I am sitting on the Armitage El stop on my way back from my date. Tonight I visited The Poison Cup and sipped wine with myself. It was the first time I have ever done this alone. My partner in crime was “The Demon” and this like so many things became a casualty in the demise of my marriage. Wine tasting brings back memories of happier times that right now I don’t want to remember.
However the grape has been calling my name and finally I answered. So I threw on jeans, t-shirt and my favorite cashmere hoodie and decided that it is time to face wine alone. I admit I am a social person and need the company of another but I must stop letting my singledom and memories stop me from doing something I love. So I faced the grape. It was scary I must admit. Opening the door and viewing couples and friends laughing and enjoying themselves. While I stood alone. The only small spot of color in a sea of pale. (Not saying I am the darkest sistah) I remembered past tastings where I had the support of my husband. The only other person of color but at least we had each other, but not this time. So I went to the first table with glass in hand and sampled a delightful Sparkling. I savored the lightness and felt the thrill again. Next stop Table 2 and the Pinot Noir was my favorite. Table 3 was a bounty of Spanish wines from Rose to Rioja to Tempanillo. I dreamed of Barcelona and plates filled with paella. Finally back to Table 1 to end the night on a simple Red with blueberry notes and an earthy Malbec. I talked to the wine reps and learned a few things while nibbling prosciutto and Carr’s Water crackers.
I left the wine tasting the same way I came, by myself. I wasn’t the life of the party but a quiet visitor. I was alone but not lonely. So now I sit on this platform listening to One Note Samba by Sergio Mendes just fine. I can’t wait till my next date.