Wine An Open Letter to the Millennial Generation
Guest blog post from Ben Hilzinger
While rummaging through some papers in my desk the other day, I found a letter from a great friend of mine. I thought some of my fellow young readers might find it interesting.
Hey Ben,
I’m really not doing so hot…perhaps a little insecure if you will. I feel underappreciated and underestimated by a lot of the younger generation. What gives? I mean, am I wrong in thinking that wine has its place with the kiddos too – with which the ‘legally-aged challenged’ title does not apply? I’m gonna ramble now Ben, but tell me if I don’t have a good argument.
Save from my corky carbonated buddies in the sparkling and champagne family, I don’t have the bubbly that makes your tummbly go rummbly associated with other drinks (don’t worry beer, I still have your phone number…I’ll text you!) For those weight watchers, I’m inherently low-cal and my alcohol actually helps you burn calories! Ever heard of the Fountain of Youth? Well recent studies prove that it would be full of me and who knows, perhaps I’d be fun to play in during a hot summers day. I’m also the Dupont of social lubricants. Just the thought of me screams refined romance or stifling sexuality, both of which are welcomed on first dates those youngins find themselves on all too often. Knowing a thing or five about me is certainly an attractive quality and most women will agree. Dropping lines like “ahem…waiter? Yes, now does your Chianti come in a fiasco?” or “hmmm, well this Sauvignon Blanc is certainly isn’t acidic enough to cut through this alfredo sauce” will surely get a second date if not more, right? Of course, knowing what a fiasco is would undoubtedly keep the conversation going as well. These go-to phrases must, of course, be used with discretion. There’s a fine line between politic and pretentious.
Did I mention I’m one of the best ways to celebrate any occasion? I consider myself the one constant at any
congratulatory event and who doesn’t ring in every New Year with a belly full of my big, bold (most often sparkly) self? I bring people together, whether its friends, family, or enemies. Can’t say I bring frat boys together, but who says I want them anyways! Busch Light sales keep this economy on its feet and it leaves the appreciation of yours truly to the crowd most fitting.
All in all Benny, if you don’t mind me calling you that, I have so much to offer and appreciating the wonderful world that is wine says a lot about the person one plans to be as he or she grows older and walks through this crazy catastrophe we call life. It shows patience, attention to details, a romantic imagination, and a more relaxed attitude. Sometimes I wish, with all this stress, I could pour myself a nice glass of, well, myself. I just want the young ones to age with me. Tell your mom I said hi.
Sincerely,
Wine
About The Author
Ben Hilzinger is a wine slinger at Nectar Tasting Room and at the Arbor Crest Winery. During the day he masquerades at Lindeman’s bistro and coffee shop on Spokane’s South Hill. In the evening Ben dons his rock star cape as a drummer for a local band. Ben hopes to share the love of wine with his generation and has aspirations to be a wine maker.
Great post, Ben.
I like this letter. It’s inspired me to write a letter to the wine industry to be a little more kind to the millenial age group. Maybenot treat us like second class citzens just because were young and have no money to buy several bottles of wine. Funny letter, sounds like we have similar outlook on wine in our age group. Kids in thier 20’s don’t know what they’re missing by taking in colorful cocktails. Thanks for the read.
Thanks Kayla K!
I had fun with it and I’m so happy to hear we have the same interests and frustration with the industry. Hopefully you will read more of my posts as I will try to do 4 to 5 a month.
Will you be posting on this site? Or do you have another website/blog?
Right now I will only be writing for Drink Nectar. Josh has great readership and I love what he’s doing with the local scene. I haven’t yet thought about starting my own, but it certainly does seem like a natural progression…how long have you been writing?
I only started writing in February. I knew I wanted my own blog I just didn’t know how to seperate myself from others and what direction I was going to take. I’m sure it will evolve over time but I’m excited regardless. Excited for your future reads.
Well I LOVE hearing about fellow young lovers. I will certainly follow your blog! Let’s keep in touch.
Great post. Studies show that millennials are developing an affinity for wine earlier than previous generations. As wine enthusiasts and members of the generation, it is our responsibility to educate our peers on varietals, wine regions and the lexicon b/c it is less intimidating delivered by us than the older sommelier who knows everything about fermented grapes!
One thing that insults me is that many people define me as Generation X just because I was born in 1979. I am actually a Millenial, because I have virtually all their CHARACTERISTICS – I really have nothing in common with Gen X. Also, I do not like being labeled. In placing an individual into a certain generation, I look at his/her attitudes and lifestyle, not how old that person is. Defining a generation by one’s age is really just a mass – media and marketing tool.