In this episode of Water into Wine, Father Charleston Wilson opens a 2023 California Pinot Noir and lets it lead into a deeper conversation about rest, Sabbath, and why our culture’s obsession with busyness is quietly wearing us down. Father Charleston explores the biblical rhythm of Sabbath, the spiritual danger of tying our worth to productivity, and the freedom that comes from resting in the finished work of God. Along the way, the episode touches on wine pairings, screen time, porch conversations, sabbaticals, and why rest is not for the weak but the holy. The episode also includes a listener question about small habits that make everyday life better and ends with a blind tasting.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Water into Wine

(01:20) Wine of the Day: 2023 Sandhi Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills, California, USA

(02:40) Why this wine for today’s topic of rest?

(04:10) Tasting notes

(06:00) Food pairings

(09:00) Observing the Sabbath and taking a sabbatical

(14:00) Where does the Sabbath come from?

(15:40) These days, taking a Sabbath is a rebellion

(20:55) Does a Sabbath have to be on Sunday?

(21:30) What do you do on your Sabbath?

(23:50) Listener question: What’s one small habit that’s made your life better?

(25:15) Final tasting notes

(26:50) Blind tasting: Tasting notes

(30:20) Bottle reveal! Howling Wolf Red XI, Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery, Dahlonega, Georgia, USA

(32:30) Food pairing

What if doubt isn’t the opposite of faith but an open door to a deeper relationship with God? In this episode of Water into Wine, Father Charleston Wilson explores how to talk with nonbelievers, seekers, and people who have honest questions about Christianity. Over a glass of chardonnay, he reflects on the difference between doubt and unbelief; why “I don’t know” can be one of the most faithful things we say; and how humility, personal testimony, and genuine relationships can make spiritual conversations more fruitful. Along the way, Father Charleston reminds listeners that Christians are in sales, not management, and that God can use even uncertainty as an invitation to grace.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Water into Wine

(01:20) Wine of the Day: 2023 François Carillon Bourgogne Chardonnay, France

(02:50) Why this wine for today’s topic: talking with nonbelievers

(04:25) Tasting notes

(06:00) Food pairings

(09:40) God loves you the way you are

(11:00) What are some “no no’s” when talking about your faith?

(13:00) Doubt vs. unbelief

(14:50) Doubt is a component of faith

(15:40) Do people with strong faith have doubts?

(18:20) Do strangers talk to you about their doubts?

(21:00) Do people challenge you?

(24:00) Discussion of Ephesians 5

(30:00) Where do you go in the Bible when people have doubts?

(32:55) Listener question: What can be inferred about the bottom of a wine bottle?

(35:40) Final tasting notes

What if weakness isn’t something to hide, but a doorway to grace? In this episode of Water into Wine, Father Charleston Wilson explores how our limits can open us more deeply to God’s strength, comfort, and love. Over a 2016 Chilean pinot noir, he discusses pride, dependence, Mother Teresa’s reliance on grace, and why pinot noir’s delicate nature makes it the perfect wine for a conversation about spiritual weakness. Plus, Father Charleston shares practical ordering tips for long (and short) restaurant wine lists and the benefits of a white wine spritzer.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Water into Wine

(01:20) Wine of the Day: 2016 Ventisquero “Grey Glacier” Pinot Noir, Leyda Valley, Chile

(06:30) Why this wine for the episode topic: weakness?

(08:40) Tasting notes

(10:15) Food pairings

(11:40) What is your biggest weakness?

(15:30) Embracing weakness

(19:00) Reaching the limits of your own strength

(20:20) What should we do in moments of weakness?

(23:50) Listener question: How do you select wine at a restaurant?