Get Ready for COME OVER OCTOBER

September 6, 2024 — What’s Come Over October?  It’s an idea that originated with Karen MacNeil, a highly respected wine author, educator, speaker and consultant, to bring people together over a glass of wine to celebrate friendship and community.

Wine has been a part of civilization for at least 8,000 years.  It has enhanced simple meals, celebrations big and small, special occasions and old and new friendships. It is mentioned throughout the Bible and used sacramentally, It is more than just alcohol.  As Eric Asimov, The New York Times wine writer put it so elegantly and eloquently, “I want to stand up for the beauty and joy of wine, which has been embraced by humans since the dawn of civilization.”

We’re familiar with Dry January and understand the reasoning behind it.  Most of us start the New Year with resolutions to lose weight, get in shape and so on and that’s fine if being a part of a movement gives you the impetus to do something good for your health.  But what’s Sober October all about?  Are most of us drunk every October? 

We hear how divided we are as a country and how social media, together with the pace of modern life, is creating isolation and loneliness across the generations, but especially for the young.  So why not gather with, family, friends and neighbors to share experiences and laughter over a glass of a beverage that has been a part of community spirit since the dawn of human history.  Wine has been a beverage of moderation, safer to drink than water at various times and places.  It revives and ignites feelings of gratitude, goodwill, kindness and the joy of being together to share friendship.

Joining Karen MacNeil is Kimberly Charles, founder and president of Charles Communications Associates and Gino Colangelo, president of Colangelo & Partners.  Together they have founded Come Together to promote Come Over October nationally to wineries, retailers, restaurateurs, wine associations and media. The web site is worth a visit for suggestions for planning get-togethers, large and small, at home or in a restaurant, as well as what to serve in both food and wine.  The Wine History tab is well worth opening.

Come Over October is being enthusiastically endorsed by all facets of the wine industry.  You’ll be seeing posters in your favorite stores soon.  Spread the word to your social groups to help foster the spirit of the campaign.

The anti-alcohol, Neo-Prohibitionist movement is on the rise once again. You’d think the failure of the first attempt at Prohibition 100 years ago would be a lesson but apparently not.  The World Health Organization claims that no amount of any alcohol is safe, let alone good for you.  We’ve written about this and the connection between a currently active anti-alcohol organization, Movendi, to the Independent Order of Good Templars founded in upstate New York in  1851 that is still alive and well under the Movendi label.  We’ve also explored wine’s beneficial role when consumed with food, particularly the Mediterranean diet.

We’ll stick with our favorite adage:  everything in moderation. And enjoy the contribution of camaraderie and joyfulness to good health.

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