Well, my mom just entered semi-retirement this week, joining my dad who has been fully retired for several years now. They had started to pick up more hobbies once their kids started leaving the house for college — tinkering with stained glass, bread-making, and making their own bacon for example. However, one thing that they have really enjoyed is the study of wine. My parents began by reading the New York Times Wine School column, which is a great, although somewhat intimidating starting point.
The wines suggested by the column are often difficult to find unless you live in a large market area with large wine stores. For my parents, they luckily live in the Chicagoland area and frequent the local Binny’s Beverage Depot. If you aren’t familiar with the chain, picture a large grocery store; except all liquor. Well — not all liquor, they also have a smaller humidor section too. This chain of stores is really an enabler for my parents to try many of the wines that are on the Wine School list. Availability in your area may be much more limited.
My parents started traveling to vineyards, taking wine tours down the river Rhine, and touring the French countryside exploring various red, white, and sparkling wines. Another couple and them have been having a weekly get-together where they exchange good stories and great wine, trying out something new or different. Now, they have taken it one step further. They have a website. FridayEveningWineClub.com is a place to read stories about their wine travels and also find out what they are drinking this week. Cheers as they begin their new adventure with their website!
