Across the Pond: Wine News from the U.S.

Holidays = Indulgence. How to Balance it All

Whether it’s the endless social calendar, meals that involve multiple types of pie, after-work cocktails, celebratory toasts, in-office treats or boozy, calorie-dense gifts, the holiday season presents unique challenges to our efforts to maintain balance. Wellness often takes a back-seat to indulgence and our bodies and minds suffer as a result.

However, it is possible to have your cake and eat (or drink!) it too. At Thomson & Scott, we believe in quality over quantity and the power of something we like to call “healthy hedonism.” So we got together to come up with a few easy pointers to stay on track while having a little fun this holiday season.

1) Embrace the Alcohol-Free Cocktail. There are amazing alcohol-free options out there now! Gone are the days of just water, soda or juice as the only booze-free alternatives at parties. Whether you want to go entirely zero-proof for the season, or simply want to alternate tipples with soft drinks, explore some of the amazing non-alcoholic beverage choices that are on the market these days. Evangelise the trend by bringing ingredients for the perfect craft cocktail to the party, or stock your own bar with interesting non-alcoholic options. Our zero-alcohol Noughty sparkling wine is a great place to start, and both vegan and organic to boot.

2) Get Physical. Don’t let your exercise routine suffer during the holiday season. While it feels challenging to balance all your obligations during the holidays, believe it or not, you can carve out a bit of time for fitness. Even if it’s taking a brisk 20-minute lunchtime walk, or hitting the gym for a quick HIIT session before the office holiday party, keep your physical activity front and centre. It’s important this time of year now more than ever. And, you will be less likely to jump into some unhealthy crash diet once the holidays are over.

3) Phone a friend. The holidays can occasionally get stressful or lonely, and memories of lost loved ones can surface. Studies show depression actually spikes during the holiday season. Be sure to check in with those around you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed or even just a little down.

4) Hydrate. This one is a no-brainer but it bears repeating. Drink a glass of water after every alcoholic beverage. Not only will this slow you down – and fill you up! – it will also keep those pesky symptoms of overindulgence at bay.

5) Breathe. Start with five minutes of slow, deliberate deep breathing. Inhale for a count of 6, exhale for a count of 8. It is amazing how simply taking a moment to slow down, pay attention to the sounds and sensations around you, and breathe can create a feeling of deep calm and focus. You will need this when tackling deadlines, year-end wrap-up reports and the dreaded holiday shopping list.

How do you maintain your wellness during the holidays? Tell us at @thomsonandscott!

Where We’re Sipping:

You can find us at True Food Kitchen at least once a month. Few restaurants capture the concepts of balance and healthy hedonism quite like True Food. From nourishing, seasonal cuisine, including vegetarian and vegan options so flavourful they would make the burliest of meat-eaters reconsider, to fresh juices and craft cocktails and alcohol-free cocktails made wellness-driven ingredients, it’s the perfect place to indulge while feeling good about what you’re putting in your body. Plus, they have locations all over the country, so you’re bound to find one near you now or coming soon.

What We’re Sipping:

It wouldn’t be November without pumpkin spice, right? Love it or hate it, this ubiquitous flavour bomb is the very hallmark of Autumn sipping & snacking. This Sparkling Spiced Pumpkin Punch, packed with citrus, fresh fruit, cinnamon, star anise, and pumpkin puree is topped off with a healthy slug of Thomson & Scott Prosecco, and is just perfect for holiday entertaining. Grab your most gorgeous glass punch bowl and whip up a batch for your next soirée. You might just become a pumpkin spice convert yet.

Where We’re Headed:

New York Champagne Week, of course! Started by Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker Blaine Ashley, this annual event celebrates all things bubbly. This year’s lineup shines a spotlight on grower Champagnes, undiscovered gems, new brand launches and sparkling wines made and/or owned by women. We were lucky enough to unveil Thomson & Scott to our New York fans at last year’s iteration – “The Fizz is Female” – so we’re excited to see what’s in store this year.