It’s almost here… that moment you worked so hard for: college graduation.
Whether you’re getting your bachelor’s, master’s, or even doctoral degree, it’s time to celebrate.
Unless you’ve already decided that wine isn’t your thing (are you sure it’s not? Use this flowchart to find out,) wine is the perfect way to raise a toast to your momentous achievement.
The only question now is: what kind of wine? Well, here’s a fun little way to determine the perfect wine for your shindig, based on what you studied:
Performing Arts
You are the fearless talent that has no qualms with standing up in front of everyone and showing off. You are so in love with performing that you spent years of your life perfecting your craft, and you can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
You need a wine that’s as bold and confident as you are. Try a great mourvedre, a well-aged syrah or tannat, or a deep and luscious petit verdot or petite sirah.
If red isn’t your thing, a white pinot noir can be both brave and refreshing!
Liberal Arts
You study what you love because you are full of passion and you’re not afraid to show it to the world. You need a wine that matches your passion and whimsy.
Try celebrating with something a little different, something that won’t be easily forgotten by your guests (just like you!) If you live in an area with vineyards, you’re sure to find a local ice wine that will impress.
There are endless varieties of French and Italian sparkling wines that will get people talking, and it might be a great idea to end the night with an interesting dessert wine. One with flavors of blueberry, chocolate, lemon, or even rhubarb will delight everyone.
Education
You’ve always been the teacher type: tidy, organized, prepared, and full of passion. You’ve already ordered the classiest party invites and you know exactly how the night will pan out. Every detail of the party has been planned down to a T and you’re well on your way to making sure that you can pull off the event without any last minute issues (great practice for handling a classroom full of children).
Let’s face it, no one can tell you what kind of wine to drink, so drink whatever kind you like. Just make sure you snag up that one bottle you’ve been coveting for a while. You deserve it!
Math and Sciences
You’ve just finished your degree, so you know very well that the math and science fields sometimes get a bad rap.
They’re not as “boring” as people think they are. There are so many interesting and complex areas of each, and each helps us look at the interesting and complex world and understand it better. You know that women and math won World War II, and that science is actually behind the making of a great wine.
You also know that not every rumor is true: your perfect wine would be a merlot, pinot grigio, or white zinfandel.These guys often get left out because they are “uninteresting” or “bland,” but you know that’s just because there are so many cheap varieties of each that lack body and substance.
You can find a stellar, complex, and flavorful bottle and change everyone’s minds!
Law
You just got your law degree. You need a break.
A refreshing and relaxing break. I would highly recommend a tropical vacation of some sort, as your first few years in the practice will see you too busy trying to make a name for yourself to take a vacation.
While you’re relaxing on a beach somewhere warm and sunny, sip on a light and refreshing spritzer, one that is light enough to sip on all day long yet flavorful enough for maximum enjoyment. This white wine sparkler has the refreshing taste of grapefruit as well as a little kick of gin, to get the party going right!
Medical
You’ve seen too much. You know too much.
While you know that any sort of alcohol in excess is bad news, you are also aware that there are several varieties of wine that have a laundry list of health benefits. Most know that a dark red wine is healthy, but there’s a little more to it. Wines high in anthocyanin (an antioxidant that gives many plants a deep red color) and tannins (which are powerful antioxidants and flavonoids) are great for your heart and immune system.
While you’re out celebrating the degree you worked so hard to earn, try a robust and lovely petite sirah, tannat, sagrantino, touriga nacional, or aglianico. Extra points for anything aged in an oak barrel!
Dental
We all know that you’re going to brush your teeth as soon as you’re done eating or drinking anything, and that’s okay. We also know that even then, you look out for those teeth of yours in any way you can.
Since you’re going to be sipping on a glass all night (why shouldn’t you celebrate your wonderful achievement?) you’ll probably want to go with a wine that has a low acidity content.
There are several varieties of grapes that are naturally low in acid, like gewurztraminer, chardonnay, viognier, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, dolcetto, and grenache. You actually have a lot of options to choose from–almost as many options as you have for toothpaste and mouthwash!
No matter your area of study, graduation is the time to celebrate. Popping open a fresh bottle of good wine should definitely be on your list…
This guest post was written by Piper Kerrigan exclusively for Social Vignerons.
Piper Kerrigan is a baker, party planner, and freelance writer. She enjoys road trips and anything DIY. The only thing she loves more than a glass of good wine is her cat Sebastian.
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