Amazed, and maybe a little overwhelmed, at the art of wine? Interested in learning about all the different varietals, their descriptions, uniqueness and nurturing of the vines? Want to dazzle your friends as a master of this art, but haven't had much exposure other than standing in the supermarket aisle trying to decide which "box" to buy?

If wine-in-a-box is the extent of your "fine wine" knowledge, then the good news is that there is plenty of new and exciting information to learn! And, if you are in or entering retirement then you will have plenty of time to become a wine scholar. A tip: Begin with some basic terms, such as types of smell and taste, and grow from there.

Because of the many grapes and resulting wines you may want to "major" your education in a particular wine, say, Cabernet Sauvignon, or even broaden it to different types of red wine. If you are enjoying a Northern California retirement, then you are in luck. Northern California is known for its success in red wines as well as Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Syrah. You will also find that there the wine in California is fairly consistent thanks to its relatively stable weather.

If Northern California is, indeed, your retirement choice, then you are in luck again! Northern California is practically synonymous with wineries. If you are in the Greater San Francisco area, like around Brentwood, you will find hundreds of wineries and acres and acres of grapevines. Visiting wineries will be key in your education – here you are able to sample different types of wine as well as learn about each one of them.

If living close to wineries in an active adult retirement community tops your list for retirement than there may be no better place than Trilogy at the Vineyards – the name almost says it all! Here, you can couple fine wine with fine living. Trilogy at the Vineyards is the home of Club Meganos which features dining at all levels, a full service spa, two pools, a fitness center and a full calendar of events. You can also enjoy a nice glass of wine after a gold game at the Brentwood Golf Course located adjacent to the community, or hit any of the other nearby course such as Roddy Ranch, Shadow Lakes or Deer Ridge. Mount Diablo is not too far way along with Delta if you are the active adult outdoors type.

And, get this…as you are learning your new art be sure to grab a friend, go for a walk and share all the new, exciting information you will be learning. Where to walk? At Trilogy at the Vineyards appropriately named Wine Country Walking Trails, of course!

Cheers!