Over the years, I’ve been asked many times to state my favorite wine.

Because of the many variables involved, that can be a complex question to answer. Many times, my answer surprises people and here’s why.

My mood dictates what I’d like to taste, and that answer usually fosters some very interesting discussions.

How does a mood direct you to a wine? Well, think about how you choose what to eat from a restaurant’s menu. If you are with fun folks, perhaps you are more willing to try an untasted food. It would be fun! If you’re anxious, maybe the old reliable food item suits you best. Are you angry? Bring on the heavy full tasting food! If you are lonely, isn’t it time for a sweet food?

Yes, I’ve had many interesting discussions about my favorite wine. Way back when, my innocence insisted that I have one go-to wine. However, after tasting many wines, I began to notice that the way I felt directed my attention to a certain wine.

Let’s do a little exploring on wines and moods. Please remember these ruminations are strictly mine so think what wine you would choose under similar circumstances.

Going into a happy celebration, I seek bubbles! Bring on the popping of the cork, the smiles and cheers that come with that sound. Everyone enjoys watching the bubbles as the wine is poured. Then, there’s the clinking of the glasses, the resounding “Cheers!” and the happy faces at the sip. Yep! Happy calls for sparkling wine.

But what if you are a bit depressed? It’s at such a moment I reach for a lighter red. A pinot noir is comforting with its light flavorful tastes. Another helpful wine to me is a Valpolicella with its pleasing cherry and cinnamon tastes.

There’s a nice calming effect that comes from a sauvignon blanc. The wine doesn’t dominate. It doesn’t speak loudly. It just blends into your tension, and let’s you relax by embracing the wine’s soft citrus and tropical fruit flavors.

When I’m stressed out, pass me a glass of full bodied cabernet sauvignon or a hefty Malbec. Here you can choose what you want to taste — that thinking will take your mind off your stress. Welcome the blackberry flavors that are supported by some spice and vanilla flavors in these wines. These wines will buttress you, and they don’t take anything from anyone!

Perhaps I feel a bit anxious. Well, there’s an element in red wines called resveratrol that will offer you some peace. It’s here that a nice cabernet or a Bordeaux does the job. That bit of anxiety is muted by these medium bodied wines with their soft cherry flavors. Of course, the aromas are so relaxing.

When in a pensive mellow mood, I enjoy a good chianti with its mild but likeable tastes. Surprisingly, I enjoy a good dry riesling during these reflective moments, too. One of these dry rieslings is Pacific Rim Dry Riesling. There’s enough acidity to be noticed, and enough soft peachy taste to lighten my mood.

So you can see why, when asked for my favorite wine, my stock answer is that it depends on my mood. Yes, we usually have a favorite wine, but life is filled with surprises. Don’t be hesitant to try something new. You never know what you’ll discover.

Maybe that new wine will perfectly fit you mood!

As always, eat and drink in moderation, but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!