READY OR NOT. VALENTINE'S DAY IS HERE
By Leslie-Ann Sheppard
Most of us are aware that Valentine's Day is on the agenda. If you've listened to radio or television anytime in the past month, you've undoubtedly picked up the hint.

The origin of Valentine's Day can be traced to Medieval times and to a Christian martyr (or several of them) known as Saint Valentine. Stories vary as to the evolution of the current modern holiday, but in summary, February 14 has come to be recognized as a day when a person declares his or her love for another person. The declaration can be in the form of verbal communication, but commercial culture would prefer that the declaration of love come in the form of material goods. A card with flowery sayings relates most closely to the early English tradition set forth by literary greats such as Chaucer, but modern suggestions include candy, flowers and jewelry.

When I was younger and single, Valentine's Day was a day I tried to ignore. My simpatico friends and I referred to February 14 as 'Singles Awareness Day' (does that make an acronym?). Need I say more?

If you find yourself in this situation this year, I have a suggestion. Call up a few single friends who enjoy wine and initiate a get-together. It's best not to brave February 14 alone. Ask everyone to bring a bottle of wine. If you want, you can focus the selections. For example, set categorical guidelines- a particular type of wine, like 'California Syrah,' or 'Sauvignon Blanc.' It also helps to set price guidelines- under $25, for example. When everyone gathers together, open up all the wine, and get everyone a glass. Two ounce pours are good when there's a lot of wine on the table, so pour lightly. After everyone tastes the first bottle, move on to the next.

Conversation does not have to be planned or particularly 'wine oriented.' It will probably naturally flow from wine to whatever else is of interest. The exercise of tasting different wines that have similarities is a good stimulus for a relaxed, enjoyable time. However, if you want more structure, there are board games that involve tasting wine and learning at the same time. One such game is called "Winerd," and I've tested it and found in a variety of situations that it is a great ice breaker and that participants genuinely enjoy it. Or, pop in a movie --if it's an all female gathering, chick flicks are great; if a co-ed gathering, try other 'buddy' movies- Sideways is one suggestion.

If, on the other hand, you're fortunate enough to be in the kind of relationship where declaring your love is appropriate, wine can again be your Valentine's Day focal point. There's something imminently appropriate about a glass of rose Champagne shared over a toast to one another. Or, seek out a special bottle for your loved one that has meaning for you. Either purchase something ready to drink that night, or choose a bottle that you'll open together on a Valentine's Day in the future.

Since candy and chocolates are popular Valentine's Day gift items, another option is to supplement the sweets with a complementary wine. For chocolates and 'red' desserts like those involving berries, choose a decadent, full-bodied, and slightly sweet red like Zinfandel, or go right into a traditional Port, Banyuls, or Recioto della Valpolicella. If the sweets are 'white'- caramel, cinnamon, or fruity with pears, apricots, apples, or peaches, pick a traditional Sauternes, Beaumes-de-Venise, Icewine, or the caramel-laden late-harvested Muscat of Australia or South Africa. My suggestion: don't forget the Valentine's Day card!

Whatever you decide, don't ignore Valentine's Day. It shouldn't be a pressure filled day of anxious expectations; rather, roll with it and embrace it as another day to explore and enjoy wine! Take the opportunity to give thanks for

whatever love is in your life. I

Leslie-Ann Sheppard is the owner of The Cellar, a seasonal wine and cheese shop on Surfside Road. The Cellar reopens in April for its fourth season.