Wine in any weather: The #1 recreational sport

Jacqueline Zonkowski
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Enjoy wine in any weather no matter the season

Wine in the sand or wine in the snow? Why choose when you can enjoy wine in any weather? I’m here to make a case for wine being the #1 recreational sport, and when you buy wine online, you don’t even need to leave your porch or couch to participate. 

We’ve all seen those pillows at TJ Maxx that say, “I’m outdoorsy, I drink wine on the porch.” If you’re like me, you say to yourself, “OMG, me too!” 

We need to take this back to basics, though. By definition from encyclopedia.com, “Recreational sports are those activities where the primary purpose of the activity is participation, with the related goals of improved physical fitness, fun, and social involvement often prominent. In addition, recreational sports are usually perceived as being less stressful, both physically and mentally, on the participants.” 

Based on this, wine drinkers have been active recreational sports participants since the beginning of time. You can drink wine in any weather, it’s fun, it’s social, it’s a great way to unwind and destress, and depending on how big your bottle is (hello Nebuchadnezzar), it’s also an arm workout. 

Wine drinking is also a great indoor/outdoor sport, and who doesn’t love a bit of versatility with their activities? There is a wine for every season, so you can’t be bothered to say, “Oh, it’s too cold for a beer right now.” or “It’s too hot outside for a spiked cider.” Oh no, wine is for any time, place, or temperature. 

Let’s break this down season by season. 

 

Winter – think red wine

There’s nothing quite as idyllic as watching the snowfall with a glass of red wine in hand. Since we have a focus on Pacific Northwest wines, we love to bundle up and head outside with a Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon from one of our nearby Walla Walla wineries. A bold Washington red wine robust with black fruits, chocolate, and leather with a long finish is a great way to stay warm while you’re outside. You may even feel inspired to build a snowman while you’re at it!

 

Spring – try a sparkling wine

Moving on into spring, there are so many options. The weather swings from chilly mornings to warm afternoons, so we like to toast new beginnings with some bubbly. Oregon is the new hotspot for sparkling wines if you haven’t heard already. So we say grab some Oregon wine to get you from those April showers into May flowers. 

 

Summer – California dreaming

Ah, sweet summertime. We’re going with the obvious choice here and pulling out some rosé. While we love the pink drink all year, it’s just an iconic wine for summer. You can sense the change in season when you walk into your wine shop, and all of a sudden, the rosé bottles have taken over. So pack an ice bucket and bring a few options to the pool to share with friends. You’ll be an instant favorite.  

 

Fall – the color of the leaves hints at Chardonnay

There’s just something about fall. The leaves are changing, the temperature dropping, football on TV all weekend, so much to look forward to. It’s also an excellent opportunity to pair your wines to the color of the leaves. Trust us; it’s a fun game to play and a perfect challenge for your next outdoor get-together. For example, when those leaves hit their golden hues, grab a buttery Sonoma County Chardonnay and sit by the firepit as the cool air winds around you. 

The next time you’re at a loss for what to drink or bring to a friend, remember the answer is wine in any weather. 

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About Jacqueline Zonkowski

As an avid traveler, Jacqueline started finding herself in popular wine regions around the world, fueling her passion for food and wine. When she isn't traveling you will find her at home with a glass of wine in hand and a smile on her face while tasting new recipes with her Chef husband. She received her WSET Level II Certification with Distinction, Argentina Wine Specialist, and Oregon Wine Expert certifications. Jacqueline has worked in the wine marketing and hospitality industry for many years. She continues to increase her wine knowledge and looks forward to creating her own wine one day.