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  Summer is in full swing and it's just begun. It's hot, tempers are rising with the temperatures! We all need something to cool us down. This time of year, most people want to reach for white or rosé because they're cold, they're refreshing. But, don't forget, you don't have to give up red wine during the hot summer months! Check out these chillable reds to start. And, even if your tastes run to heavier, full-bodied reds, don't be afraid to chill them for a little bit before drinking, especially given how hot our current "room temperatures" are.  So, let's get to it! What are we all drinking this month?

  Summer has unmistakably arrived! While it is spring that often gets the lamb or lion heraldic, it's really summer that needs one. Be it climate change or otherwise, the last several years has seen spring limp in weakly. Not meekly like a cute Easter lamb, but like one ravaged by angry wolves that managed to escape and keep going. In Istanbul, I feel like we need a new word to describe how winter and spring seem to be melding into one, indistinguishable season. There is no mistaking summer though which roars in like an angry lion, throwing temperatures into the upper 20s before June has even arrived.  I don't

  The beautiful weather of late has brought new energy and excitement to the air! It's hard to not feel happy and upbeat with the sunny days. I don't know about you, but I'm even getting up a little earlier, and less grumpy, than usual.  For many, this weather brings the desire to drink lighter and crisper wines. I know what I'm going to be drinking this month. What about you? Read on to find out! Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) May has something fun but a little scary in store for you, Aquarius! You need to stop being so serious and analytical. Don't be afraid to do something if you

  They say spring comes in like a lion or a lamb

  We've still got a couple weeks until spring is official by the calendar, but it seems to have arrived in Istanbul early. Although if past winter/spring seasons are prologue, then we could well see snow in the city in March. I'm hoping that is not our future this month, but it's difficult to know what the universe has in store! Slightly less murky than our weather forecast is our drinking forecast! So, which wines will we all be hunting down this month? Read on to find out.  Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) Aquarius, this month brings a possibly unique opportunity to turn your creative ideas into passive income streams. We

  If you haven't checked your calendar yet, you might not have noticed that this year is a leap year! Hello, rarely seen February 29. Julius Caesar instituted leap year back in 45 BC. By adding a single day every four years, he created a more or less consistent solar calendar. Like any oddity, leap year has a number of its own traditions and superstitions, many of them related to relationships! For example, apparently not only was is considered acceptable for women to propose to men on a leap day, the men could not refuse! It's said that Queen Margaret even imposed a fine for men who would deny

  So, 2023 is now behind us. Not such a bad year, all things considered. Although there's always hope that the future will be better and brighter. Whether or not you make resolutions, take some time as we say goodbye to the year to reflect on the lessons you learned and how you might apply them and do and be better in 2024. Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) January's winter nights are cold and dark, the perfect place for shadows of the past to lurk and taunt you. Embrace the discomfort of facing them head-on. Remember that the wounds you carry are not your identity, but they way you deal

  Since November seems to have forgot how to be autumn, we'll see what kind of weather December has in store. The seasons here can be such a rollercoaster throwing ups and downs and twists and turns at us. Much like life itself does. And as we approach this final month of 2023, many are taking stock of what happened during the year and making plans and resolutions for the year ahead.  Me, I'm ignoring the future. It'll always be there tomorrow. December is all about Christmas and I cannot wait to put up the tree and dive into Christmas music and movies. So yeah, we all have a different approach