The National Wine UnClub
Blog/Newsletter

December 2012

The End?

I’ve been thinking about writing this VinoBlog for quite awhile now and it seems that somehow it hasn’t happened. I’m usually quite disciplined when it comes to sharing my thoughts with you here but this year seems different. The whole 2012-end of time (Mayan-time that is) you might say! Come to think of it…the end of each calendar year in the West has this apocalyptic effect on me…perhaps others following different calendars have a similar experience. I don’t really know.

What should be said about the world of wine given this end-of-year angst? It seems trivial against the backdrop of today’s vast array of stupendous events. Well, despite what may be reported in the daily global news media, life goes on with all its complexity in a simple, primal way. We still breathe, our heart stills beats, and we need to eat, drink, and be merry (live in joy and peace here on our dear Mother Earth)!

I welcome this season of giving and appreciation despite its over-wrought commercial glitz; remembering what matters most at this, and all times – that we love one another and open our hearts to the diversity of our world to at least have some dawning appreciation of the other person’s view of life. This goes a long way towards promoting “Peace on Earth; Goodwill towards Mankind”.

Perhaps the above sentiment is best achieved when it comes to appreciating art: the visual and performing arts; audible art (music and live poetry readings); and the culinary arts. When we listen to a Tchaikowsky symphony; or view a Van Gogh painting, or consume an exquisitely prepared entree from a master chef with a fine vintage of one of the world’s most glorious wines, we all seem to agree that life is good!

The fact that many people around the world can now access some level of the higher arts of mankind is a wonderful thing despite the awful reality that many people are still wanting in their living conditions. All that anyone really needs is simple nourishment and shelter from the elements, and great pleasure can be derived from the simplest of meals. However, the goal should be that all can enjoy the art of life at the basic level of at least having enough!

I see the spirit of giving at this time of year and I know it extends globally in many ways through many programs to rescue the destitute people in our world. I salute the efforts of the many charities I work with in my area and how they are reaching out to help others. It’s heart-warming and we do all we can to lend a hand through supporting these charitable events locally.

So, let the joyous holiday season be full of light and life in your hearth and home; we wish you all happiness, joy and peace! We pray that you may have a few wonderful meals with friends and family accompanied by a fine libation. We look forward to a new year with a ray of hope in our hearts as we come together to create our world anew because, with every end, what follows is a new beginning!

Cheers!

Captain Vino