A new year is here again, providing yet another opportunity to pledge to improve our lives and to vanquish bad habits. For me, the celebration is a chance to reminisce about some great wine-centric experiences and chart my wine route for the year ahead. Of course, it is the same resolution I make every year — hey, I know I’m predictable — but I like to set realistic goals and feel good about attaining my objectives.

Many studies have shown that in order to give any goal a greater chance of success, one should always state the goal in the affirmative. I have done this year in and year out, and I can tell you, it definitely works. This year I will continue to drink more of the good stuff. Life is too short to drink bad wine, let alone write about it. So look out New Year, here’s to the “good stuff.” Retail prices are approximate.