Wine Is For Athletes?

One evening I was watching the movie Somm while enjoying a glass of my favorite cabernet.  One of the sommeliers that was going for his master sommelier certification had only two years prior, just begun the quest to put himself in a position to challenge the ultimate exam, an exam where only 230 people have passed it since the exam’s inception 46 years ago.  He attributed his rapid rise to the challenge and competitiveness of sports.  He had been an athlete most of his life and believed that the same drive to compete in sports was driving his motivation to conquer wine.

Personally, I have been entangled in the pursuit of the vine for 2 years.  I have not jumped into the somm gauntlet as I am having too much fun exploring wine my way.  I was a good, small town and collegiate athlete, proficient at many sports; not great at any.  I always enjoyed the challenge of playing a new sport and loved the variety that sports offered.  The constant challenge of never knowing it all, nor playing to perfection, kept the drive alive.

Wine is like that for me.  There are thousands of varietals and just as many blends.  I am chasing the juice!  I will never come close to mastering wine, but I think that is why I enjoy the chase so much.  I have learned enough about wine to know I will never know enough about wine. 

Wine enthusiasts and athletes have a lot in common.  Athletes, come on in and we will practice together!
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Hoosier Wine Guy