Come Over in October – For Wine, Friendship and Fun

Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible and a positive force in the wine industry for decades, was chagrined last January when she started reading an increasing number of negative and divisive pieces about wine from the media she is part of.

Some came from well-known wine writers and contradicted many things she knew and understood.

Worse, there were increased negative social media posts about wine, including the benefits of not drinking wine. She was disappointed that the narrative around wine has increasingly devolved into a discussion solely about alcohol.

“To me, wine is more than alcohol,” she wrote. “Wine is woven into a rich tapestry with Nature, spirituality, art, cuisine, religion, and culture. And as we all know, if all you wanted was alcohol, there are cheaper and faster ways to get it than by having a glass of wine with dinner.”

The Positive Wine Story

She said she believed the positive story about wine needs to be told.

“For 9,000 years, wine has been a communal beverage that brings people together, creates new friendships, and deepens old ones,” she wrote. “Why aren’t more people talking about that? The story of wine’s cultural and social benefits is slipping away right before our eyes.”

During the Spring, she came up with the idea of starting a campaign called Come Over October. She began plans for an international campaign with two co-founders and public relations and communications veterans, Gino Colangelo and Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET.

“The idea was simple. Wine drinkers across the country would invite a friend, colleague, neighbor, or family member to come over to a restaurant, a home, a winery, or any gathering place to share some wine,” she wrote.

Events Nationwide

The team planned to enlist sponsors from throughout the wine and related industries. They launched a Come Over October website, listing events with Local Wine Events. Thousands of wine lovers will celebrate Come Over October this fall.

MacNeil said posters will be in hundreds of retail brick-and-mortar and digital wine shops and wineries. Their team is working with wine clubs to include campaign information inside boxes of wine. Their website provides ideas for entertaining.

“And if your get-together includes people who would prefer no alcohol at the time, know that non-alcoholic wines and other beverages are included too. The point is getting together,” MacNeil said.

The concept is supported by trade groups across the country from Wine America (which represents thousands of wineries) to the Napa Valley Vintners to the Washington State Wineries Association, the Willamette Valley Wineries Association, New York State Wine and Grape Foundation, Wines of Chile, the Chianti Classico Consortium, Wines of Sicily, Wines of South Africa, the Champagne Bureau and so many more are amplifying the message and hosting Come Over October events.

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (Southern Glazer’s), the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, joined as a sponsor.

More Than a Beverage

“Wine has always been more than just a beverage – it’s a bridge between people,” said Eric Hemer, Senior Vice President and Director of Wine Education at Southern Glazers. “The Come Over October campaign reminds us that through wine, we share stories, laughter, and a sense of belonging. At Southern Glazer’s, we are proud to support this campaign, knowing that wine can enhance some of life’s most cherished moments.”

MacNeil said gathering your friends and family with wine as a focus or complement doesn’t have to break the bank or tax your brain.

“How about planning your get-togethers with themed wine choices (and easy foods to match) that help celebrate the season and add to the overall fun?” MacNeil wrote. “Or keep it even simpler with the help of some basic selection. Learn about serving and tasting tips for at-home or farther afield. Whatever your needs or occasion, we’ve got you covered.”

We have our first themed dinner this coming Saturday, focusing on international recipes for small plates for sharing and wines from their respective countries. Some friends are hosting another fall-themed gathering in three weeks. We are looking forward to Coming Over!