Recently I saw the movie “The Bucket List” and made one of my very own. I think it’s a good exercise because it’s the same as goal setting which I highly endorse. Anyway the idea came around to “A Bucket List for Wine Lovers.” So here are my suggestions. You should make your own.

1) Taste one of the classics wines. 1945 Mouton, 1947 Cheval Blanc, 1961 Latour a Pomerol, 1961 Petrus, 1931 Quinta de Noval, 1947 La Fleur or 1959 Romani Conti . These wines are generally always mentioned when the greatest wines ever made are discussed. They are rare, expensive and unique. In the book “Sideways” the holy grail for the author is the 1961 Petrus (a merlot).

2) Visit wine country. Now I don’t mean just drive through it. A visit to wine country includes the following events. a) A walk through the vineyards. In Italy you can walk through vineyards that existed 1,000 years ago. The human race has been loving wine a long time. b) A barrel sampling. This is when the wine maker or owner takes a tool called a wine thief and draws wine out of the barrel to taste. It’s a unique experience and should be enjoyed. c) A tutored tasting of several wines by the wine maker. It’s like having Rembrandt explain his paintings to you. You will get a fuller understanding. d) At least one local meal paired with the local wines. You will be amazed at how the two mirror each other. I’ve been all over the world and this fact never ceases to amaze me. e) Buy wine directly from the winery. You’ll treasure it with friends and the story over dinner is worth it. There are other things to do when you visit but these are essential.

3) Visit your favorite winery. You can combine #2 and #3, but you don’t have to. For me it’s Latour. I’ve been several times and it always renews my first passion.

4) Eat grapes from your favorite winery. If you time it right you can do #2, #3 and #4 at the same time, but why not make three trips out of it? If not your favorite winery, then one of the great wines of the world. Remember, you’re making memories.

5) Drink wine from your birth year. It’s a unique experience and fun to boot. The older you are, the harder it gets and usually the more expensive.

6) Along those lines, buy a case of wine from your children’s or grandchildren’s birth year to be consumed on their 21st birthday. It’s a special ritual I’ve participated in with other peoples’ children (I am childless) and grandchildren. It’s definitely worth doing.

7) Go to a charity wine auction. Do some good and combine it with one of your loves. If you haven’t been, you’ll enjoy people paying crazy prices for a good cause and good wine. Whatever you put into the lives of others comes back into your own and what better way than through wine.

8) Go to a wine course or school. If you would consider cooking school, then consider wine school. This will take your love for wine to a new level. You’ll learn to more fully understand the “game”. Many Culinary institutes combine both so you can pick two grapes with one stone that way. Now the rest of these “Bucket List” items are optional but should be considered. Remember I am only helping you make your own list.

9) Saber a champagne bottle. Of course Napoleon sabered his champagne – no delays that way.

10) Stomp grapes. The best place to do this is Portugal, which will work out nicely if you like port.

11) Visit Champagne. Everything is fantastic. The old Roman chalk caves. The food, the vineyards and the tours. The Chapel at Reims, and the towns themselves. If you can afford it stay at Les Crayeres.

12) If you’re an American, drink one or all of the classics made in America. 1941 Inglenook, 1951 B.V., 1958 B.V., 1968 Hietz, 1974 Mayacamus or 1946 BV Pinot Noir. They are very hard to find. If you’re not American, do the same in your own country.

13) Eat Foie Gras with Sauterne. This is the top of the pinnacle of food and wine pairings. If you can afford it, drink Chateau d’ Yquem. If you have an aversion to the way they treat the ducks, try the wine with a liver pate.

14) Have a romantic experience in a vineyard. You get to fill in the details.

In closing, remember the old French saying, “The price of the wine is forgotten long after the memory lingers.” Your “Wine Bucket List” is all about memories.