The wine community is experiencing a crisis like we’ve never had before. People seem to have forgotten that wine has been the center of social gatherings for millennia. Karen McNeil, author of the Wine Bible, and several colleagues have created a promotion called Come Over October this month. The idea is to invite a friend, a neighbor, a colleague, or a family member to “come over” and share a glass of wine.  And, of course, you can come over to one of your local restaurants and wineries, too.

Invite someone over

In this isolated world, wine is a beverage that brings people together. Wine is the international toast.  The word ‘cheers’ is expressed in every language, marking occasions such as ship launchings, treaty celebrations, the arrival of a new baby, and the joy of marriages and anniversaries. It has also inspired poets and philosophers, as evidenced by the numerous quotes about wine, which are unparalleled by any other beverage. This underscores that wine is more than just fermented grape juice; it is a muse and a liquid delicacy that enhances the flavor of food.

A Communal Tradition

Wine has been a focal point in the social human fabric for nearly 8,000 years, and has been a part of milestone moments and cultural communal traditions in nearly every corner of the globe.

6000 BC – One of the earliest of Georgia’s traditions – Supra (or Feast)

Along with Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, Georgia is one of the world’s earliest sites of grapevine domestication. Wine has been made there for more than 8,000 years. Among the earliest Georgian traditions is the communal supra, or “feast.” The dishes include prized ingredients such as walnuts, coriander, fenugreek, pomegranates, and marigold flowers. But what makes the supra distinctive and singular is the tamada, a spiritual leader and toastmaster who presides during the evening. Over several hours of wine drinking and eating, the tamada’s “job” is to make and encourage others to make emotional and philosophical toasts, starting with a toast to God and moving on to toasts to friendship, peace, children and new life, to the elderly, to goodwill among men, and of course, to love.

You might have a closet brimming with wine that seems endless. Now is the perfect moment to invite someone to Come Over and share a bottle.

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