If you prefer a home gym, owning the best full-body workout machine will help you achieve your fitness goal fast. To help you pick the best, we will review some connected rowing machines ideal for use at home. Following the tips below will ensure that you enjoy full-body workout exercises and also get value for your money. But first, ensure that you choose the best rowing machine. Understanding the benefits of having a rowing machine at home will motivate you to get one and exercise regularly to enhance your physical and cardiovascular health. Some of the benefits of rowing are;

•         Enhancing overall stamina and fitness

• Strengthens the heart muscles
• Promotes calmness and feel-good hormones to boost the mood
• Boosts immunity
• Weight loss
• Posture improvement

 It is advisable to get a high-quality rowing machine to reap the above benefits. Choosing the best rowing machine among the many types available in the market is a challenge to many connected rowing machine enthusiasts. The below tips make it easier to pick the best.

Tips to picking the best rowing machine for your home

1. Rowing machine design

 The design of a rowing machine influences the type of technology used and features in a rowing machine. Air rowers are user-friendly since they take little space and are easy to connect. Hydraulic rowers are also a favorite because of their affordability, but they are harder to assemble and take up so much space. If you want a rowing machine that is less noisy and with more features and sophistication, then you may choose the magnetic and water rowers. Remember to review the size, price, and connectivity procedures first to determine the most appropriate design for you.

2. Review various brands 

 There are many rowing machine brands in the market. Making comparisons of the different brands, their reputation in the market, and ratings by other users will help you make the best decision. Popular brands of connected rowing machines that connect via bluetooth or other digital device options are the Hydrow, The Echelon, and Peloton. Good brands will offer coach–controlled resistance level training sessions, display calories burnt, time and distance covered, and have Bluetooth or digital device compatibility. By doing research, seeking professional reviews, and getting referrals, you can identify the best brand that fits your budget.

3. Consider the price

 Your budget will determine the type of rowing machine you can get. There are low-cost, mid-range, and high-end cost rowing machines in the market. What mainly determine the price are the machine features and the type of resistance. But workability of the rowing machine and minimal maintenance procedures should be the main factors to consider when choosing a rowing machine. Some rowing machines have extras that drive up the price, but these extras do not add any value to your workout routine. How you buy a machine also influences the price. Buying online means additional shipping costs. But you get time to read reviews on the type of rowing machines you prefer, get feedback from existing users, and review its ratings. Whether you buy the rowing machine in-store or online, price reviews will ensure that you get value for your money.

4. Rowing machine features

 One of the main reasons the connected rowing machines differ in prices is because of the features each has. Below are some of the features a high-quality rowing machine should have.

• The mode of operation should be manual or electric. If you opt for an electric rowing machine, it will limit you to locations where you can access power.
• Comfortable seats and long seat rails
• Preprogrammed coaching workouts
• Wide display monitor to help you track calories, distance, and other personalized parameters.
• High-quality pedals, wheel, and handles for a firm grip
• Weight and storage options. Most people prefer foldable rowing machines because they take up little space.

 Rowing exercises will benefit you if you choose the appropriate rowing machine and do it correctly. Poor posture during rowing can cause injuries and will also not help you achieve high-level fitness. Connected rowing machines are relatively expensive. Proper care and maintenance procedures will ensure that it serves its purpose for a long time. That way, you will get value for your money. Some simple maintenance tips are;

• Cleaning and storing immediately after use
• Tightening all bolts regularly 
• Regular pivot and chain lubrication 
• Reviewing performance monitors regularly.

Specific rowing machines have custom maintenance procedures. The above are some general care and maintenance tips for a rowing machine for durability.

When you’re preparing to become a parent, or you’re already one, there are a lot of sacrifices you make. There are the more obvious ones. For example, if you have a motorcycle, you might stop riding it because they’re so dangerous and you want to make sure you’re there for your child.

If you were a partier, you probably gave up those habits to spend time with your family.

Then, there are those sacrifices parents make that might be less apparent but no less critical.

If you’re preparing for parenthood or already in the thick of it, the following are things to know about what it truly means to make sacrifices for your children.

Is It Truly Sacrifice or Just Change?

While above, we use the term sacrifice, and it’s one that we do commonly see connected to parenthood, it’s worth asking if it’s genuinely a sacrifice or maybe just changes that occur naturally and that you make once you have kids.

There are negative changes sometimes, which are usually short-term. For example, your sleeping patterns certainly change when you bring a new baby home, as does your overall schedule.

Those negative changes are feeling, however, and the longer-term changes are typically the best parts of parenthood.

Putting Yourself Second

Again, we can see this as a sacrifice or perhaps just a change, but once you have kids, you put yourself second. If you’re debating whether or not it’s a good time for you to have kids, you do have to remember this. You can’t be number one anymore, and for some people, that’s a good thing.

You worry about someone else more than yourself, perhaps for the first time in your life. That can be a bit stressful at times, but it can also give your purpose.

You’re responsible for another person, which adds a whole other dimension to your life

This can go back to the idea of the motorcycle. Maybe at one point, you loved to live dangerously. Now that you’re preparing to have another life to care about aside from your own, you may be less inclined to engage in some of the riskier behaviors.

Money-Related Responsibilities

Financially, it can be costly to have a child. If you’re just in the planning stages currently, you will have to think about it. You may have to start being better about budgeting and setting money aside in case of an emergency. You might want to create a college fund, and you’re going to have to put more of the money you make toward the needs of your child.

That might mean fewer nights out to dinner or impulse purchases.

You’ll Sleep Less

You often hear references to how little sleep the parents of newborns get. That’s true, and you’ll be up and down all night in those early days. That doesn’t last forever, but it might be a long time until you can go back to your sleeping patterns from college or your early 20s.

Even older kids tend to wake up pretty early, which means you’ll have to as well. That also means you might find yourself going to bed earlier than you once did.

Self-Improvement

This isn’t so much as a sacrifice, but something you may give yourself as part of parenthood, which is the gift of wanting to improve yourself. When you’re a parent, you want to be the best version of yourself. You want to feel your best physically and emotionally, so you can dedicate yourself to your family and having a fulfilling life.

This is a good thing. You might get more dedicated to making healthy choices, and you may be more mindful about your health in general.

Relationships When you have kids, it can be much more challenging to maintain those meaningful relationships in your life. Your marriage or relationship with your partner may be stronger, but the occurring changes can also test it. You have to commit to finding time to be together, even after kids come.

You might find that once you have kids, you spend less time with some friends and more with others.

You just might find that some people have priorities more in line with your own, and that’s okay.

As you can see, the term sacrifices isn’t always accurate because there are many positives on the above list, but you do have to be mindful that changes will happen when you have a child. Preparing yourself mentally and changing your mindset can help you navigate an otherwise uncertain time.

One of the beauties of the Olympic Games is that some of the most iconic moments can happen in sports most of us have never watched before. In the Tokyo Olympics the women’s BMX riders stole the show and our hearts. The sight of silver medalist Kye Whyte holding gold medalist Beth Shriever in his arms was eclipsed only by the never-before-seen in women’s BMXing 360-degree backflip performed by Charlotte Worthington.

Charlotte’s heroics Charlotte Worthington knew she’d need to pull off something special to beat firm favourite Hannah Roberts, whom she’d never beaten before. She found what she thought was the golden ticket – the 360-degree backflip, which she achieved in practise but had yet to perform in competition. On her first run, she flew over her handlebars and landed in a heap. So it was all down to the second run, where the stunt was executed to perfection and she narrowly defeated her American rival to win gold in the BMX freestyle.

Four years ago, the now 25-year-old was working as a chef in a Mexican restaurant. She only took the sport up seriously five years ago, and this was the first Olympics to feature the BMX freestyle event – where you perform spins, tricks and jumps around a course in just one minute.

Two medals in 11 minutes Worthington wasn’t the only medal success in the sport. Kye White won Team GB’s first BMX medal with a silver in the racing event. Then, just 11 minutes later, Beth Shriever won gold in the women’s version of the event. Shriever had needed to crowdfund initially to enter in competitions before she was talent spotted, and her success spiralled from there.

And the medal tally didn’t end there either, with Declan Brooks winning bronze in the Men’s BMX freestyle.

An inspiration for young riders

The sport is in a very different place to where it was just three years ago. In 2018, the women’s BMX programme had no funding and – one might have thought – no prospect for medals. But success breeds success, and while the medal tally will secure increased funding in the upcoming years, the sight of 360-degree backflips will have wowed youngsters nationwide, many of whom might urge their parents to buy them a BMX this Christmas. The sport is exhilarating, but also has its risks, both to rider and vehicle, so purchasing helmet, pads and BMX insurance along with the bike is a good idea.

For a few days, the nation was gripped by the sight of BMX riders bringing glory to Team GB. And who knows what the impact of that success might be for the nation when we hold our breath once more in three years’ time?

Divorce is never an easy time for the children. It can even be more challenging if the parents are caught up in a custody battle. At times, the children may want to voice their opinion and choose where they want to live. While it is the court’s responsibility to consider the child’s best interest during a custody case, there are several factors that the court considers before determining which parent will have custody of the child and the terms of the custody agreement.  

If you are in a child custody battle, it may be vital to speak to a child custody lawyer. A lawyer will help you know what the state law says about child custody, what to expect during the case, and if your children can choose which parent to live with after the divorce. Here is what you need to know.

Legal Custody and Physical Placement

Custody cases are mainly about determining if a parent can have full or shared custody and who will have more authority in raising the children. The judge considers several things such as: 

• Mental health and physical abilities of the parent
• The child’s ties to the community 
• History of substance abuse or domestic violence
• The relationship between each parent and the children 
• Each parent’s history with the child
• The parent’s stability
• The parent’s ability to provide for the child and nurture them

After looking at these factors, the court will consider whether to give joint or full custody. The court will also dictate the terms of the custody. Your lawyer will help argue your case and present evidence where necessary to help get a fair verdict. 

Generally, the children should get guidance and support from both parents. However, if there is evidence of any form of physical, emotional, or psychological abuse and neglect from one parent, the court might favor the non-abusive parent. 

The Law Does Not Consider Children Mature Enough to Make Decisions

Though children may have an excellent reason to choose the parent they prefer to live with, the law recognizes that they are not mature enough to make such decisions. Note that children under the age of 18 are still considered minors. They do not have any authority to make decisions or the final say concerning custody issues. As the child matures, the judge may evaluate their maturity and give more weight to their preference. 

A Child’s Opinion Still Matters

In some cases, the judge might ask to speak to the child in question to know their preferences and why. The court may consider the wishes of the child as they determine their best interest. Even if the ruling may not favor the child’s wishes because of their age, the judge will still put their opinion into consideration. 

This is especially important if there is evidence of neglect and abuse. However, if the child chooses the parent they want to live with because of superficial reasons such as financial gain, liking one parent more than the other, or living with a less strict parent, the judge will not consider their wishes. 

Talk to an Experienced Child Custody Lawyer

Solving physical placement disputes is not easy for parents after a divorce. Parents who have a good relationship with their child may want to give their child what they want and wish the court to consider their wishes. However, because the courts resolve custody cases to provide the child with the best, they will only consider the child’s best interest even if the child does not agree with the decision. Talk to an experienced child custody lawyer to know how the law and court work regarding custody cases.

There are over 3 billion people on social media worldwide and it has become a must-have in our digital world that is run by technology. Everybody uses social media and if you don’t, you are considered an outcast in society. It seems that discussing children and social media is a touchy subject because a lot of people don’t think that children should be exposed to the world of social media; however, it is natural for children to be curious and have a desire to explore that realm. It is important for parents to guide their children through the process of social media and using their profiles because there are many online predators and dangers. If you are a parent with a child who is curious about social media, here are a few tips on teaching and guiding them.

Be open about everything

As previously mentioned, there are many predators and dangers on the internet and it is important for your child to understand all the dangers that exist. You need to have an open discussion with your child and provide transparency so that they can have access to information and so that you can create a safe space for your child. There is also the issue of harassment and cyberbullying that needs to be discussed with your child. It doesn’t matter which platform they’re on – Facebook, Instagram or even Twitter, bad things can happen anywhere. It might be odd for them to understand and difficult for you to explain that even when you share opinions only with no photo, as on Twitter, danger still exists. But, if you stick with them and have control over what they do on social media, a lot of it can be prevented.

Let’s say your child has a special gift, or maybe a disability, but you feel like there’s so much you have done about it and want to share with the world. You create an account, buy followers from an online service such as Growthoid, and your child instantly becomes an Instagram influencer. Your audience grows quickly, and people start appreciating and learning from what you do – that doesn’t have to be a bad thing just because a child is involved, as long as you dominate over it and you teach your child how to recognize potential danger. Explain to your child that they need to inform you if they are being cyberbullied and that they should not be the ones to cyberbully others. Teach your child about features that allow them to block users and delete and report hateful comments.

Set privacy settings

Social media is an open space so privacy is something that is very important. You need to discuss with your children the default settings and how they can adjust their sharing and location settings on social media. This is very important because again, there are predators online that are up to no good and these predators target young and vulnerable children who overshare on social media. You also need to discuss topics such as identity theft and how passwords are in place to protect users from this. Warn your children never to share their passwords with anybody. It is advisable to go through every single privacy setting with your child and explain them thoroughly.

Teach them limits

You should avoid allowing your child to overindulge in social media and you can do this by putting limits on their social media usage especially during the school week. A great idea is to create a schedule that dictates when your child can use social media and for how long they can be connected. Spending hours scrolling on social media is not healthy for your child and can cause them to start comparing themselves to their peers and even develop an addiction to their phones so setting healthy limits and sticking to them is something that is very important and should be taken very seriously.

Look out for behavioural changes

Social media has a significant impact on the human’s psychological state and children are the most sensitive to this. With online bullying and harassment such a big part of the experience that a lot of children are having on social media, it is important to keep an eye out for any behavioural changes in your child. If your child starts to agonize over how they are treated on social media, you should intervene because cyberbullying and online harassment can impact a child’s self-esteem and self-worth. Your child’s mental and emotional health is the most important thing so you need to monitor their behaviour at all times and create a safe space for them to talk to you about any problems that might arise.

As much as most parents do not want their child to be on social media because of the influence and dangers that exist, we cannot control the fact that social media is a massive part of our global culture and your child will be exposed to it eventually. Now that gaining a bunch of followers has become so easy, remember to be open to your children about everything, set privacy settings, teach them limits and monitor their behaviour when you decide to allow your child into the world of social media.

Social media is a platform that allows users to share content and engage in social networking on various applications and websites. Social media is a massive part of everybody’s lives because it is a great way to stay connected to your loved ones and for businesses, it is a great way to reach your audience. Social media has an impact on our everyday lives and one of the areas that it impacts is parenting. There are many bad things being said about social media but we cannot deny that there are some benefits that it offers parents and using social media can have a positive impact. Here are a few ways that social media can make you a better parent.

You can learn a lot

Social media is not just a place to share the everyday happenings of your life with others, it is also a great place to learn and share valuable and useful information. There is tons of information on social media being shared that can help you become a better parent and social media can provide a lot of different parenting philosophies and advice on how to implement them in your life. It does not matter what you are concerned about or what the topic is, or even what platform you’re using – you can easily find information about it on social media. Social media is also an ideal place for parents to exchange valuable tips and tricks, even on Twitter. There are a lot of parenting communities on Twitter with thousands of followers, where all kinds of information can be found. These Twitter communities grow very quickly, sometimes by buying followers via growth services such as Twesocial, and provide support and education to a massive audience. And you know that parenting is not easy, so having information eases the stress and makes it easier. There are tons of trusted sources on social media that are giving away golden information for free and if you utilize this, you can really improve your parenting.

You can find your community

No matter what your thoughts and opinions are, it is easy to find people in your niche on social media to connect with which is very helpful because it creates a community and a safe space to share information that can benefit us as well as a safe space to share our personal experiences in an environment where we feel understood and not judged. Regardless of the situation in life that you might find yourself in, there is a community that will provide support which is very important, especially for parents because raising a child is overwhelming and can oftentimes be challenging. These communities make parents feel supported and like they are not alone in the daunting world of raising a little human being. Parents can share their stories and experiences that can help other parents which is an important part of having a community on social media.

You can stay in touch

The main reason why people use social media is to stay in touch with their friends and family members because it is a great platform that allows us to do this effectively. Some of us have loved ones that live far away or grandparents who don’t see their grandkids often and social media is the perfect place to share intimate moments with those closest to us. Not having human connections and interactions online and offline makes a lot of people anxious and nervous but social media bridges that gap and keeps us connected and in touch which is important. Social media cannot compare or replace face-to-face interaction however it is a good tool to use to stay in touch with people and 67% of social media users agree and claim that they use it to stay in touch with their friends and family members. If you don’t have the time to meet up with your friends, social media is there to provide social support.

As a parent using social media, there are many advantages. Social media connects you to a community that provides a safe space for you to share your experiences and concerns as a parent and you can connect and learn a lot from other parents and members of your parenting community. If you feel like you have the knowledge or the experience in a certain area, maybe you should start a movement yourself. Provided all available tools and growth services, you can build an influential account in no time. Social media is also a great tool to stay in touch with friends and family members and really makes up for the lack of face-to-face interactions that we are experiencing due to the pandemic. Just remember to protect your child online.

With Summer now in full swing, it’s never been a better time to blast off those winter blues, soak up the summer sunshine, relax and unwind to recharge and regain your energy. With lockdown easing for many parts of the country, options for unwinding are increasing so we’ve compiled and list of 5 ways you can switch off, relax and have fun.

Up first, our pick of the best novels this year. Sometimes it can be hard to get through a chapter of a book, but 2021 has seen the release of some thrilling, engaging novels. Additionally, there are health benefits to picking up a book! According to some studies, it has been shown to physically lower your heart rate and can even help you relax and ease tension in your muscles. Check out websites online to access the latest bestseller lists to select a novel that is right for you.

Even if you are not a fan of reading, have you ever taken yourself to the movies? Now cinemas are open again, it’s the ideal place for a group hang or a self-date. Treat yourself to the movies and some snacks – we guarantee you will enjoy it. If you don’t feel up to going out and would rather chill at home, another option is receiving something through the post for a good old night in. This is also a great way to let your loved ones know that you are thinking of them, or on the flipside – just to treat yourself! Box Sized Hugs offer a wide range of letterbox sized gifts that you can use to treat friends or family, or our personal choice – for ourselves! Their ranges include customisable boxes with everything you need for a cosy night in – self care products, chocolate and much more!

If you fancy something a little bit more active as a treat to yourself – why not check out some interesting exercise classes? Now things are opening much more, more and more gyms are opening their doors to the public so you can try your hand at something new. Again, there is significant evidence that doing exercise will have great health benefits as well as sending endorphins to your brain which make you happy! Our new favourite is yoga classes. Most classes are about an hour long, which means you are not taking too much time out of your day, and you can even squeeze in a coffee afterwards!

If you want to make things a family affair, you simply cannot go wrong with a family trip to the good old British seaside. We have seen some fantastic weather already this year and summer 2021 is looking hopeful! Check the weather the night before and pack up the car early with all of the essentials. Beach towels, picnic and swimming gear and head down south to catch some rays. London to Brighton can take under an hour on a good run – leaving you time to explore the Laines, the pier and obviously – the beach!

When it comes to your annual MOT, you might be dreading what sort of bill you may get at the end. Although the most an MOT can actually cost is £54.85 for a car or £29.65 for a motorcycle, the cost of any repairs required to make your vehicle roadworthy can add up so see the tips of how to choose the right motorcycle to avoid repairs.

One of the easiest ways to keep these repair costs down is by performing regular car maintenance at home. This way, you can keep on top of the easy-to-fix problems that can occur and cut these out of the MOT costs.

Improve Road Worthiness

One of the biggest factors that can cause expensive repairs is having a traffic accident, and this is something you need to try to prevent as much as you can. There are so many factors that play a part in this as much as possible, and you have to focus on what you can do to prevent this. First off, you need to plan and prepare for the event of any accident, as, no matter how careful you are, they can still happen. So getting up to date insurance and researching the best possible car accident lawyer would be good places to begin. You also then have to focus on improving and boosting the road worthiness of the vehicle, and this means testing out the key parts of it, as well as taking it for a drive to see how it handles, as well as other key factors as well. You have to make sure you do your best to improve this process as much as you can, and there are a lot of elements that will help you when it comes to assessing and improving your vehicle and making it better on the roads. This is a key step in helping to prevent the need for expensive repairs, as well as helping to ensure that your car stays as reliable and dependable as possible. There are a lot of elements that you need to keep in mind here, and this is one of the key factors.

Lights

Changing out broken lightbulbs around your vehicle can be a simple way to reduce maintenance costs by doing them yourself.

You should perform regular checks to ensure all your main lights are functioning – headlights, dipped, indicators, brake lights, reversing lights, etc. Without full visibility of the road, or other drivers having full visibility of your vehicle, it could lead to an accident.

Brakes

The proper functioning of your brakes is essential when on the road, so you need to keep them maintained to ensure you can emergency brake when required.

Check your brake fluid level and top it up if low – your vehicle handbook will give you further details on what’s required. It will also outline how often it should be changed.

You can also examine your brake pads to see whether they’re in good condition, or keep an eye out for warning lights. If you have the right tools and mechanical knowhow, you can change your brake pads yourself – otherwise, get a repair booked in for full peace of mind.

Oil

A vehicle’s oil levels are one of the five main causes of breakdowns which can lead to call out charges or repairs that could have been avoided.

Make sure your oil levels are between the minimum and maximum indicators on the dipstick and top up as required.

Tyres

Your tyre pressure and tyre tread both need to be in a suitable condition in order to be considered roadworthy. Topping up your tyre pressure is simple enough – many petrol stations have a pump which you can use.

Check you tyres using a tyre tread gauge or use the 20p test to ensure it’s sitting at 1.6mm. If your tyres don’t have sufficient tread depth then you can order new tyres and change them using an impact wrench.

Windscreen

Even small cracks in your windscreen could lead to costly repairs later down the road. If you leave them unattended, they could develop into longer cracks and lead to serious issues. Most comprehensive car insurance policies will have windscreen repair included as standard, so you can easily get this taken car of.

Any damage over 4mm within the driver’s view or 10mm across the swept area can be enough to fail an MOT – and it can also result in issues if you needed to claim on your insurance.

Taking these areas into consideration when performing your regular car maintenance will help to keep your overall repair costs down, as well as ensuring your car staying in top condition for as long as possible.

An electric bike offers an excellent opportunity to explore your neighborhood. There are, however, some key maintenance steps you should consider as a beginner. Review these key steps to get the most out of your bike before shopping for a bike rack for electric bikes.

Clean the Chain

Keep these moving parts gliding smoothly with routine care and cleaning. The chain of any bike is one of the most important areas to inspect. An e-bike needs the same chain care for long-lasting performance.

Inspect it at least once a month for signs of dryness, corrosion, looseness or sticking links. A chain brush and lubrication should be all you need to maintain these moving parts. Routine maintenance can extend the lifetime of your chain, but if it’s been years since you’ve cared for your chain you may need to replace it.

Tighten the Spokes

The spokes on an electric beach cruiser need the same level of care as the spokes on a traditional bicycle. Every month, look for uneven, loose or broken spokes. Broken spokes need to be replaced to keep consistent tension around the wheel.

Use a tool to adjust the tension of loose spokes. You may need to go around the entire wheel to be sure every spoke is adjusted properly, or one area may have more tension than another.

Inspect the Tires

Check out the rubber on your men’s or women’s hybrid bike for signs of wear or dry rot. After about 2,000 miles of riding, it may be time to replace a tire or perform a repair. Don’t just look for bald spots, but carefully inspect the entire tire for rocks or other debris that could be embedded.

Bicycle tire patch kits work great for repairing minor issues or keeping your ride road worthy as you finish up a route. For long-term care, however, your e-bike deserves new tires without signs of dry rot or excessive wear.

Charge the Battery

The last thing you want to do when you purchase an electric bike is to plug it in and wait around. Unfortunately, this is the best way to maintain the battery. Charge it for at least 12 hours before your first ride. Try not to fully drain the battery, but keep it at 30% charge or higher.

Electric bicycle batteries are designed to be weather-tight and work well outdoors. It’s still a good idea to protect your battery from extreme temperatures and long-term direct sunlight. These elements could reduce the lifespan of your battery.

Plan the Trail

Know the limits of your e-bike. While the electric motor and sturdy design of a highly rated e-bike may give you the confidence you need to hit a range of trails, you shouldn’t try to overdo it. Avoid extreme terrain and extended trips without the right gear.

Enjoy the Ride

From a city commute to your favorite bicycle trail, an electric bike is a great way to spend time outdoors. Order a highly rated e-bike online and follow these maintenance steps to make the most of your new favorite ride.

Everyone wants to look past 2020 and just focus on the many possibilities that 2021 can bring. This year, people want to return to their normal, pre-pandemic lives. Many have been raring to go back to their offices, party at bars, and dine at their favorite restaurants.

In the middle of all these renewed hope and activities being resumed, wine enthusiasts contemplate what to expect in this year’s wine trends. Will there still be enough wine drinkers that celebrate life with a glass of vino? Or will people no longer buy wines since many have lost their jobs and livelihood?

Well, nobody can deny that 2020 has disrupted many aspects of people’s lives. But if you’re a true wine lover, now’s the best time to indulge in your hobby. You owe it to yourself to expand your experience through wine. Just like any leisurely interest, it pays to be ahead of the curve so you can prepare yourself and avoid being left behind. 

Here are some exciting wine trends to watch out for this year: 

• Faster Growth For Online Wine Stores

If there’s one thing that a lot of wine enthusiasts learned in 2020, it’s turning to the web to get their much-needed fix. Before the pandemic, vino lovers naturally preferred buying wines straight from vineyards or brick-and-mortar stores.

This year, buying wine from online stores like usualwines.com will be the trend. And it’s no longer just about convenience. Buying online will minimize your contact with other people, which means you’ll have less chance of possibly being exposed to COVID-19.

The growth of online stores is driven not just by consumers. Many governments now allow online sales of alcoholic beverages, including wines. There are many reasons why governments are now open to the online selling of wines. For one, tax departments in many countries are trying to drum up business activities to recover tax losses from 2020.

• Wines Becoming A Staple In Gift-Giving

With all that’s happened in 2020, most people have struggled with concerns about physical health and psychological well-being. Many people realized that life is indeed short and that living in the moment is far more important than focusing on material things. 

That said, more people are becoming more creative with gifts that’ll help expand the lucky recipient’s horizon. And what sort of gift would do that without making you leave the comfort and safety of your home? Wines, of course! 

Wines as a gift are an excellent choice in a world reeling from a crippling pandemic. Don’t be surprised to receive gift baskets that include a bottle of wine. And don’t think that wine gift baskets only come with the usual cheeses or cold cut meats that exude that popular picnic vibe. Even cooking gift sets that have ingredients for pasta dishes or cookies also include wine.

• More Virtual Wine Tasting

Wine tastings are within the domain of vineyards, wineries, and wine bars. People would even go on vacation or travel to other countries just to participate in winetasting activities held in famous wine locations. But the pandemic happened, and it shook even the most time-honored traditions in the world of wine drinking.

In 2020, the most hardened vino enthusiasts would balk at the idea of online wine tasting. But now, it’s safe to say that virtual wine tasting is here to stay. In this setup, wineries ship packages directly to wine tasting participants. The concierge and participants will connect via online tools or private apps. You can call it the remote wine tasting experience.

• Rosé Wines Conquering The Winter Months

Rosé wines have long been categorized as sweet pink wines perfect for the summertime. Well, times are changing. Many wine lovers in the United States are drinking rosés all year round, even in winter! This trend is expected to continue through 2021, probably even beyond. 

The refreshing and light taste that this wine is known for, and of course, its pretty color, is what made rosé wines popular. Moreover, there are now rosé varieties with more intense and complex flavors that make them ideal for winter. When serving up this wine for winter, it’s recommended to drink them in a cellar or room temp and not ice-chilled like in the summer months.

• Portugal Carving Its Name In Wine Culture

Portugal is home to Port wine, one of the most well-known types of vino globally. This year, the country is expected to become an even more important wine producer. Apart from Port wine, some of the world’s most beloved unfortified or standard dry red and white wines are produced in Douro Valley, Portugal’s popular wine region.

The indigenous varieties of grapes grown in the steep vineyards of Portugal are made into delicious, well-balanced Tinto, which is the Portuguese term for red. So, in 2021, expect Portugal to join Spain, France, Italy, and even California as a top winemaking region.

• Demand For Wines From South Africa

When you say Cabernet Sauvignon, most wine enthusiasts think of the Bordeaux wine regions in France. Modern-day drinkers may even add Napa Valley, California as an important New World home of Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties.

But in recent years, one other country is making a name for itself when it comes to cultivating this grape variety and producing the red wine that bears its name. South Africa has earned applause for producing some of the most noteworthy blends that can rival the wines produced in Bordeaux, France. Many wine retailers claim that they’re having a hard time keeping up with the growing demand for South African wines. This is another trend that’s expected to continue in 2021. 

• New Varieties Of Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wine can only be called a Champagne if it comes from the Champagne wine region in France. The rules of appellation labeling are a must. The term Champagne is protected legally and defined geographically. In other words, you can’t call it Champagne if it came from outside that region. 

That said, sparkling wines have become party favorites. And while not everyone can afford real Champagnes, other alternative sparkling wines catch the attention and taste buds of even the most seasoned wine drinkers. This year, wine lovers will see more of these alternative sparklers. 

One example would be a brut rosé from Italy, which has been cultivated in Mount Etna’s volcanic soils and made into sparkling wine using the same methods employed in Champagne production. England also produces sparkling wines that can go toe-to-toe with Champagnes from France. The best part about alternative sparkling vino is their price. Given their top-notch quality that may even surpass that of Champagnes, alternative sparklers are surprisingly more affordable. 

• Classic Wines Jumping  Back On The A-List

Many wines have been misinterpreted in the past. And that’s reason enough for them to fall out of favor with most wine drinkers. But perhaps because of the recent pandemic and more people becoming more contemplative as they spend more time at home, a lot of people are taking a second look at these misinterpreted, if not underappreciated, wine varieties. 

One example would be Chardonnay. It’s true that this wine has always been present in the public’s consciousness. But it has arguably become underappreciated in the last few years. This 2021, trendwatchers are expecting Chardonnay to be back on the favorites list. The old-fashioned wines may be reinterpreted to lean more towards a fruity character rather than an oaky or buttery profile. 

Cabernet Sauvignon will also be back as an important drink. And just like Chardonnay, the new interpretation of Cabernet will focus on fruity flavors rather than just the secondary aged notes that naturally come with aging.

• Healthier Wines Taking Centerstage

The pandemic has made it all the more important to value good health. This newfound advocacy is slowly seeping into the wine industry. Consumers are now becoming more concerned about ingredients and wine production processes and how these can impact health. 

A good example would be the continued rise in the consumption of wines with low or zero alcohol content. The reason being more people believe that having too much alcohol in the body can be detrimental to one’s health. Moreover, words like organic, natural, and other similar terms are expected to be considered more when people buy wines. 

•  Stronger Emphasis On Sustainability

Humans are not the only ones getting sick. For decades now, ecological health has been in a steady decline. More people are demanding a sustainable approach in everything from clothes to wines. 

Expect more wine producers to take more steps in minimizing their impact on the environment. Using alternative packaging materials is one way wineries can help protect the environment. That said, wine enthusiasts can expect more wines to be sold in eco-friendly boxes or even pouches. 

Bottom Line

This year, you’ll probably realize it’s never been easier to nurture the wine lover inside you. Online wine stores will have a more prominent presence, and you can buy wines without risking your health outside your home. Even wine tasting will be done online, so you don’t have to spend more on travel. 

Many other trends will define the wine landscape this year. Knowing where the direction of the wine market is heading will give you more ideas on how to enjoy one of life’s most wonderful pleasures.