The forecast was warm with bold sun rays and accents of streaky clouds and a lingering oaky aroma that provided just the perfect environment to take everything in with deep, sustained breathing. For lunch, I ate an English muffin with bright strokes of palatable butter. This meal proved to be a great pairing for the day.

In case you didn’t know, May 25th is National Wine Day!

(The one day I don’t eat anything with cheese…)

Whether you’re a fan of red wines or white wines (or both), these intoxicating beverages are a sophisticated escape with no discernible downside. First, there’s no real rush to finish. The last sip is as good as the first, if not better. Second, the ingredients in great wines are varied, intricate and pleasantly surprising, coalescing into a superb finish.

Then, of course, there are the two ends of the wine tasting spectrum: The beginner and the expert. Discussing wine on a molecular level with a group of people (now it’s a party!), at least since 2004, usually leads to at least one reference to the movie Sideways. The dark comedy starring Thomas Haden Church and Paul Giamatti, and co-starring northern California’s wine country, centers on two best friends on a bachelor weekend of sorts.

Jack (Thomas Haden Church) and Miles (Paul Giamatti) are a classic case of a wine beginner and a wine connoisseur.

We’ve all been here, as either Jack or Miles.

Well, as Jack.

Judge all you want Miles, but I’d try a piece of Merlot chewing gum.