What difference does it make? Well, based on a few years of experience, it makes a heck of a lot of difference!

We all make a myriad of choices on our paths through life. For every choice, there is usually an option, and it’s how we handle that option that makes all the difference in the world.

For example, we choose our friends because we feel comfortable with them. Many times our conversations tend to be rather private, and we believe our chosen friends will not spread your story around the neighborhood. That trust makes all the difference!

A lot of us grew up watching the wind. Knowing from what direction it was coming told us something about the coming day’s weather. However, we soon learned that although the wind direction is important, it was the season of the year that made all the difference.

For example, in the summer, I liked the cooling breezes from the northwest. Notice I said breezes! The wind’s speed makes all the difference in the world, too. During fall, bring on those comfy north breezes. In the wintertime, it can make a difference if the wind comes from the south to warm up the environment or from the north to cool things down. In the springtime, bring on a soothing mixture of southerly and north winds.

Notice I left out the east wind. Many times that wind harkens a storm is coming so be on the alert. Knowing where the wind is coming from can make or break a day.

Similarly, wind makes a big impact on growing grapes.

Many grape varietals are grown in warm climates because that’s the weather the grape needs to grow and mature. Of course, there are those vineyards planted along the coastal regions that are greatly affected by the cooling nighttime ocean breezes.

The Russian River Valley wine region is located in Sonoma County, California. The valley is a perfect location for many wines such as chardonnays, pinot noirs and Zinfandels because it has the benefit of cooling nighttime ocean winds. These winds allow the grapes to mature slowly which increases their sugar levels for a luscious tasting wine. Because of the elevation of the region, one also is offered some nice acidity in the produced wines.

Location, location, location…

When you take a hike, do you always take the same path or break routine and try a new way? I know the usual thing is comfortable and feels safe, but it’s OK to try a new hiking path, too. One never knows what one will see, hear or experience, and that newness may make all the difference in the world for your day. It’s alright to a break habit and stretch a bit.

The other day I decided to try an Argentinian Malbec — Trivento. The label states that three winds created this perfect region in Mendoza for this Malbec. Hmm … this could be something different and I latched onto it.

Yes! There was an alluring aroma of red fruits, but the oak cask aging made all the difference for me. One initially gets a nice red fruity taste with a bit of spice, but then the finish is all vanilla from the oak cask. An amazing taste! I’ll have to do some research about those three winds. That could be very interesting.

Yes, the choices one makes in life makes all the difference for them. Yes, it’s hard to know which choice is best for you. Yes, life can be a stinker at times.

But, the main difference in those choices is how you handle them.

May you always feel satisfied with your choices, and experience the many differences on your pathway in a positive way.