My favorite day of the year, aside from Christmas and my birthday, of course.

Cheers, my fellow wine enthusiasts! It’s wine 'o’clock all day today! Break out those corkscrews and raise your glasses high because National Wine Day is here, and it's time to celebrate the wonderful world of vino. So, grab a glass, or a bottle and read on!

First, let's pour ourselves a bit of historical context and some of my random stream of consciousness. And full disclosure, I might or might not have already had a glass of wine while writing this. Wine has been flowing through our collective consciousness for thousands of years, traversing the grapevine from ancient civilizations to modern times. From the Bacchanalian revelries of the Romans to the sophisticated soirées of the French, wine has always held a special place in our hearts—and our cellars.

Did you know that the oldest winery in the world, dating back to 4100 BCE, was discovered in Armenia? Talk about aging like a fine wine! And did you ever wonder why wine bottles come in a specific shape? Well, it turns out those curvaceous bottles are not just for aesthetic appeal; they actually help with the aging process by allowing the sediments to settle at the bottom.

The language of wine is so full of fancy terms and poetic descriptions. Have you ever heard someone describe a wine as having "legs"? No, we're not talking about the kind you see at the gym. Legs refer to the streaks that form on the inside of a wine glass when you swirl it, indicating the wine's viscosity.

And what about those wine tasting notes that often leave us scratching our heads? "This wine has hints of leather, tobacco, and a touch of barnyard." Barnyard? Seriously? Are we drinking wine or taking a stroll through a petting zoo?

In a world that can often feel chaotic and unpredictable, wine offers a refuge of relaxation and pleasure. It's the perfect companion for life's ups and downs, helping us navigate through the highs and lows with grace, humor and a little bit of a mellow buzz.

In the age of social media, wine memes have taken the internet by storm, offering a delightful blend of humor and relatability. From memes about the struggle of choosing between red and white wine to those highlighting the all-too-familiar feeling of having a "glass" turn into a bottle, these light-hearted gems bring a smile to our faces and remind us that we're not alone in our love for the grape.

The world of wine is not just about the liquid inside the bottle; it's also about the delightful gadgets and accessories that accompany it. From aerators that promise to enhance the wine's flavors to wine bottle holders shaped like flamboyant animals, these quirky contraptions add an extra layer of amusement to our wine-drinking experiences. Who wouldn't want to impress their friends with a wine opener that looks like a mini medieval knight wielding a corkscrew? And, as a bonus it makes for a great instagram post.

For wine enthusiasts, traveling to wine regions around the world is like embarking on a pilgrimage. It's a chance to explore stunning vineyards, meet passionate winemakers, and immerse oneself in the local wine culture. Plus, it’s also a challenge to see how many vineyards you can make it to in a day. (Start early with a breakfast wine). Imagine strolling through rows of lush green vines, savoring tastings under the warm sun, and indulging in gourmet food pairings. Whether it's the rolling hills of Tuscany, the sun-kissed valleys of Napa, or the rugged beauty of the Douro Valley, wine travel is a dream come true for those seeking both adventure and a good glass of wine. Or five.

National Wine Day is not just about the clinking of glasses and the indulgence in delicious libations; it's a celebration of the joy, laughter, and camaraderie that wine brings to our lives. From the historical tales of ancient winemaking to the humorous moments shared over a bottle, wine has woven itself into the tapestry of our culture and has created some lasting memories in all of our lives. (Depending on how much we drank of course). And make sure to save all those corks over the years so, you too, can make holiday crafts such as this wreath below.

Benjamin Franklin once said, "Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy" So, on this National Wine Day, let's embrace the happiness, raise our glasses to the grape, and toast to the delightful journey that wine takes us on. Cheers, my friends, and may your glasses always be filled with laughter, love, white, red or a little bit of rosé instead.