With mixed fanfare, school is back in session. Finally, those of us of drinking age can setting back into more practical routines, and maybe(?) get some actual work done. I mean, sure, vacation was great. The road trip was absolutely necessary and welcomed, but the pull of home, and whatever normal is, has some gravity.

 

What I dig the most about the beginning of September is the crisp air that begins to sneak into the evenings, watching my favorite wineries begin or finish harvest, and scheming with my spouse about the holidays. All while drinking some great juice at more… responsible times of the day. I guess summer Friday has officially come to an end?

 

WHAT TO DRINK WITH POST-SOCCER PRACTICE FAST FOOD

We’ve all been there. The entire car is starving and this is the easy move. No shame in picking up something quick on the way home, popping a bottle, and just digging in. Go for similarly easy drinking wines like Pleasures Pinot Noir, Granite Hill Pinot Grigio, or I Veroni Quona Chianti Rufina Reserva. All simply tasty, and without big tannin or acid to overly compete with whatever you snagged. 

 

WHAT TO DRINK WHEN THE KIDS ARE FINALLY IN BED

Ahh a few quiet moments to relax. This is the time for something a bit more contemplative. Nebbiolos, Sangiovese, and Pinot Noir unfold and reveal more and more as they open up over time, and make for great wines to nurse for the evening. They’re not the only ones, but they’re my go-to’s. Amici’s Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Marcel Chevalier Volnay Les Fremiets Premier Cru, or Serbolino Brunello di Montalcino are all easy picks, and certainly the tip of the iceberg. 

 

WHAT TO DRINK WHILE PLOTTING YOUR NEXT MOVE OF WORLD DOMINATION

Whether it’s a new job, or business, or whatever your next big move is, a little lubrication can help get the wheels spinning. But I don’t necessarily want a distracting wine either. I pull old reliables like Chardonnay, from anywhere, Sauv Blanc, or mid-weight reds like those from Spain or Italy. Knight’s Bridge Pont de Chevalier, Eleven Eleven Chardonnay,  Go Figure Lot 69 Marche Rosso, or Bodegas Langa hit the spot.   

 

WHAT TO DRINK WHEN YOUR IN-LAWS HAVE CLAIMED MORE HOLIDAY TIME THAN YOU EXPECTED

It’ll be fine. This is fine! They’re lovely people. You’ve got two to three months to prepare. You got this. Let’s not worry about it now, though… how about some Zin? Valpolicella? What else has high alcohol… Grenache? Drink some water, so you have one less regret in the morning. They’re gonna help you cook! It’s gonna be great!

 

WHAT TO DRINK AFTER STARTING YOUR OWN SCHOOLING AGAIN

Whether you’re taking advantage of **looks around** whatever this is, or simply going back to school to wrap up or (re)start your degree, you’ve made a big step. You deserve something grand! But let’s keep it civil so you don’t necessarily have to go back to an all ramen diet like the last time you were attending school. Treat yourself with some bubbles – Val Prosecco Valdobiadenne Superiore really hits the spot, or get a bit into some fizzy chenin with Domaine du Vieil Orme Cremant de Loire. Oh and Marie Hanze is mighty fine and affordable Champagne, too.

 

WHAT TO HAVE AVAILABLE TO DRINK WITH ANY MEAL AND NOT HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IT

It never hurts to just have a go-to that you know you like so you can just get your post-day chill on without thinking. You know what you like, but I’m never disappointed with something from the Go Figure, or Fog Mountain, or Olema lineups. They’re all made or sourced by the most knowledgeable people, and are 100% dependably delightful. 

 

WHAT TO DRINK BECAUSE IT’S TUESDAY

We all need to drink more bubbles. Period. There doesn’t have to be a wild celebration or anything. Sparkling wine should just be a part of life. Tuesdays are perfect for this. The week is off and running, and there’s usually so little reason for the day to be anything beyond ordinary. This is exactly why you should crack some bubbles. I’ve already mentioned Marie Hanzie Brut, but don’t hesitate to make it a great Tuesday with icons like Agrapart’s 7 Crus or Billecart Salmon Brut Rosé.

 

WHAT TO DRINK WITH SUNDAY ROAST

The week is over, and perhaps you’ve been able to herd the cats in order to sit down for dinner. How civilized! How Rockwellian! We all need these moments from time to time, as they help keep the Monday Scaries at bay for just a little while longer. Why not crack some Bordeaux, or Oregon Pinot with that roast. Perhaps even be so bold as to have a splash of dessert wine with that shortcake? Enjoy the moment. Save tomorrow for tomorrow and enjoy having everyone around the table for a few.

PERFECT PAIRINGS FOR FALL