Why I Drink Wine

I was at a place of business that had a full bar the other day, and I was intrigued by a sign on the wall that read: “Buy any drink, and receive a second shot for $2.”

I couldn’t resist. I approached the bartender, pointed to the sign and asked, “Does that go for wine, too?”

I believe the bartender was confused for just a split second before he figured out I was being a smart-aleck.

“Nope, just missed drinks,” he said.

I then asked what most people did with their second shot of booze. He said it was about 50:50. Half had it added to their original order, creating a “double,” while half had it served in a shot glass and consumed it in a single swig.

For the first group — many of them, anyway — it extended their sipping time. For the second group, it was a way to “feel no pain” a little more quickly.

I can relate to the first group a whole lot more than the second, because I’ve never found getting drunk to be that much fun, and recovering from it even less so. The bartender confirmed that those who opted for the “doubles” often were couples or pairs of couples who were interested in socializing over an extender period of time.

To me, wine is the most “social” of all adult beverages. Sitting with a good glass of wine and a Significant Other or BFF can be one of life’s great pleasures. And because wine contains less alcohol than drinks made with liquor — especially doubles — you can drink it and enjoy each other’s company longer.

I drink wine because it can transform a simple meal into a culinary adventure. I drink wine because of the anti-oxidants it contains. But mainly, I drink wine because it can be a conversation starter or a conversation enhancer.

Why do you drink wine?