I drink, you're a drunk, they are alcoholics

Recently I mentioned that I cannot imagine my life without wine, as it provides me with variations of taste and texture to every meal, giving colour to food and, thus, to life. It is easy to go on about the smells and tastes of different wines, from the humble 'jug' examples to the exalted bottles of fine wine; a living thing, wine DOES provide all that if we just stop to look. And then there's the alcohol...

Many of us like drinking wine for the taste, with the 'buzz' an added - and not always welcome - factor. Others find the taste indifferent, but the 'buzz' is their motivation and wine, despite being slower to provide it than spirits, can be consumed in some quantity with limited immediate consequences and, as importantly, less social condemnation. Are they all alcoholics?

Yes and no is my honest response. Anyone whose first thought (more or less) on waking is to rediscover last night's 'buzz' probably is. Certainly anyone who is unable to get through a day without a glass (or six) of something, has no alcohol-free days (and is unable to so do) and needs the alcohol as a crutch to face other people/life is a good candidate for being a typical alcoholic.

But I feel we sometimes allow ourselves to slip into the constant drinking mode without having the underlying need, simply because it makes for a pleasant lifestyle full of 'happy' days. We may start from a position of strength, feeling like masters, on top, in control; if we allow ourselves to relax too much and for too long, however, we may well end up servants, under the cosh, even out of control. Then the problems start, though we may not recognise them as such immediately and fail to react. It is possible to step back, but it is not easy. And the looming abyss has a way of appearing ever so seductive...

Yet wine, when approached with care and respect, is a wonderful thing! The complex aromas, the many different tastes, the way it can express or complement a mood, accompany food, complete a meal, make wine a truly unique and wonderful thing. Furthermore, most people involved in the production of wine are committed, passionate people who love their product, respect the earth that nurtures it and want their customers to appreciate their 'love-child' - but not excessively. Wine is more often than not their life, and they put their heart and soul into making it to enrich yours, not to dominate or annihilate you.

Respect is a word often bandied about far too casually these days, but respect wine, get to love it and it will love you back, giving you lots and lots of pleasure. My personal experience is that it keeps on giving to me in so many ways, for which I am hugely grateful, but allows me to keep my distance when I want to; long may this wonderful relationship continue!