As the new year rolls in, it’s the perfect time to set fresh resolutions—and if you’re a wine enthusiast, why not make them all about your favorite sip? From exploring new varietals and regions to choosing wines that fit a “better-for-you” lifestyle, there are countless ways to elevate your wine journey in 2025. Whether it’s refining your food and wine pairings, learning more about sustainable winemaking, or simply savoring each glass more mindfully, these resolutions are bound to add a touch of elegance and excitement to your year. Raise a glass to new beginnings, and let’s toast to making this year your best one yet for wine!
Sip more balanced
As we head into the New Year, many of us, myself included, are focused on living a healthier lifestyle—but let’s be honest, sticking to resolutions is all about balance. For me, that means starting 2025 on a healthy note without sacrificing the things I love most, like wine. The key lies in moderation and mindful enjoyment. Instead of cutting out wine entirely, I’ll aim for quality over quantity: savoring smaller pours of a nice Pinot Noir or Cabernet, pairing them with wholesome, nutrient-dense meals, and exploring lower-calorie wine options. By embracing a balanced approach, I can enjoy the things I love while staying committed to a healthier, sustainable lifestyle that I can stick to all year long
WINES to try
Explore New Varietals
For my New Year’s wine resolution, I’m committing to exploring new varietals that I typically don’t reach for. There are thousands of grape varietals grown around the world, each offering unique flavors and characteristics influenced by climate, soil, and winemaking techniques. My first stop will be exploring unoaked Chardonnay. I had previously written off Chardonnay, but I’ve come to realize that it’s such a wide-ranging variety with different styles—some of which I really enjoy. From crisp and mineral to rich and fruity, unoaked Chardonnay offers a refreshing and versatile experience. I’m excited to delve into this exploration and broaden my wine horizons in 2025!
WINES to try
Louis Jadot Mâcon-Villages
Explore New Regions
For my New Year’s wine resolution, I’m focusing on exploring wine regions I don’t always gravitate towards. There’s a whole world of wines beyond the familiar regions I usually reach for, and I’m excited to discover new styles and flavors from places that aren’t typically on my radar. Whether it’s the bold reds of the Southern Hemisphere or the crisp whites from lesser-known European regions, I’m ready to expand my wine journey in 2025. Portugal and Spain are two countries on my list to check out first. They both offer a rich history of winemaking, and I am excited to explore how their terroir and winemaking styles affect the wines.
WINES to try
Learn About Sustainable Winemaking
For my New Year’s wine resolution, I’m focusing on exploring sustainable winemaking practices and learning more about organic and biodynamic methods. Sustainability is becoming a key factor in wine production, with many wineries embracing eco-friendly practices that protect the environment and improve the quality of the wine. I’m excited to discover wines that are crafted with care for the planet, whether through organic farming, biodynamic principles, or sustainable viticulture. This journey will not only deepen my understanding of winemaking but also allow me to support wineries that prioritize the health of the earth.
WINES to try
Choosing the right Glassware
When it comes to drinking wine, the right glass plays a vital role in enhancing the experience of each sip, which is why in the New Year I am committed to finding the right glasses for each wine. I never knew how influential a wine glass is to their taste and aromas. One lesson I have learned so far is to focus on the shape of the glass: the bowl should always be bigger than at the top, creating a proper vertical shape for swirling and capturing aromas. Not only are there specific glasses for reds, whites, and bubbles, but also for particular wines, like Bordeaux or Pinot Noir. I also discovered the importance of how you hold your wine glass (it’s the stem if you didn’t already know). Holding a glass of wine by the bowl and not the stem can warm up the wine, muddling some of the more complex flavors and resulting in a flatter taste.
Elevate Wine & Food Pairings
This year, my New Year’s resolution is to take my wine and food pairings to the next level—because why should sommeliers have all the fun? First up: Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Clos Jebsal, which I’ll pair with seafood like shrimp or oysters and pretend I’m on a chic beach vacation. I’ll savor the crisp, citrusy taste of this wine and nod knowingly, as if I’ve mastered the art of pairing. Next, I’ll try out Sette Ponti Crognolo and pair it with all things tomato and pasta. I’ll enjoy the perfect balance of acidity and fruitiness while I eat a plate of pasta so big I’ll need a post-meal nap. Here’s to 2025: a year for bold pairings, new tastes, and discovering that, yes, you can drink wine at lunch if you call it research.
As we step into the new year, instead of focusing on the usual resolutions, why not elevate our lives by diving deeper into the things that truly inspire us? Focusing on our passions and exploring new interests can bring a fresh sense of excitement and purpose. For me, leveling up my wine game—whether through discovering new varietals, exploring sustainable practices, or embracing unique wine regions—feels like the perfect way to kick off 2025. It’s about embracing growth, broadening our horizons, and enjoying the journey as we discover new flavors and experiences that enrich our lives. Cheers to a year of wine exploration and personal growth!
