Wise words

My grandfather was born in Italy. Decades ago, he brought his family tradition of picking grapes each year and making his own wine to Australia. Today, at the age of 86, he is still making his own wine. I was having lunch at his house a few weeks ago, and while pouring himself a glass of his wine, he said to me, “You know, even if I don’t feel like drinking this stuff anymore, I still make sure I do because it keeps me well and strong. Every day, a couple of glasses are necessary.” Sometimes I can feel guilty about enjoying a glass of wine with a meal, having convinced myself that I should try to abstain at times. However, when I look at my grandfather’s strength, both physically and in spirit, I am reminded that wine is a wonderful gift to enjoy in company, always in good balance, and to appreciate it, rather than feel guilty about it. At that, I refilled my own glass too!

Gianna Pistor, Adelaide