ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW HORIZONS & NIK WEIS URBAN RIESLING

Hello dear readers! I hope everyone is keeping safe and healthy! Its been a bit of time since my last wine and game pairing post, and I apologize for that. But I'm sure you all understand that things have been a little out of sorts lately. It's taken me a bit of time to find my stride again amidst it all. My partner and I have been extremely strict about distancing ourselves, so that means I haven't been able to do my normal wine shopping routine. However! My favorite liquor store is now making deliveries, so I was finally able to get a few bottles for pairings (and for, you know, just chilling out in general).

I was already looking forward to the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, but when everything went downhill about a week before its release...I started really REALLY looking forward to it. This is my first time playing an Animal Crossing game, other than a few hot minutes with the mobile version, Pocket Camp. I had a feeling it would be a game I'd like, but I was really hoping it wouldn't be too boring or slow. Turns out, it's the perfect break from reality. There's so many cute villagers to meet, so many tasks to complete, both big and small. My search for a house IRL has been put on hold, but decorating and gardening my quaint little island is so satisfactory in the meantime. AND I can still interact with some of my favorite people. The other night, I threw a birthday party in which 8 of my friends visited my island. We all hopped on voice chat, and they dropped a ton of adorably wrapped little presents for me. We all laughed at each other's antics, and it was legitimately one of the best birthday parties I've ever had.

Flip the monkey was not invited, but decided to photo bomb anyway.

I'm not aiming to have the most perfectly designed island, and I'm not trying to get every single collectible ASAP. I'm just having a relaxing, peaceful, enjoyable time in this adorable island world. And it's perfect.

Now for this pairing, its important to know that everybody's personal island starts off growing one type of special fruit. My island happens to grow peaches, and I couldn't be more pleased. As soon as I discovered this fact, I knew exactly what wine I wanted to pair with AC:NH. A few years ago, I tried Nik Weis Urban Riesling, and it stuck out in my head as having delicious fruity flavors, particularly peach. I took a photo of it next to a bunch of peaches to remind future me that this peachy wine existed if ever I found a peachy game. Well folks, here we are, its time. This riesling is sweet, bright and bit tart, with notes of apple, lychee, honey, lemon, and of course, peach. It's so delightful and refreshing, much like Animal Crossing. And as little flowers pop up all over my neighborhood (and in game), it seems like a wonderfully sweet fruity wine to usher in spring with. So if you're still capable of getting to your local wine supply, or if you're able to get it delivered, I highly recommend treating yourself to a bottle of Nik Weis Urban Riesling while escaping into the world of Animal Crossing. You deserve a break, so sit back and enjoy <3