SIX STEPS TO WINEFULNESS

LOOK & LISTEN Look closely at the visual data: the colour, light and movement in your wine and glass. Listen to the noise/sounds around you but don’t label them “good” or “bad”. Notice your baseline state of mind: are you distracted or emotionally charged? SMELL & BREATHE Get your nose right up into your glass and breathe in the wine for a while. Take little breaks to clear your nose. Notice if it brings up any emotions or memories. Keep your breathing soft, strong and relaxed.

TASTE & FEEL Take a sip and focus on the flavour and feel in your mouth. After you swallow, just breathe for a few moments, noticing the flavour and feel of your exhalations. Let the wine work its way through your body. Notice any new sensations. Can you feel any points of stress? Don’t try to change anything, just have that awareness that it’s there. Even if you only manage 20 seconds, you were giving your brain a break. Over time you’ll feel more connected to your body and have a calmer, spacious, more creative mind.