[James Matthew Najera]

General Discussion Thread 09.15.2025​

Hey GrayViners!

Isn’t it funny how life hands us all sorts of reasons to celebrate? Some are the big, unforgettable ones—like a brand-new grandbaby, a long-awaited family visit, or finally ticking off that big project on your list. But if you ask me, the small wins deserve just as much fanfare. Think about those everyday triumphs: getting that stubborn jar lid to finally pop open, remembering where you left your glasses (on the third try!), or spotting a picture-perfect sunset right before dinner.

No matter how big or small the victory, a little “cheers” makes it even sweeter. And it doesn’t have to be fancy—a cup of tea on the porch, a splash of soda with extra ice, or maybe something a little stronger if that’s your style.

So here’s my question for you: What’s your favorite drink to celebrate a little win—big or small?

Image credit: Unsplash/Al Elmes

I’ll go first: for me, it’s a smooth single malt whiskey—just a small pour, enough to savor the moment and smile.

Now it’s your turn! Share your go-to celebratory sip in the forum so we can all raise our glasses (or mugs!) to your everyday victories.

Let’s see what everyone’s toasting with tonight!

Cheers!
Blue

 

[Cochy]

A nice glass of rich wine, so good

 

[lavender3]

riesling wine

 

[sadieclayladie]

Dirty Grey Goose Martini, 3 olives.

 

[Samcmillen]

Red wine

 

[Hazeleyes]

Glass of water with lemon twist in it. Or if I can get non sweetened homemade iced tea with lemon twist.
Prior to me having medical issues that I can not drink alcohol it would have been Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay for wine
Captain Morgan with ginger ale and lime twist or Bacardi light with coke and lemon twist.

 

[dkleslie52]

Wine

 

[dkleslie52]

Wine

 

[TriciaR]

A nice glass of rich wine, so good

Thanks for sharing that @Cochy ! A nice rich wine really does feel like a proper celebration. Do you have a favorite type you usually go for—like a shiraz, cabernet, or maybe something a bit lighter?

 

[TriciaR]

riesling wine

Thanks for sharing @lavender3 ! Riesling is such a lovely choice—light, crisp, and perfect for toasting little wins. Do you prefer it more on the sweet side, or do you enjoy the drier styles?

 

[TriciaR]

Dirty Grey Goose Martini, 3 olives.

Thanks for sharing @sadieclayladie ! A Dirty Grey Goose Martini with 3 olives definitely says celebration in style. Do you usually make it yourself at home, or is it more of a treat you enjoy when you’re out?

 

[TriciaR]

Red wine

Thanks for sharing @Samcmillen ! Red wine is such a classic way to celebrate. Do you have a favorite variety you usually reach for, like a merlot, shiraz, or cabernet?

 

[TriciaR]

Glass of water with lemon twist in it. Or if I can get non sweetened homemade iced tea with lemon twist.
Prior to me having medical issues that I can not drink alcohol it would have been Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay for wine
Captain Morgan with ginger ale and lime twist or Bacardi light with coke and lemon twist.

That sounds so refreshing with the lemon twist @Hazeleyes ! Iced tea without the sweetness is a great choice, especially for celebrating those everyday wins. It’s lovely that you’ve found new favorites since you had to move away from alcohol. Do you still enjoy making fun little twists with your drinks at home, like you used to with the cocktails?

 

[TriciaR]

Wine

A glass of wine always feels like a lovely way to mark a win. Thank you for sharing @dkleslie52 ! Do you usually enjoy it with a nice meal, or more as a quiet moment to yourself?

 

[41Geezer@mustaGotlost]

"Riunite" (not "reunite") is a cooperative of Italian wine producers from the Emilia-Romagna region, founded in 1950 to market their regional Lambrusco wine. Famous for its accessible, semi-sparkling Lambrusco, especially the red version, the brand achieved immense popularity in the U.S. during the 1970s and 1980s with its "Riunite on ice, so nice" advertising campaigns. Today, it remains a leading global Lambrusco brand, known for its light, refreshing, and fruity qualities, suitable for everyday enjoyment.

 

[TriciaR]

"Riunite" (not "reunite") is a cooperative of Italian wine producers from the Emilia-Romagna region, founded in 1950 to market their regional Lambrusco wine. Famous for its accessible, semi-sparkling Lambrusco, especially the red version, the brand achieved immense popularity in the U.S. during the 1970s and 1980s with its "Riunite on ice, so nice" advertising campaigns. Today, it remains a leading global Lambrusco brand, known for its light, refreshing, and fruity qualities, suitable for everyday enjoyment. View attachment 67556

Riunite—what a great choice! It’s such a classic with its light and fruity Lambrusco style. Do you usually enjoy it chilled on its own, or do you like pairing it with certain foods?

 

[dkleslie52]

A glass of wine always feels like a lovely way to mark a win. Thank you for sharing @dkleslie52 ! Do you usually enjoy it with a nice meal, or more as a quiet moment to yourself?

I enjoy a couple of glasses in the evening while watching a good movie or TV show!

 

[sadieclayladie]

Thanks for sharing @sadieclayladie ! A Dirty Grey Goose Martini with 3 olives definitely says celebration in style. Do you usually make it yourself at home, or is it more of a treat you enjoy when you’re out?

It's very rare that have a drink at all (I have CKD) but whenever I take a trip down to the Bay Area to hang with my Besties, I'll have the Grey Goose Dirty Martoonie...........will be in Berkeley for Halloween handing out candy with my friends this year---it's been two years and time for some fun for this Berzerkeley-ite!

 

[TriciaR]

It's very rare that have a drink at all (I have CKD) but whenever I take a trip down to the Bay Area to hang with my Besties, I'll have the Grey Goose Dirty Martoonie...........will be in Berkeley for Halloween handing out candy with my friends this year---it's been two years and time for some fun for this Berzerkeley-ite!

That sounds like such a fun plan! A Grey Goose Dirty Martini with your besties in Berkeley sounds like the perfect treat after a couple of years away.