I’ve never ridden a roller coaster, but it seems I’ve experienced the sensation lately.

The roller coaster being referenced is Old Man Winter’s weather. The temperatures have gone up and down, up and down, etc. I expect you have experienced the same thriller weather ride — it’s been interesting, hasn’t it?

We begin with December and the month’s rather typical winter temps. It was the month we got on the weather ride, and began the journey towards the exciting month of January. Thinking back to December, wasn’t it a pleasant winter month? But Old Man Winter had you in his sights!

January brought us to the top of the ride’s trip, and then plunged us into the frozen tundra of the northland. Did that polar plunge take your breath away? Did it color your cheeks and nose with bright redness? When we hit the bottom of the temperature roller coaster, the weather gods realized their efforts and we began a slow ride to the warmer mid teens/lower 20s temps. Gosh! I almost put away my cozy winter sweater.

February took us to a warmer climate — if you call those teen temps warmer. Yet, it wasn’t too bad climbing uphill until … it happened again. Old Man Winter chuckled as he plunged us down, down, down to below zero temps and dangerous wind chills. Have you ever felt a negative 45 wind chill? I have, and it was interesting and very short lived. However, our ride is not finished yet.

There’s an old adage that reminds us how March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Well, I guess we’ll see. Hang on, either way!

The weather got me thinking about which wine to sip during our weather roller coaster adventure.

When the weather ride begins in December, we reach for a nice chardonnay. Line 39 has an excellent chardonnay so put on your winter gear and look for it. You’ll enjoy the soft peach and apple flavors. Now hold on because the plunge is coming.

When those below zero temps hit, reach for a warming mulled wine and savor the wine’s nutmeg and clove flavors. Delish! Oh, there’s nothing wrong with a glass of Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon. Such luscious and warming mouth feel — it’s bound to take your mind of the cold air.

Between polar plunges, indulge with a slightly chilled Menage à Trois Limelight Pinot Grigio. The light lime and lemon flavors will warm you and warn you that there’s more cold weather on the way.

When the roller coaster of winter weather wears thin your patience, pour a glass of St. Gabriel Riesling from the Rheinhessen region of Germany. The wine’s sweetness will provide you with the comfort and the resilience to finish the weather ride and look forward to the lamb of March.

Yes, winter is a weather roller coaster ride. However, despite Old Man Winter trying his best to make us suffer, we hardy Northerners know how to adapt and actually have fun during winter weather, don’t we?

Enjoy your winter weather coaster. Soon spring will spring onto us.

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!