Let them taunt and tease all they want but take my word for it, there is no shame in being a wine geek. Besides, there are worse things you could be called, right? In case you were wondering, a wine geek is a wine lover who is fascinated by all things wine. Geeks are passionate about everything from soil composition to bottling techniques as they wax poetic about the pros and cons of organic farming and its possible impact on wine making. They also thrive on the excitement of the unknown, especially the opportunity to discover and taste new wines. This, they find true pleasure in.

Wine Snobs on the other hand are more enamored with their own wine greatness, interested only in making grand announcements as to which wines they own and how many bottles they have tucked away. These folks are famous for letting you know how much more they know about wine. Perhaps youve met a few of them, I certainly have.

Of course, some geeks have a habit of taking it too far. After all, if you spend every waking moment of your life in pursuit of wine and wine knowledge then you might need some form of therapy or counseling. Forgoing things like family and friends is not something wine geeks adhere to. In fact, its just the opposite. Its all about keeping a healthy balance.

If there are any doubts as to whether you are a wine geek or not, then take a close look at the list of traits below. Identifying with any of these traits may indeed be a sign that you are a bonafide wine geek. Therefore, congratulations. And cheers.

You know about the health benefits of resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, and that just makes you love the stuff all the more.

You read wine reviews, blogs and columns such as this one, thank you, on a regular basis.

You examine wine closures (cork or screw cap) to determine which works best fascinates you to no end.

You often have questions at the conclusion of a wine seminar or tasting that you must find the answers to.

Your local wine retailer is a close and trusted confidant who knows exactly the type and style wine you enjoy most. They regularly phone or send you text messages alerting you to a new wine that has recently arrived.

You have friends and or family who are always opening and sharing new wines with you.

All the bottles in your wine cellar are dust-free and neatly stored in wooden bins.

You have expensive hand-blown crystal stemware that is always kept under lock and key.

Sitting out on the deck of your home while sipping a chilled glass of sparkling wine and listening to Frank Sinatra sing The Summer Wind brings more pleasure than you can ever imagine.

Your significant other questions who you are more devoted to, them or wine.

A larger than life color portrait of wine pioneer and icon Robert Mondavi hangs over your bed.

Your silver-plated, handmade cork screw cost almost as much as a new side-by-side refrigerator.

The fruit bowl on your dining room table is filled with nothing but grapes, plastic grapes at that.

Finding a rare or limited release wine in a wine shop send thrills through out your entire body.

Wine of the week: Ruffino, 2017 Il Ducale Pinot Grigio, Italy. Bright gold color with aromas of white peach and melon. Firm acidity and lush fruit flavors are enhanced by the long, aromatic finish. $18

Read the original post:

OFF THE VINE: No shame in being a wine geek - Wicked Local