the same Riesling made in two ways: skin-contact vs no contact

Wine is more than just a drink—it’s an experience, a complement to gatherings, and a way to appreciate the artistry behind winemaking. At The Wine Linguist, I explore wine through the lens of language, culture, and cuisine, encouraging a deeper and more meaningful engagement with what’s in the glass. Drinking intentionally and in moderation allows us not only to savor wine but also to appreciate the people, traditions, and ecosystems that bring it to life.

This approach to wine aligns with a broader shift in drinking culture, particularly among younger generations. Millennials and Gen Z are more conscious and health-focused consumers than those before them. Beyond moderation, they crave meaning—they want to know the story behind the wines they drink. Today’s wine enthusiasts seek experiences that go beyond consumption, valuing connection over convention. Fortunately, many winemakers I’ve met and labels I’ve come to know reflect the kinds of stories and values that resonate with this new generation of drinkers.

The old adage “everything in moderation” has never felt more relevant. Initiatives like Dry January, which began in the UK in 2012 to help people reassess their relationship with alcohol, have gained momentum, with this past January seeing the highest participation yet. People take on the 30-day challenge for various reasons—detoxing after holiday indulgence, setting healthier habits for the new year, or simply recalibrating their relationship with alcohol. But moderation isn’t just for January or Sober October; it’s a practice we can all benefit from year-round, fostering a more thoughtful and intentional approach to drinking.

Pinot Meunier from Hundred Suns, a small producer in the Willamette Valley.

5 Tips for Drinking in Moderation

1. Quality over quantity – The goal is to drink less but better by paying more attention to what you drink, where it comes from, and who makes it. Whatever your wine budget, make a conscious effort to seek out smaller producers and spend a few extra dollars on their wines. Part of the joy of wine is hearing winemakers’ stories and learning about their approach. Consider drinking wines with a sense of place—when a wine is made well, it has the ability to transport us to where it comes from.

2. Taste to learn and discover – The practice of tasting with intention is how many wine experts develop their palates and deepen their knowledge. Taste wines made through different winemaking processes—such as skin-contact fermentation or carbonic maceration. Compare the characteristics of wines aged in different vessels, from oak barrels (new and neutral) to stainless steel, concrete, or amphorae. Discover for yourself if terroir is really as important as they say—compare the same grape variety from different wine regions. Pay attention to what you taste and continue exploring new wines to develop your own palate.

3. Pair wine with food and friends – Get together with friends to enjoy wine and food. Whether it’s over a potluck, takeout, or home-cooked meal, it’s an opportunity to spend quality time together in a way that’s about more than just drinking.

4. Eat food and drink water – Eating before and during a drinking session is one of the best ways to help your body process alcohol more slowly. Drinking water before, during, and after also helps regulate alcohol absorption and keeps you hydrated. Take breaks to eat and drink water as a way to check in with yourself and gauge how you’re feeling.

5. Pace yourself – Consider alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks during a drinking session. Seltzer water and mocktails are great alternatives to incorporate drinking breaks.