Even the President and first lady appreciate a good vino. (AP Photo/Roberto Candia)

Say au revoir to the indulgent revelry of Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday, and hello to the tradition of Lent, which begins today, Ash Wednesday. For the next 40 days, people everywhere will enter into a season of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer that ends with Easter in April.

But  joy of joys, guess what? It just so happens that this Wednesday is also National Drink Wine Day, and I actually think it’s kind of serendipitous. As an ever-present—and very significant—beverage of ancient and Biblical times, celebrating the drinking of wine on Ash Wednesday seems to take on a bit of extra poetic significance. Consider these facts for a moment: (1) wines were a big part of  ancient feasts; (2) there is a verse in Psalm 104 that in part reads “And wine makes the heart of humans glad…;” (3) Jesus didn’t turn water into lemonade, now did He?

Ancient Egyptians were the 1st to record wine making practices as evidenced by findings in tombs. They were serious about their wine. {image from Slideshare.net slideshow created by Shelly Freestone}

With that thought in mind, I think today is actually the perfect time to launch into an exploration of wines as a way to commemorate the auspicious significance of this day. So, in honor of both Lent and National Drink Wine Day, I’ve decided to do something fun: I’m launching the #40Wines40Days project. Over the next 40 days I will embark on a wine tasting adventure where I explore 40 different wines that are regionally unique; that I’ve never tried before; or that I’ve always wanted to taste. Ultimately the goal is to be adventurous in my choices so that I can expand my wine knowledge…as well as my sipping pleasure, too.

{original image courtesy of sharethejoy.occidentalvacationclub.com}

I’ll share my #40Wines40Days project experiences every Wednesday as part of a new series here on the blog called  “Wine Wednesday.” For those not in the know, #WineWednesday is a popular hashtag on Twitter where wine enthusiasts share their love, passion, suggestions, and tips for wine. Naturally, I thought the name was also a perfect fit for a series of posts here on the blog about one of The Bubbleista’s favorite subjects.

And here’s a little hint about the 1st installment of  the #40Wines40Days project edition of my Wine Wednesday series: it’s all “Greek” to me.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram for a more up-to-the-minute peek at what wine I’m drinking prior to the full, official Wednesday posts.

*CONTEST ALERT!!* for those wine lovers so inclined, I’d L-O-V-E for you to join me on this entertaining, educational vino voyage: if you try a new-to-you wine during the next 40 days put it on Twitter or Instagram; tag me (@TheBubbleista); and use the hashtag #40Wines40Days. I’ll pick one winner to receive one of the bottle of wine I try during the project!

Stay tuned!