The allure of wine lies in its astounding diversity—an abundance of grape varieties exists, and the terroir of each vineyard deeply affects the wine’s flavor profile and overall character. If you ever have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a wine-tasting event, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take part. A prime example is the Indiana Uplands Winter Wine Market held on December 7, which united nine esteemed wineries from the Indiana Uplands Wine Trail in the charming city of Bloomington. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend, but I was thrilled to discover that locally, Cork and Cracker & Tasteful Times were hosting a delightful tasting in Fortville. These kinds of gatherings are perfect for delving into unfamiliar grape varieties or for experiencing firsthand how the same grape can yield different flavors depending on its growing region.

As for myself, I have an ongoing quest for value wines—bottles that deliver the premium taste akin to a $200 wine, while costing closer to $20. To keep my collection organized, I rely on Cellar Tracker, a handy tool that helps me maintain an inventory of my purchases (though my wife doesn’t want to know). Since 2016, I’ve predominantly gravitated toward red wines, which represent a striking 92% of my consumption. However, a memorable road trip with my son last May expanded my horizons and ignited a newfound appreciation for white wines. Once averse to them during tastings, I now eagerly explore their vast spectrum of flavors. At that Fortville tasting, I took home a case of the 2022 Goldschmidt Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Boulder Bank Fitzroy from New Zealand—a wine that is crisp, refreshing, and surprisingly affordable, making it an enchanting choice to kick off the holiday season.

Family holidays

With our children now grown and spread across the country, the return of the family for the holidays always holds a special place in my heart. My enthusiasm for wine seems to have inspired them, enriching our family tastings with shared joy. Cabernet Sauvignon remains my go-to variety, comprising over 30% of my current inventory. For one memorable family night, we decided to compare two bottles: Adaptation 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley versus Aquilini 2019 Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington. Despite their different vintages, both wines carry a price point of around $50 and offer distinctly captivating qualities.

Adaptation showcases its outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, expertly blending grapes from renowned vineyards like Howell Mountain and Stags Leap District. Aquilini, founded by an Italian family with strong agricultural roots, has made significant investments in the Red Mountain AVA and carefully nurtures grapes in micro-blocks. Both wines presented the classic deep purple hue and bold, alluring aromas typical of Cabernet Sauvignon and exceeded our expectations for their respective price points. Within our family, preferences varied—two favored the sophistication of Adaptation, while another two leaned toward the richness of Aquilini, leaving one member undecided. Regardless of our differing opinions, the evening was rich with engaging discussions and shared experiences over both bottles.

South Africa

https://www.tsallenphotos.com/Nature/The-Game (for some of my pics from South Africa)

Continuing our exploration, we also ventured into tasting a 2022 Kottabos Grenache Syrah from South Africa. Among the 700+ bottles I’ve documented and tracked over the years, only 18 have included Syrah and a mere nine have been Grenache—until now, none as a blend. This wine captivated us with its fragrant red berry aromas, a dry yet velvety texture, and a beautifully balanced profile. It’s not overly tannic but undeniably delightful—a bottle I would eagerly incorporate into my collection. This exciting experience has motivated me to seek out more Grenache-Syrah blends at future tastings.

Interestingly, I recently stumbled upon an article about Ireland’s emerging wine scene in the Financial Times¹. The primary grape thriving there is Rondo—a hybrid variety—and although there are approximately 40 vineyards scattered across Ireland, their wines remain rare and often come with a hefty price tag due to limited production. The article wittily referred to Irish winemaking as “a niche for a few crazy people.” This made me reflect on the Indiana Uplands AVA: while it may not flaunt globally recognized grape varieties or widespread acclaim, it’s far from a niche or eccentric endeavor. The more I delve into the wines of this region, the more I come to appreciate their unique charm. Indiana Uplands may not feature celebrated grapes, but it does produce a host of delightful wines that embody the exquisite experience of trying something new and savoring every moment.

1. Financial Times Jude Webber in Lusk December 27, 2024 ↩︎