Wine tasting and writing fiction may seem like two very different
realms, but when you look closer, you’ll see that they share intriguing
similarities. Both experiences involve sensory exploration and the art of storytelling.
I recently began a journey into wine tasting and am now studying
for my level 2 certification (yes, the homework rocks). How wine tasting
appeals to me was similar to how I feel about writing. After some research, I
discovered there was a connection. Just as a wine taster engages their senses
to explore the intricacies of a wine, a fiction writer harnesses the power of
sensory details to bring their story to life.
A highly skilled winemaker tends to the grapes and the winemaking
process to produce a wine like a Napa Cabernet that boasts flavors of ripe
blackberries, velvety dark chocolate with subtle hints of cedar, culminating in
a full-bodied magical experience on the palate. When I craft a story, I
construct compelling plots, drawing on my sensory experiences to enhance them
and then refine the work through editing and revision. In my first novel, Disenchanted, the story I created
was filled with sensory details. I wanted to immerse the reader in the magic of
Sophie’s world, her star-crossed romance, and the haunting history of Old
Wethersfield.
Some writers through the centuries, such as Jane Austen, were
known to imbibe on too much wine. Research from the University of Graz
shows that drinking wine enhances creative thinking for writers. Of course, it
does! Now winemakers are harnessing the art of storytelling to enhance their
connection with consumers. Using a new phone app called Winerytale, the
user can read the story about a wine of their choice and learn about the
winemakers.
While wine tasting and writing fiction may seem unrelated, the
parallels are undeniable. Both pursuits involve sensory exploration, layered
complexity, subjective interpretation, storytelling, and a blend of artistry
and craftsmanship. The next time you savor a glass of wine or dive into a
captivating novel, take a moment to appreciate the shared essence of these two
worlds, where sensory delights and imaginative tales intertwine.
Cheers!
Leigh Goff writes young adult fiction. She is a graduate from the University of Maryland and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI).
Learn more about Leigh Goff on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads.