A votre santé!

Hard to believe that it is almost my 21st! I am now in the process of learning the 'art of the drink'. And... I think I am in way over my head. My list of drinks to taste is endless, I will keep you all informed of my progress. Here is the short list of bars and lounges where I plan to (okay, more like dream about) educate myself on wine and trendy cocktails. 

Hotel Biron: San Francisco 

(Specializes in vintage wine labels)

Ultra Lounge and Wine Bar at the Ivy Hotel: San Diego

Death and Co: East Village NYC  [433 East 3rd Street]

55 Degrees: Las Vegas

(They have over 2,000 wine labels!)

Wines are of particular interest to me...

History and Benefits:

Wine is one of the oldest beverages known to man. Written records dating back 4,000 years refer to the dietary and therapeutic uses of wine. The health effects of wine have now been confirmed in many studies and modern day research experiments. 

In moderation, wine appears to be more than just a beverage containing alcohol. Research studies indicate that drinking alcohol moderately (two to three glasses of wine per day) can help lower cholesterol, decrease the risk of coronary heart disease and help us live longer.

(The chemical structure of certain antioxidants found in wine are pretty cool - I will spare you from those details, though. All you need to know is that said antioxidants may combat wrinkles!)

Organic Wines:

Organic wines are produced using organically grown grapes. No pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, or synthetic chemicals of any kind are allowed on the vines or in the soil. Only mined minerals, natural extracts and derivatives can be applied. Strict rules govern the winemaking process and storage conditions of all imported and domestic wines that acquire certification. Organic winemakers are not allowed to use the various chemical substances commonly found in conventional wineries to make or modify their wines.