One of the most amazing things about wine, like food, is that it’s about the people behind the scenes. You appreciate the pleasure wine gives you, but it’s also gives you a chance to reflect on the people who make it and the time they spend with it. The flavours reflect the wine makers, the winery owner, and the history behind that project. And not only that particular wine, but that region as a whole.

For example, this is an Alsace wine, and that area is the battle ground of two world wars, amongst other things. It’s amazing to know that those events have impacted what you taste in the glass. Much like food, wines make you reflect not only where it comes from, but the people and the regions that influences their taste. And That’s what’s so interesting. The more and more you think about these factors, the more you appreciate what is given to you, and the more you understand what you are doing and what you can do with the food and wine you have. Ultimately it’s about the enjoyment, and what kind of enjoyment you get out of a certain wines, or foods. But if you are into it, you can learn so much about a culture through what you consume. And once you get into it, then you start to taste it.

James Treadwell - Sommelier & Owner at Treadwell Wine Bar