When talking about wine, all people hear is that you're pretentious

You can't help it.

You could talk all night long about who's got the best pizza in town, about the largest crab cake you just devoured, or go in detail about this hulking, porterhouse steak that rocked your world the other night, but start the same dialogue about wine, and all of a sudden, the pretentiousness comes out.

Why? I have no idea, but wine = pretentious.

I have, unfortunately, annoyed, offended, and bored to death numerous friends, acquaintances, family, and dinner guests with long diatribes concerning wine. Whether it be different, exotic grape varietals, or new, evolving growing regions, and the differences between oak aged compared to stainless, or just particular vintages of note and disaster, and I have learned through it all to stop talking about wine and just smile, nod, and keep my mouth shut.

When it comes to wine, any and all conversation about it leads to the pretentious zone. It's safer, even if someone is genuinely interested in it, just to drink and talk about the food.

Here is a great article that had me laughing:

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/low_concept/2012/01/calvin_trillin_offers_a_new_way_of_measuring_pretentiousness.html

Playoffs! Put down the beer and grab this wine!

Yes, our beloved Ravens are in the playoff once again, and this time, they mean business. Hell, this could be the year where they take it all the way to the promised land.

Parties, festivities, and bbq's are all being planned as we speak to celebrate and cheer on our team to victory. I'm sure you already got the beer lined up, but what you really need is a wine that was built for football.

Behold the 132 Seam Go!!!

Yes, a smooth and delicious Merlot that will accommodate all your desires, go with all your dishes, and make everyone happy.

Come in and grab some before gametime.

Go Ravens!

Come to the fire, Baby, & bring the damn wine!

Brrrrrr,

so cold outside. A cold that makes your bones feel brittle and your joints rusty.

Time to settle on down by the warm, crackling fire and open up a nice, seductive red to revive your soul and rejuvenate your essence.

Nothing beats a hearty, full-bodied red this time of year, so when you're in need of one, come on down to Swirl, and we'll match the perfect wine for you.

"What wine will do the trick?" You ask.

"What wine will bring back the hot, steamy romance that's been missing?"

Of course, we could set you up on a rendezvous with a California Cabernet, maybe a sexy Italian Tuscan blend, or an exotic Southern French red might entice you.

There's some fire in these bottles that will heat you up quite nicely.

We'll see you soon.