KEEPING AN EYE ON YOUR NEW YEAR TRADITION!

Wine is a PERFECT accompaniment to just about any Tradition. In this new year of possibilities, try a wine that you have never had before. Don’t be frightened… if you have questions, just give us a call at our Tasting Room, and we would be happy to advise you. To follow, are some tradtions that we thought you would find amusing.

Where did the tradition of making New Year resolutions come from, anyway? They have become expected by all our peers and valiant efforts usually prevail towards many promised pledges. Well, you can blame the early Babylonians, for they felt it necessary to return borrowed farm equipment to their neighbors at the beginning of each year. A celebration would ensue and last for 11 days. Wow! Don’t think we could survive a party like that!

TRADITION: Did you know that… THE COLOR OF THE UNDERWEAR that you begin the New Year with is an important choice? This old-time Spanish tradition has become increasingly popular in the United States, as more people find out about it. The idea of your underwear choices influencing your future days is so hopeful and happy in these trying times, that you may as well give it a go! What have you got to lose?

YELLOW: a year of prosperity, wealth, and success. (THE most popular and a hard color to find.)

RED: a year full of passion and romance.

PINK: a year of luck in love.

WHITE: a year of peace, harmony and happiness.

BLUE: a year of good health.

GREEN: a year of better luck.

Just to be on the safe side, I’m looking for RAINBOW-colored underwear, so all points will be covered… no pun intended!

TRADITION: Did you know that… THE NEW YEAR BABY symbolizing the rebirth of the New Year began in ancient Greece and Egypt? Even though some cultures tried to stop it, the popularity of the symbol was displayed on banners and brought to the United States by the Germans. Personally, the thought of being reborn each year appeals to many… a fresh start… become brand new!

TRADITION: Did you know that… you should save your OLD DISHES all year long and then throw them at the front doors of your friends on New Year’s Eve? In Denmark, they believe that it is a good sign to find your door littered with a pile of broken dishes. The bigger the pile, the more friends you know you have. Now in a modern world of paper plates and Styrofoam; not sure how well that would work.

TRADITION: Did you know that… the LUCKY FOODS OF TEXAS that should be eaten on January 1^st, have something in common with Irish, Dutch, German, and other European cultures? Yep! It’s CABBAGE! Whether is it pickled, poached, or passed out with Black-Eyed peas (Texas-style), cabbage is said to bring you luck. And… Texas A&M University System Agricultural Research & Extension Center states that 320-350 million pounds of cabbage are produced every year in Texas. Now THAT is a lot of luck floating around in Texas!

So whatever your tradition may be… TRY THEM ALL! Something is bound to work! And above all… keep smiling! See you next time!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!