Now that we're a few days into the new year, I've had some time to think about goals I have for 2008 and I thought I'd share with you the ones that are wine-related.

1) Work on tasting more varietals. A few months ago I discovered the Wine Century Club and I'm looking forward to making some more progress tasting my way through 100 different grape varieties. Dr. Debs' entry about Cross-Training Your Palate really struck a chord with me because although I do taste many different wines at work, but when it comes to my own personal enjoyment at home, l see that I go for the same things over and over again. I'm looking forward to challenging myself to expand my horizons and hopefully discover some new varietals (particularly whites, because I usually default to reds) that I really enjoy.

2) Learn more about port and sake. Dr. Debs' entry originally inspired me to delve into the world of ports this year. I'm not a huge fan of dessert wines, but when a friend introduced me to Banyuls last summer I realized that sweet wines can be delicious. As far as sake goes, in the fall I tasted a few different sakes and found myself really intrigued. I've never been a sake drinker and perhaps it's because when I've ordered it in a restaurant I've been served poor-quality sake. Coincidentally, Richard at A Passionate Foodie will be focussing on sake during the month of January, so that's a great jumping-off point for me!

3) Read more. During the last few years the number of books I've read has dwindled to an embarrassingly low number. I've been really crunched for time and really sleep deprived thanks to two little early-birds. But it's important that I make the time for it. I received a few wine books for Christmas and I can't wait to start them.

4) Be a better blogger. By that I mean to really help be a productive, participating part of the wine blogging community. I want to discover new wine blogs and link freely. I am going to make an effort to comment more often on blogs as well. I will continue to participate in Wine Blogging Wednesday, and the forthcoming Wine Book Club. In the few months that I've been an "official" wine blogger I've met such an amazing group of people and I've learned a tremendous amount from them. I'm sure the spirit will keep up through 2008!

So there you have it. I think those are reasonable goals and we'll see how well I've done twelve months from now.