly wines
Yep, you read that right. Certain wines are actually permitted for paleo, keto, and other diets.
It is possible to maintain a healthy lifestyle without kicking alcohol completely to the curb, though we always recommend drinking in moderation, consulting your doctor, and putting your health first when making these lifestyle decisions.
5. Explore sustainable, biodynamic, and natural wines
If your inspiration for Dry January is based on the idea of being more sustainable, you’ll be glad to hear there are wines for that. Sustainable wines are made with conscious effort to reduce waste and harm to the environment, and Bright Cellars proudly carries these wines. Check out our Dead Stars and Black Holes wines, Terraform wines, or our newest line, Living Essence.
If you’re interested in moon cycles or connectedness, you may be interested in biodynamic wine. These wines exhibit a holistic approach to viticulture and rely heavily on the lunar calendar.
Lastly, natural wine is an unfiltered version of wine. It can be quite difficult to regulate and requires a lot of time, attention, and proper storage, but some people really enjoy it.
6. Trade out your low-quality, cheap wines for higher-quality wines
If you’re going to make every sip count, you should be drinking quality wine. There’s a time and a place for our good friend two-buck Chuck, but this ‘Try January,’ we’re emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity. Drinking in moderation has never tasted so good.
Not sure where to start? Take our taste palate quiz and get matched to premium wines, delivered to your doorstep.
7. Save money on wine by subscribing to a monthly wine subscription
Dry January isn't the only way to save money on alcohol! The reality is, you’re probably overpaying for wine at the grocery store. Wine subscriptions like Bright Cellars can actually save you money because they cut out the middleman.
Not to mention, they do the heavy lifting of sending the wine to you and picking out all your bottles. You’re less likely to wind up with a bottle of wine you dislike, and if you’re ever not in love with a Bright Cellars bottle, we’ll replace it in your next box for free. No risk. All the reward.
In Vino Finito
What are your goals for the New Year, and how does wine fit into them? Let us know, and we’ll do our part to keep the wine education coming.
