Let’s pretend we are sitting down and sipping a glass of Starling Castle Gewürztraminer. As we enjoy the wine’s soft sweetness coupled with its citrus flavors and aromas, the conversation flows into what words mean the most to us. I give my words, and now, look at you and ask you: “What’s your most meaningful word?”

What would you answer?

As I scrolled through television channels the other night, I came upon one of my favorite movies ­– “The Shawshank Redemption.” As you perhaps know, it’s a story about incarceration and what happens to a couple of inmates who don’t seem to have much of a future but the walls of the penitentiary. However, their conversations reflect a positive note that is, for me, the best part of the movie.

At the end of the movie, the narrator, now a free man, walks along a beach to find his friend. The movie ends with him saying: “I hope.” Those two words hit me like a ton of bricks, and I believe having hope is critical to all us.

I hope…

I hope for a country that heals itself before it destroys itself. Throughout our history, we have faced many outside challenges, and now it’s time for us to face ourselves and talk to one another. To that hope, I raise a glass of Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel. As our country is made up of many different types of people, this wine reflects wonderful raspberry and blackberry tastes wrapped in vanilla flavors. I wish us all well.

I hope we all see how connected we are to the earth. Mother Earth is not just here for us to take advantage of, but to honor and respect. Growing up with a lot of dirt under my fingernails, my parents and relatives taught me to show care for that dirt. Without the earth, we are nothing. I hope we fully realize that before it’s too late.

Therefore, I will give a toast to Mother Earth with a glass of Harveys Bristol Cream Sherry. As the liquid’s nutty and toffee tastes slip over my palate, I know it will give me comfort. As I recognize what the sherry gives to me, we must note what Mother Earth gives to us. I hope…

I have faith that folks will continue to expand my tasting experiences with new wines, beers and spirits. I rely on their expertise for my tasting journey and always try to be respectful of their endeavors. They work hard, are creative and provide many tasty moments for all of us.

Therefore, for all their combined efforts, I will have a glass of 14 Hands Hot to Trot White Blend wine. It’s a nice blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris that provides some sassiness to go along with its mellowness — kind of like each of us, right? I hope you have the opportunity to taste it.

So, have you thought about your most meaningful word, yet? If you’re anything like this human, that word changes with what’s happening in your life, your mood, and even the weather! As I write this, Old Man Winter is depositing snow upon us. I hope we all have enough gentle snow to give Mother Earth more water. She needs it!

Hope gives us something to grab on to and guides us toward a better future. It’s the wish that flows through us when we experience adversity. It’s the strength we need at times, and the humor that gives us a renewed sense of … well, hope.