Alright - let's talk wine. And not in that stiff, swirl-your-glass-and-pretend-you-know-what-you're-doing kind of way. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But, this is about wine tasting without the ego, without the snobbery, and without someone telling you you're "doing it wrong." Because at the end of the day, wine is meant to be enjoyed, not analyzed to death.

If you know me, you know I love a good bottle of wine - whether it's from a high-end vineyard in France or a hidden gem right here in Virginia. My wife, Nicole, and I have had some unreal wine experiences lately, and today, we're bringing you along for the ride in Aÿ-Champagne France to Crystal Palate in Norfolk to Michael Shaps Winery in Charlottesville.

Now, if you've ever dreamt of the ultimate wine trip, let me tell you - France delivers. But not just any part of France ... I'm talking Aÿ-Champagne. This is where Champagne isn't just a drink, it's a way of life. And trust me, the stuff you get straight from the source? It hits different. Walking through the vineyards, talking to the winemakers who've been crafting Champagne for generations - it changes the way you think about those tiny bubbles.

And then there's Burgundy - specifically the towns of Beaune and Dijon. This is the holy ground for Pinot Noir, and I promise you, once you taste a true Burgundy Pinot, everything else feels like an imposter. The balance, the elegance, that smooth, silky feel - absolute perfection. Even though these wines are world-class, the experience is laid-back. You're not getting quizzed on "terroir" (pronounced "tehr-wahr") or being judged on how you hold your glass. You're just enjoying something amazing, and that's what wine is all about.

Have you ever had a wine that just stopped you in your track? One sip, and suddenly, you get why people make such a big deal about it? That was Burgundy for me. Specifically, Chateau de Pommard which has turned out to be one of our favorites that we still search out.

Now, not all of us can just hop on a plane to France whenever we want. But the good news? You don't have to. Right here in Virginia, we've got some incredible spots to explore.

One of our go-to places? Crystal Palate in East Beach in Norfolk. This isn't just a wine shop - it's an experience. Crystal and her team there actually want to help you find something you'll love, not just push the most expensive bottle. Whether you're looking for a bold red, a crisp white, or even something funky and unexpected, they've got you covered.

And then, of course, there's Michael Shaps Winery in Charlottesville. If you don't know Michael Shaps, you're missing out. This guy (with his vineyards and wine-making in both Virginia (U.S.A.) and France) is next-level when it comes to crafting wine that stands up against some of the best in the world. Nicole and I are proud wine club members, which basically means we get to indulge in incredible wine on the regular. Life's tough, right?

Wine tasting is not about using fancy words you don't understand. It's not about looking down on someone who likes sweet wine. It's not about price tags or labels.

Wine tasting is about finding what you love and enjoying the hell out of it. Whether that's a rare French Pinot or a $15 bottle from your local shop, who cares? If you like it, it's good wine.

So, let's drop the pretense, raise our glasses, and toast to enjoying wine the way it was meant to be - without the snobbery.

That's it for today's episode of Strategic CMO! If you liked this, make sure to check out my YouTube channel (@iamkeithparnell) for more real talk, great stories, and, of course, good wine.

Until next time - drink what you love, forget the rules, and enjoy the moment. Cheers!