I envy my dog. Each morning during our woodland walks, her nose is low to the ground, inhaling the myriad scents around her. The picturesque landscape changes with the seasons, and I realize there’s a deeper connection to this place that goes beyond sight. Emulating my furry friend, I take a moment to sniff the air.
This practice feels almost meditative. I clear my thoughts and focus on the unique fragrances that surround me. Each path, copse, and clearing carries a distinct scent, opening my awareness to the world.
Despite being the most overlooked of our senses, smell has a grounding quality that can bring us back to ourselves. It’s the natural aromas that resonate most powerfully, whether they come from the great outdoors or a carefully selected bottle of wine.
Seasonal Rhythms
The forest changes with the seasons, much like the evolution of a wine bottle. In spring, the first scents to emerge are those of grass, green leaves, and wild garlic, echoing the purity of a freshly bottled Sauvignon Blanc. Summer brings a burst of fruits that remind me of a two-year-old Cabernet Franc, with wild strawberries and tart redcurrants appearing in abundance. Later, fragrant raspberries and the deep, dark notes of blackberries—the latter reminiscent of an eight-year-old Mourvèdre—signal the transition to autumn.
As summer wanes, autumn arrives with its rich tapestry of scents, conjuring memories of a decades-old Grenache. The air is filled with earthy aromas, conker shells sweetening the air, and the unmistakable smell of mushrooms releasing their spores. When winter chills the landscape, the smells fade, akin to a reticent Pinot Noir, leaving only memories of warmth and smoke until spring revives everything anew.
Daily Rhythms
As the day draws to a close, I select a bottle of wine. After a long day spent mainly online, it feels vital to reconnect with nature—even if it’s just through scent. At the dinner table, swirling the wine in my glass pulls me back to the present moment. Taking the time to smell reveals the deep, complex layers of the wine, each aroma telling its own story.
Appreciating the nuances of fragrance requires patience, much like the rhythms of daily life. Whether in the serenity of a forest or in quiet companionship with a glass of wine, the act of smelling deeply not only brings joy but also fosters a sense of grounding, reminding us to savor the moment—whether we share it with others or enjoy it in solitude.
Sometimes we need to learn from our canine companions, who instinctively understand the importance of pausing to appreciate the world through their nose.