Big Fat Wine

From day one, starting Big Fat Wine, we decided to take a “no rules” approach to the entire wine lifestyle. That doesn’t mean there aren’t certain rituals that go with the experience but if you get too carried away with proper etiquette you miss out on some of the romance. Following the basic rules about enjoying wine and sharing the joy with your friends is of primary importance. Don’t get bogged down in jargon or complex rules. Don’t pretend to know it all because you can spend a lifetime learning about wine and yet not know enough.

People, who let themselves get intimidated by wine and let that stop them are missing out. They’re missing out on good conversation because each bottle comes with a bit of history and a slice of geography. There’s no other beverage that excites as much animation at the dinner table. They’re also missing out on really enjoying the full experience of good food, nothing enhances good food like good wine.  It’s one beverage that brings out the best in chefs around the world. There is always a wine that is waiting to be paired with just about everything we eat, with the exception of… (nothing I can think of). That’s what makes the wonderful world of wine so exciting, so full of discoveries that take you by surprise.

But you can spoil the party for others by being a wine snob, dropping jargon that other people find hard to understand. There are no rules of wine etiquette, but there’s definitely an unwritten code, and topping it is the commandment that requires you not to bore the hell out of others

You won’t see us displaying or flaunting our wine certifications or degrees in enology here at Big Fat Wine. For one, they simply do not exist. Secondly, to quote Tommy Boy, “I’d rather take a
butcher’s word for it”. Translation: Listen to your friends that truly enjoy wine. Ask them what they like and why they like it. Practice – practice – practice. Try new wines wherever you go. You will only know what you like by identifying what you don’t like. Comparison shopping made simple.

This is not my private vigil to demean education. By all means, listen to the educated. I have read more material this past year than in my entire life! In fact, plans do exist, to register in some educational courses in the future. So I can flaunt my own sommelier red badge of courage? I think not. Just the idea of  learning more about a subject matter that I am so passionate about is extremely exciting! If the credentials come, it will obviously provide a feeling of accomplishment but I presume it will also be a constant reminder of what I still don’t know and have yet to learn.

And lest  we forget…

Rest in peace Chris Farley! We miss you.

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