Cheers in all languages can be heard throughout the world, and New Year's eve must be the most heavy night of this simple word, "cheers." Cultures from all over have intrigued the traveler and global minded alike. Many that like to travel, gravitate towards new adventures, discoveries, learning about how others live, their differences, their similarities and even the language.

When it comes to wine, it must be one of the most commonly linked joys amongst so many cultures in any language. On a personal level, when I worked in the corporate world, I worked with people from all over the world. It was very common for me when appropriate, to ask those I worked with how to say a word or two in their native language. In many cases it was something simple, like hello, or good morning.

Chris Burroughs, the tasting room manager at Alma Rosa (and actor from the movie Sideways) once said to me. "Wine is like a coupler" and we start there, and then find out what other things we share in common whether it's writing, music, photography, cars, fishing, cooking, faith, or something else. I have always felt that a language is one of the fastest ways to connect with someone.

Once I worked with a woman from Ethiopia who taught me how to say, hello how are you in her language. We didn't know each other very well, but when she walked in each morning, she would get a big smile when I responded to her in her native language. She once introduced me to a co-worker in the lunch room as the only person in the building that speaks her language.

Learning to say just a word or two in someone else's language tells them you care and are interested enough to take your time out. Wine, spirits, and Champagne will undoubtedly be poured and toasted by the tanker full in the coming weeks ahead. Consider learning how to simply say "cheers" in a native language to someone you may be spending your time with over the holidays. Another fun idea might be to learn how to say cheers in the language of your personal heritage, and then teach it to your family. Just have fun with it and maybe even start some new traditions. 

Coming from experience, try a few of these on people who speak the language, and I can almost promise you will blow them away. Grab a few glasses to share with new friends and family and simply say "cheers" in a new way.  

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