A new year brings all kinds of routines. Morning routines. Gym routines. “I swear I’m going to drink more water” routines. But here’s one no one talks about enough: building a wine routine that actually fits your life, your mood, and your taste buds.
Yes, a wine routine. Because choosing what you sip shouldn’t feel random. It should feel easy, fun, and a little bit like self-care. And if you’ve ever stood in a wine aisle staring at labels like they were written in another language, this guide is for you.
Let’s build a routine that takes the guesswork out of picking your next bottle and makes every pour feel intentional.
Start With Your Mood, Not the Rules
Most wine “rules” are outdated anyway, and Love Cork Screw doesn’t do stuffy. Instead, think about how you feel when you’re reaching for a bottle.
- Relaxing after work? Grab something smooth and low-effort like “The Morning After” Chardonnay.
- Cooking up something savory? “We’re Movin’ On Up” Cabernet Sauvignon is your bold, structured partner in crime.
- Feeling social? “We Go High” Rosé or “Good Times Good Friends” Pinot Grigio keep the conversation flowing.
Your mood tells you more than the back of any wine textbook ever will.
Pick Your “Core Four” Wines
A solid wine routine includes a little variety without overwhelming your shelf. Think of it as your personal lineup.
1. A chill white
Fresh, crisp, and ready for any moment. (Pinot Grigio or “Be The Light” Sauvignon Blanc)
2. A sweet or semi-sweet favorite
Perfect for spicy food, brunch, or when life needs a little softness. (“Head Over Heels” Riesling or “No More Drama” Moscato)
3. A dependable red
Your dinner companion, cozy-night-in staple, and winter go-to. (Cabernet Sauvignon)
4. A “just for fun” bottle
This is your wildcard. Rosé for winter? “Hard Knock Life” Concord for charcuterie? Absolutely.
Create Moments, Not Pressure
A wine routine isn’t about drinking more. It’s about enjoying what you choose and making space for little rituals.
Try these simple habits:
- Pour a glass while you cook.
- Add a once-a-month wine night with friends.
- Keep one “celebration bottle” on hand for good news or good moods.
- Try a new varietal once a month to expand your palate.
Wine becomes more fun when it turns into micro-moments rather than occasions where you have to plan three weeks in advance.
Taste With Intention (The Simple Way)
You don’t need a sommelier certification to taste wine well. Here’s the Love Cork Screw shortcut:
See: Notice color and clarity.
Smell: Take a deep inhale. What jumps out? Fruit? Spice? Floral notes?
Sip: Let it hit every part of your palate.
Say: Do you like it? That’s the most important part.
This approach builds confidence and helps you figure out what you genuinely enjoy, not what you think you’re “supposed” to enjoy.
Make It Easy With a Wine Club
Want the simplest wine routine of all? Join a wine club and let the wine come to you. The Love Cork Screw Wine Club curates bundles based on variety, season, and experience so you always have something on deck. It’s the kind of routine that feels like a treat every month.
Your new favorite bottle can literally show up at your door.
Start the Year With a Routine You’ll Actually Stick To
A wine routine isn’t about perfection. It’s about discovering what you love, trying new things, and building little rituals that make life taste better.
So go ahead. Curate your shelf. Sip with intention. And make 2026 the year your wine routine stops feeling random and starts feeling like… you.
