7 Ways to Celebrate #NationalWineDay

#NationalWineDay

Try a new-to-you wine.

There’s never been a better reason to try a wine that you haven’t had before. Whether it be a new style, brand or grape varietal, adventure out of your comfort zone and sip on something new.

Enjoy a glass al fresco.

Wine and fresh air—need we say more? This is a great way to spend the day. Add a cheese and charcuterie platter or make it a picnic for more outdoor fun.

Cheers to the weekend with that bottle.

You know which bottle we are talking about. The one in the back of your cellar that you are just itching for an excuse to open. #NationalWineDay falls on a Friday this year. That’s the perfect occasion (Read: excuse) to open a bottle that you have been saving but can’t wait to try.

Go wine tasting.

While you never need an occasion for wine tasting, #nationalwineday is a prime day to spend tasting. What better location than Napa Valley! By car or by train, there are numerous options to tour. Find what fits your style and come visit us at Whitehall Lane Winery.

Tip: Can’t make it to Napa Valley? Host your own tasting with a flight of wines from Whitehall Lane Winery. Start with our Sauvignon Blanc. Then progress as follows: Las Brisas Pinot Noir, Merlot, Tre Leoni Red Wine, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Mancino Cabernet Sauvignon. Pick and choose 4, 5 or 6 your favorites, and serve 1.5oz of each for your tasting. Bonus tip: When serving in the order suggested, the wine builds so there’s no need for a fresh glass for each wine!

Enjoy a wine dinner.

Good food, great wine, and even better company is our favorite way to spend Friday night. We also love a meal with wine pairings. Many restaurants offer a wine paired menu, but you can DIY this one as well. Try pairing wines to your favorite dishes for a new spin on old standbys. There’s a surplus of suggestions on the blogosphere to help you, but your local wine shop will have suggestions too.

Host a wine movie marathon.

Pair with a flight of wines, gourmet popcorn, and cozy blanket. A thematic movie night is a great way to celebrate. Looking for some movie suggestions? Check out Sonoma’s list of best wine movies here.

Read while sipping a glass of wine.

For those of us ready to wine down, nothing pairs better than a book and a glass of wine. If you are looking for a new wine book, Cork Dork offers an introspective look at the sommelier career sprinkled with wine facts, scientific research about the nose and more interesting tidbits. While those in the industry argue whether it is a book for the novice or the master, we believe anyone will find something in this New York Times Bestseller.

There you have it! 7 great ideas for how to spend #NationalWineDay. Whether you are wine-ing down or kicking off your weekend, we hope you enjoy the wine!