Six Bottles and Zero Apologies

Shopping at Trader Joe's

Guy: Having a bad day?

Me: Why do you say that?

Him: Points to the 6 bottles of wine in my cart.

Me: I'm studying for my WSET Wine Certification and expanding my wine palate—not a bad day.

People get paid to drink and talk about wine, including me. Hate that it gets the rap for having a "bad day."

Life is good, sir! But I know projecting when I see it.

Here's what I wish more people understood: wine is beautiful when enjoyed responsibly and intentionally. I come from a family of alcoholics, so trust me—I know coping mechanisms all too well. But that's not what this is.

Some of us, including me, drink wine for the love and joy of it. For the craft, the stories, the way a good glass can make you pause and appreciate the moment. Not because we're having a bad day, but because we're choosing to savor a good one.

I'm done with the stigma that assumes every bottle is about escaping something. Sometimes it's about celebrating. Sometimes it's about learning. Sometimes it's just about damn good taste. Go heal please.