Mastering Midlife Change: What can Wine teach us about Ageing?

Age is not an issue for a major midlife change, even if ageism might be. And ageing is often talked about in relation to wine as something positive which got me thinking about the comparison between ageing in people and wine. I wasn't sure I'd find many similarities - when we are young, we see few benefits of being 50 and more. But by mulling over the advantages that age brings to a midlife transformation, I came up with a few parallels:

Much loved quote on age and wine

Character-building

As wine ages, its flavours develop and mature. The tannins in red wine become velvety, and new, more complex flavours emerge. The wine gains character, with subtle notes and layers of flavour that unfold during tasting, making it so much more interesting and enjoyable.

As people age, life lessons bring maturity. We develop greater depth as we tackle and navigate the highs and lows of life. Experiences make us more interesting and richer in character.

Appropriate Ambiance

The environment in which wine ages—the temperature, humidity, the type of barrel or even the final container it is stored in—affects its development. Good conditions will enhance quality, while poor conditions can spoil it.

For us to age well, a supportive community, meaningful relationships, and positive surroundings where we feel safe and relaxed contribute to ageing in a more positive way while a negative environment can impact both physical and mental well-being.

We don’t all age the same way

Not all wines are meant to age. Some are best enjoyed young, bursting with freshness and vitality with no or little oak ageing. This reminds me of Château George 7 Blanc which only ferments in wood on the lees and is bottled after 6 months. Those designed for ageing, however, such as my red Château George 7, can continue to improve for years and for some wines even decades, becoming more valuable and desirable over time. The timing depends on the original attributes of the wine.

People, too, age differently and at different paces. Some people peak earlier, while others continue to grow and develop well into their later years. It is all about our energy and not the number. For those who embrace and even harness the ageing process, there’s potential to continually enrich their lives and those of others with every new decade!

‘Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet’*

Ripe Merlot Fruit

Ageing wine requires patience. Opening a bottle too soon might mean missing out on its full potential and if we can wait until the wine reaches its peak, the experience is all the more rewarding.

When very young, we can’t wait to be older. As the decades pass, the rush of youth tends to give way to a more measured, mindful approach to life. With patience, we can fully realize our potential at the right time, achieving goals and fulfilling dreams that might have been impossible earlier in life.

Celebrate Ageing

A well-aged wine is often celebrated and shared with those we care about. It might be reserved for a special occasion - savoured and appreciated for the journey it has made from grape to glass.

Similarly, our ageing should be celebrated and ‘big’ birthdays are very special occasions as gateways to the next decade. Ageing well gets recognition and respect. The experiences, memories, and achievements of a lifetime are worth raising a glass or two.

I agree with Dame Joan’s sentiment completely having bottled my first wine at 58 and more recently, age and ageism in relation to a major midlife change are topics I have tackled in my book Make the Midlife Move. Ageing may come with its own set of changes and challenges, but it also unlocks the potential for many deeper, more rewarding experiences — whether you're enjoying a good vintage or cherishing the moments of a life well-lived.

*Jean-Jacques Rousseau

PLUS:

1.Make the Midlife Move: A practical guide to Flourish after Fifty published 16th September 2024 in paperback and Kindle.

2. If you are interested in my views on why diving into the wine industry later in life can be an advantage, read my previous blog.