Rediscovering the Joy of Wine: A Journey Back After an Unexpected Hiatus

My last article touched on the topic of whether or not wine is detrimental to our health, leaving readers to ponder their own relationships with wine. Over time, many individuals choose not to drink alcohol for various reasons, be it for specific months like January or on designated days of the week. Personally, I had never experienced a prolonged break from wine until recently due to an unexpected medical emergency.

Despite a serious injury that led me through extensive medical recovery, I found myself craving comfort foods like chicken noodle soup, rather than wine. Without realizing it, I initiated my own version of "Dry January," which extended into "Wine Free February" and then "Maybe Not March."

One chilly Saturday afternoon in March, after weeks spent in hospitals, I returned home and decided to rekindle my relationship with wine. I took a sip of one of my go-to single malt Scotches, only to find it harsh and bitter, like battery acid. My beloved red wine tasted just as awful, leaving me puzzled and worried. Was it the various medications I was taking, or had my palate changed forever? The idea of not enjoying wine felt deeply unsettling, especially since it is woven into my identity as a wine writer, educator, and enthusiast.

Weeks passed, and I refrained from drinking, trying to push aside these worries. One evening, I decided to take a tiny sip of a white wine my wife was enjoying—a 2022 Appassionata Uber Sauvignon Blanc. To my surprise, it tasted delightful, rekindling my hopes. The following day, I seized the opportunity to celebrate my first official glass of wine post-recovery with a bottle of 2018 Tenuta Sant Antonio Castagnedi Amarone Della Valpolicella.

What a joy it was! After nearly two months without wine, the first sip of the Amarone was a revelation—tight and austere with hints of sandalwood and cedar, evolving into more delicate fruit flavors over time. It reminded me of why I loved wine in the first place and confirmed that my palate was returning.

Over the next few days, I ventured to explore more wines, including a 2020 Famiglia Pasqua Ripasso, which paired beautifully with the prior Amarone, and a few other favorites. The simple pleasure of savoring these wines brought back a sense of normalcy in the whirlwind of my recent experiences.

Now, I am relieved that wine, once again, tastes wonderful. This newfound appreciation for wine might seem trivial to others, but it represents a return to normalcy amidst the turmoil of recent months. Cheers to that!

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!