Last night my wife and I were discussing what we were going to give up for Lent. I could be completely nuts, but I mentioned that I am considering giving up wine consumption. She thinks I’m crazy and will never be able to do it. The upside would be that, as a novice with a limited amount of money do devote to the hobby, I’d be able to grow my cellar a little bit. I figure that this will be an immense challenge of my will power! Has anyone else ever tried to abstain from drinking wine for any period of time (health reasons notwithstanding) and how did it turn out for you?

griffin:

before i was much into wine, i gave up vodka for lent, which forced me to take stock of what wines i liked and which direction to go in pursuing wine. maybe you would like to pursue some microbeers and always reach for wine. look at it as an opportunity to try something new. that's what i did and it worked out pretty well, now i hardly ever drink vodka.

The diet calls for two week abstinance from any alcohol. Going well so far, though I did do a little sip-and-spit at an informal tasting last night.

To answer the question in your thread title: Yes.

Give up brussel sprouts.

Of course if you really believe that giving up something is necessary, then doesn't the scripture suggest that it should be a sacrifice? And aren't you supposed to refelct on the sacrifice during the Lenten season? If you're giving it up as a spirtiutal exercise, then do it. Bets of luck.

Semper ubi sub ubi!

You can do it! I've given up all alcohol for Lent for about the past 10 years. Not only is it a true sacrifice, since you are giving up something that brings happiness to your life, but I guarantee you it will strengthen your self esteem and add some extra emphasis to the importance of your faith. Go for it. My experience tells me it's a positive step to take.

I give up Gin and Ballroom Dancing. My brother gives up the sauce for Lent and boy, is he a bear by Easter. Good way to lose a few quick lbs, though.

"...soon they'll be bleary eyed under a keg of wine, Down where the drunkards roll." Richard Thompson.

Grif,

It's a big sacrifice for me. And I'll be doing it this year. So you won't be alone!

Best of luck,
-J

When is lent anyways?

Get real! Drinking wine is a spiritual exercise! How can you give it up? - You need it now more than ever.

I say go for it. I know with my living enviroment, giving up wine just would be an issue, and that leaves caffiene, which my ex does NOT want me to do again...

You know, I haven't seen the "wine is better than sex" thread here. I'm sure there's a good reason for it and I'm glad!

Good luck though.

Sascha

http://www.lunaravencreations.com - fine hand crafted beaded jewelry

I am giving up cheese and maybe something else. This is the most important thing I have ever given up for Lent. In regards to the giving up wine, I have some form of cheese nearly every day and wine about once a week. For those that drink wine as often as I eat cheese, I can see that as a big deal. Crazy even!

Give up buyuimg wine. It's a big sacrifice but you end up richer for it in the end.

I'd probably be able to give up DRINKING wine for Lent easier than I could give up BUYING wine for Lent. Unfortunately, it would be impossible for to give up drinking wine for 40 days, so buying would also be out of the question.

My next best bet is to expand on my recent year's sacrifice of giving up coffee 2 days a week. maybe I'll try to go for 3 days/week this time around.

My mother-in-law is a good catholic She usually gives up something (i.e. coffee, chocolate, etc.) for Lent, but claims that Sundays are exempt from the 40-day abstinence period.

i only give up wine on ramadan

Free Martha!

I guess I'll just have to drink TWICE as much now to make up for your abstinence.

im Baptist so i do nothave to worry about giving up anything like drinking or dancing once a year for a set amount of time

when does "Lent" officially begin?
just curious.

*********************************
"From wine what sudden friendship springs!"

I believe it is always the Wednesday after Mardi Gras.
Though my Catholic memories are fading........

Lent starts next Wednesday, Ash Wednesday. The day after Fat Tuesday. Hence the debauchery on Mardi Gras Day.

Lots of people in New Orleans give up drinking for Lent. How else are they going to get to heaven?

Personally, yes, I would say you were crazy.

The dispensation thing kinda taints the whole thing, no?

Or can you can just ask yourself: WWJD??

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://seattle.vinocellar.com

This is your life. It is not a dress rehearsal.
Giving up pleasure is not my idea of fun.

No one ever said on his deathbed, "I should have spent more time at the office."

Hence, the motto. (Nothing in this post should be interpreted as a criticism of someone's religious belief or observance).

Irwin

"Life is short....start with the dessert."

[This message was edited by irwin on Feb 21, 2004 at 10:51 AM.]

Steppng away from your habits for a short time can give you a renewed appreciation for them. Good luck.

In the meantime, though, I weep for you.

I used to try and give up drinking beer for Lent, but St. Patrick's Day always ruined me!

So last year my wife and I decided to give up drinking wine for Lent. It wasn't easy, but we did it, and it made that first bottle after Easter all the more enjoyable.

If you do try it, you should be aware of a slight loophole. Lenten sacrifices are not observed on religous days of celebration, including Sundays. So if you choose to follow the letter of the law rather than the spirit, you can drink wine on Sundays!

Either way, good luck to ya!

I'm going to give it a try this Lent. My self control as well as my waistline could use it!

I can't afford it, but I buy it anyway.

Instead of giving something up for lent, you could do something nice. For instance, volunteer at a shelter or nursing home, make a donation to a charity, etc.