Splash of Wine: Gratitude by JAK's encourages wine lovers to raise a glass to all they're thankful for

The collaboration by Okanagan Crush Pad and JAK's Beer Wine Spirits comes in white, red, and rosé for COVID-19 reflection; we dive deep into the pink

by Gail Johnson on April 20th, 2020 at 6:51 PM

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Where we taste new wines and share highly subjective and uncorroborated tasting notes.

Expressing gratitude is a proven way to cope with stress. For proof, look no further than research by psychologists Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and the University of Miami’s Michael E. McCullough.

For a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, they asked participants to write down a few sentences each week.

One group of people wrote about things they were thankful for. Another wrote about things that bothered them. A third cohort wrote about events that had affected them in some way, without emphasizing whether they were positive or negative. After 10 weeks, those who focused on feeling grateful were more optimistic and felt better about their lives than the others.

With COVID-19 affecting every facet of our lives, there’s no time like the present to put aside so much uncertainty and anxiety to reflect on what you’re thankful for. It’s an exercise that many parents are doing around the dinner table with their kids and that radio-show hosts are spinning.

Nowhere does any scientific research say that practising gratefulness needs to or should come with a glass of vino, but wine lovers might think otherwise.

To that end, Summerland's Okanagan Crush Pad Winery and JAK’s Beer Wine Spirits have collaborated on a new series of wines appropriately named Gratitude by Jak’s.

Illustrator Alex Maertz's art adorns the labels.

Alex Maertz.

Shout-out to West Coast illustrator Alex Maertz, whose playful, nature-inspired illustrations adorn the labels.

There’s the Pinot Blanc 2019, with hints of pineapple and lime, and the Red 2018, which is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah with chocolate-y and cherry notes.

Gratitude by JAK's.

Then there’s the Gratitude by JAK's Rosé 2019, which we feature in this installment of Splash of Wine.

Tech Sheet: Predominantly Pinot Noir and Gamay with a touch of Muscat, it evokes strawberries, Creamsicles, mandarin oranges, and grapefruit.

Sip it: Pale and slightly coppery pink in the glass, this dry rosé is even-keeled and assured with the most subtle of sophisticated peachiness. Think Dr. Bonnie Henry in her new two-tone Fluevogs. Now, there’s someone to be thankful for.

Next level: Serve with grilled prawns wrapped in fresh dill and proscuitto.

More info: Find the wines at JAK’s (various locations) for $21.99 each. Details are at JAK's Beer Wine Spirits.