Eight Themes. Eight Terms. All Culture.

What is Culture For? by The School of Life is not your typical novel. It doesn’t follow a plot or characters, but instead serves as a guide—breaking down 8 key functions of culture and showing how they can help us understand ourselves, others, and the world around us.

As I flipped through these pages, something unexpected happened: it shifted how I interpreted art, wine, and even my own emotions. What started as a deep dive into cultural understanding ended as inspiration for this tasting—pairing each of the book’s cultural functions with a wine and a confusing wine term most of us have nodded through without fully understanding.

Ready to feel something, learn something, and sip something new? Let’s board this Culture Flight.

What Wine Teaches Us About Culture

Companionship

Wine: Ramon Roqueta Tempranillo, Catalunya, Spain (2018)
Wine Term: Varietal

Companionship is about finding connection, whether through people or culture. This Tempranillo stays true to its roots, offering an honest, uncomplicated expression of the grape. With its fruit-forward profile of wild berries and a hint of spicy licorice, it’s like the perfect companion—simple, familiar, and comforting.

Sip with: A cheese board, a cozy fire, and a quiet moment of reflection.

Hope

Wine: Matthiasson Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California (2019)
Wine Term: Complex vs. Uncomplicated

Hope is about finding beauty in life’s simple pleasures. It’s those small moments that remind us of meaning and keep us moving forward. This Chardonnay is a perfect example of simplicity—fruit-forward, with flavors of golden apples, lemon, and a touch of minerality. It’s uncomplicated, much like the moments that give us hope, reminding us to appreciate the small joys.

Sip with: A calm evening, reminiscing over good memories, or just a quiet moment of reflection.

Compassion

Wine: Clandestino Petit Verdot, Maipo Valley, Chile (2019)
Wine Term: Tannins

Compassion is about understanding that failure and misfortune can happen to anyone. It’s about not rushing to judgment, but instead, recognizing that everyone has their struggles and challenges. This idea can be applied to wine, too—like the tannins in this Petit Verdot. Often misunderstood, tannins are what give a wine structure and complexity. They might make your mouth feel dry or puckered, but they add depth, just as compassion adds depth to our understanding of others.

This wine is bold with blackberry, lavender, and dried herb notes, and pairs beautifully with red meats or a hearty winter meal.

Sip with: Red meats, grilled sausages, or a cozy evening by the fire.

Knowledge

Wine: Cacique Maravilla, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile (2019)
Wine Term: Tannins

Knowledge isn’t just about learning facts; it’s about understanding ourselves and the world. This Cabernet Sauvignon offers a unique taste of the unexpected. With its bold tannins, blackberry and plum aromas, and smokey notes, it’s a wine that invites curiosity. The no sulfites added and volcanic soil create a bubbly mouthfeel and a lingering finish that’s as educational as it is enjoyable.

Sip with: A lively dinner party and some fun facts about volcanic terroir.

Encouragement

Wine: Château Canteloup "Médoc" Bordeaux (2014)
Wine Term: Tannins & Acidity

Encouragement can elevate our senses, guiding us to aspire for something greater. This Bordeaux does just that—it’s an accessible entry into the prestigious world of Bordeaux wines. With bold tannins, balanced acidity, and notes of black cherry, vanilla, and ripe fruits, it exemplifies the craftsmanship of the region. It encourages those unfamiliar with Bordeaux to embrace the experience and enjoy the wine without fear.

Sip with: A moment of relaxation and a reminder that excellence is attainable, even in the simplest pleasures.

Appreciation

Wine: Josh "Pinot Noir" (2019), Napa Valley, California
Wine Term: Acidity & Body

In a world flooded with advertisements, it’s easy to forget the simple things we truly need. Art, much like this Pinot Noir, reminds us to appreciate the beauty in life’s simplicity. With subtle strawberry notes and a soft oak finish, this wine embodies balance—neither too heavy nor too light, it’s the perfect middle ground. It’s a reminder that the best things don’t need to be loud or flashy to be valued.

Sip with: A quiet evening with good company, appreciating what truly matters.

David Hockney, Three Trees

Perspective

Wine: “Prophecy” Sauvignon Blanc (2019), Marlborough, New Zealand
Wine Term: Aromas & Tasting Notes

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to get caught up in our own worries and frustrations. But sometimes, the perfect sip of wine can bring us a much-needed perspective. This Sauvignon Blanc may start off with crisp, refreshing notes of grapefruit and citrus, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows—there’s a certain "cat-urine" aroma that’s often associated with it. Yes, really. But here’s the thing: the initial off-putting scent doesn’t define the experience. It’s a reminder that things are never as perfect as we imagine, and every challenge we face is just a part of a bigger story. In the same way history is filled with chaos, this wine encourages us to embrace both the beauty and the imperfections.

Sip with: The knowledge that sometimes, life’s most frustrating moments are just part of a bigger picture—and they’ll pass.

I hope this guide was helpful or just enjoyable to read, I know I had fun writing it! Cheers and happy sipping.