Recent conversation between a couple sommeliers:

Tim: “I mean, I like wine, too, you know.”

Susanne: “Yeah. I never thought about it much, but I think you’re on to something here.”

Catherine: “Holy crap! Me too!”

Doug: “Now I’m depressed. Thanks for reminding me, bro. Happy Holidays.”

After a few phone calls it became clear the phenomena was not my own. Many sommeliers and wine industry peeps are on the other side of this dreaded disease.

It’s called Vinus Fridgidus.

Suffers from Vinus Frigidus

Vinus Frigidus is the inability of one outside the wine business to share fermented grape juice with an acquaintance in the wine business. Symptoms include irrational fear of being perceived as lacking taste buds or sound judgment, often leading to anxiety, unusual bowing of head and/or uncalled-for moments of apology.

People that study, work and breathe wine quickly learn the true joy is in sharing, not judging. Sharing the first sip, the second bottle. And as much as we love talking factoids and history, or answering what questions we can about your bottle at hand, we get a bigger thrill discovering what you know and like about your wines.

See, none of us know it all. In fact, the further you go down the rabbit hole the more you realize there is no destination. In vino land there is only more. More to discover. More to share. More to pour. That’s the thrill of it all. Pushing boundaries, growing, learning to roll with it, baby.

So don’t be shy when your “wine connoisseur” friend invites you to the next dinner party. Forget the flowers and let your freak cork pop.

See you back here in a few.

TG