I love Yoga and I love wine. So when I saw a flyer for David Romanelli’s Yoga + Wine workshop at Exhale in Santa Monica, I had to sign up.

It’s true that some yogis are more ascetic than others. I happen to be one who enjoys gathering friends together for great food and wine. And as David pointed out last Saturday, the intention of Yoga + Wine is not drinking to “catch a buzz” rather, it’s about spending time with those you love, creating ritual and savoring delicious flavors in an effort to honor and appreciate the small moments that make up our lives.

He even quoted Jim Morrison who said, "We are looking for ritual to join our fragments,” and then he played the Doors “L.A. Woman” (and among others, Guns and Roses, Jimi Hendrix, Bonnie Raitt) while we all flowed during his vigorous vinyasa class.

The asana part of our day done, we sat relaxed on our mats ready to taste Sicilian wines from the Feudo Arancio vineyard. With a small glass of white Grillo (fragrant with green tea, green pepper and jasmine) and another of red Nero d’Avola (flavors of sour black cherries, blueberries and nuts), we tasted while nibbling on dried figs, apricots accompanied by two cheeses: a soft, mild tallegio and a tangy, hard provolone.

The wines weren’t the best I’ve ever had but they were a drinkable reminder that wine, music and friends are simple gifts. And it sure was a nice way to spend an afternoon. Stop by David’s website, for more information about upcoming Yoga + Wine workshops and to hear his playlists, too.