There’s something inherently magical about a toast. Whether it’s at a large celebration or an intimate gathering, it’s a simple gesture that brings people together from all walks of life. It’s not about who you are, but the shared moment—the pause to acknowledge one another and the journeys that brought you here.
This issue’s focus on drinks goes beyond highlighting some cool places around Greenville—it’s about the camaraderie a drink can inspire. Whether it’s sipping on sauvignon blanc at Wine House, getting Carl Sobocinski to pull you a vintage bottle from Soby’s wine cellar, trying out the new trendy THC seltzers, or enjoying a crafted cocktail at The Press Room, the real magic lies in the people around us as we enjoy these moments.
People have been raising a glass to that spirit of connection for centuries. In ancient Greece, it began as a ritual, pouring a bit of your drink for the gods. The Vikings raised a hearty “Skål,” the Romans clinked glasses with a “Propino,” the Irish cheered “Sláinte,” and in Hebrew, it’s “L’Chaim.” As recently as the 2010s, friends might share a Boomerang toast on Instagram. Across centuries and cultures, toasts have always been about more than the drink itself. They are about bringing people together, making moments, and wishing one another well.
That timeless urge to gather and share feels especially true here in Greenville. I am who I am today because of the moments spent around tables with friends, coworkers, and loved ones. From morning coffee runs with my dogs at Methodical on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, to beers with friends at The Whale, to a nice glass of wine with my husband at Juniper, the city has created ideal spaces for connection. Every sip, every conversation, every shared laugh has become part of the story that has shaped me.
Whether you’re raising a glass with longtime friends, sharing a first drink with someone new, or savoring a moment alone, this issue celebrates the stories, the makers, and the gatherings that make every sip memorable.
Try this toast at your next gathering:
