Wine Therapy: 5 Bottles to Help You Sip Through Any Mood

I couldn’t let May pass without recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month. If I’ve learned anything over the past few months, it’s the importance of self-care. On any given day, emotions can run high but add the effects of isolation and loss plus a pandemic and those emotions can easily spiral out of control. I’ve seen many reports that COVID-19 has driven an increase in alcohol sales.

I mean what did you expect?! With bars closed, stay-at-home orders enforced and nerve levels high—you think we’re just going to sit around all day and drink water….ummm nooo!

Experts have expressed concern that alcohol is being used as a coping mechanism during these crazy times, but we’re not talking about that level of drinking here. I like to think of it as more of a stress reliever. I know that wine helps me feel better after a long day at my new home office. In fact, wine has special healing agents to keep your mind in tact. It’s like an adult liquid pacifier.

We all need a sip or two to get through the not so good and more than good times. If you believe in a little wine therapy, then keep reading because I’ve put together a list of five wines to keep your nerves in check no matter what mood you find yourself in these days.

Relax, Relate, Release – Has the spirit of stress taken over? Crazy workload? Tired of being the “substitute teacher?”

When life has you feeling overwhelmed try this underrated white wine. P.S. If you don’t know where this phase came from then we can’t be friends.

2017 Columna Albarino

The average wine drinker probably knows about the following white wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc. Yet, there are so many amazing white wines out there—especially Albariño wine. This coastal white is most notable in parts of Spain and Portugal. I’ve selected this 2017 Columna Albariño as the perfect stress reliever. This wine is highly approachable and is full of ripe, bold aromas and flavors of green apple and citrus coupled with a hint of salinity and minerality that adds a level of complexity to the wine. A sip of this will have you feeling all the way zenned out!

Fix Your Face – Annoyed much? Someone tap dancing on your last nerve? Ever been told to “fix your face?” Nah, me neither…

BUT just in case, maybe it’s time for a personal time out before that spirit of frustration really kicks in. This next wine pairs well with a stank attitude.

2018 Broc Cellars Valdiguié

This is a new red I found that will definitely get your whole mood together. Valdiguié makes a dark-purple wine with effusive floral aromatics and flavors of red cherry, blackberry, and pomegranate accented by black pepper and clove notes. If you prefer lighter reds like Gamay and Pinot Noir, then you’ll appreciate Valdiguié. A sip of this red will definitely have you turning that frown upside down.

Now What Now?! – The spirit of confusion is real. When you feel like people have you all the way confused or just don’t understand the craziness behind certain situations, this wine will help put things into prospective.

2018 Las Jaras Wines ‘Sweet Berry Wine’

Disclaimer: Don’t let the label fool you. This is by no means a sweet wine. In fact, this is a red blend that includes 54% Carignan, 28% Zinfandel, 12% Charbono, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Valdiguie. I love all of the spice and bright, berry fruit flavors that bring this wine to life. A sip of this red will help keep you in check the next time someone (or something) has you confused.

Leave Me Alone – I don’t know about you, but there are days when the spirit of restlessness just won’t let me be great.

Maybe you can relate and there are days when you don’t feel like being bothered or maybe you just feel alone. No worries, this wine will give you all the comfort you need.

2019 Flora & Fauna Rosé

Feeling restless or lonely? Drink pink! This rosé is a co-fermented blend of 37% Dolcetto, 36% Nebbiolo, and 27% Barbera. You’ll get aromas of tart strawberry, grapefruit, alpine herbs, wildflowers, and sea spray. On the palate, you can see how all three varieties have impacted its structure. The Nebbiolo lends the crunchy minerality, Dolcettolends a delicate softness, and Barbera lends bright acidity—mixed together to create a rosé that will have you feeling at peace when you’re by yourself.

I Got This! – Not every day is bad, which is great! Some days will have you feeling on top of the world like Brandy and Mase! (lol…I couldn’t resist saying that!)

When that feel good spirit is upon you, own it and don’t be afraid to treat yourself, especially with this amazing white blend.

2017 Forlorn Hope “Queen of the Sierra” Estate White Wine

This wine right here is my happy juice! I love it soooooo much. It’s a white blend of Riesling, Chardonnay, and Verdelho grapes. There are so many levels of optimism to this bottle. This wine is beautifully aromatic with these tropical fruit flavors (pineapple, melon, citrus) and these subtle buttery undertones. Sounds weird, but somehow it works. I really appreciate how this wine is layered, which makes it more intriguing. This is definitely a wine that will put a smile on your face.

So, there you have it….some mood pairings to assist with your wine therapy. A glass a day, will keep you from going straight crazy. Remember moderation is key and to drink responsibly. Hope you enjoy these recommendations. Until next time…glasses up!