Audition Season sadly also brings Rejection Season. While being turned down from a program is never fun, each “Thanks but no thanks” letter bring its own blend of emotions. It is helpful to know exactly what sort of emotions are bubbling to the surface, and you can pair the taste of that particular brand of rejection with the proper vintage. After all, only a true philistine would dare to sip a malbec while reading a summer program rejection letter. As a quick disclaimer, the person writing this piece chooses her wine based on how pretty the label is and whether or not it is on sale. Enjoy these highly scientific suggestions.

Summer Young Artist Program: Sauvignon Blanc

The light, crisp flavor of a Sauvignon Blanc perfectly compliments the warm summer weather that you will be enjoying somewhere other than this particular program. The hint of bitter grapefruit echoes your bitter soul as you pour another glass and grumble about how fantastic you would have been as a cover for that one role. You would have been so prepared, and you can sing it so well. Hold on to that confidence. Know that being denied this one opportunity does not mean you are untalented. You will find a way to perform that role, and there are many factors that go into casting beyond your audition. For now, though, pour yourself another glass, turn on your favorite Disney movie, and just have a night to yourself.

Year-Long Young Artist Program: Pinot Noir

You’re an emerging professional with a growing resume and you are ready to take on a full Young Artist Program... but apparently not this particular program. This news may sting, but a nice light Pinot Noir will help soothe your spirits. The delicate nature and red berry profile (according to thewinecellarinsider.com) make Pinot Noir a fine pairing with food, and what goes better with food and wine than friends? Have an impromptu potluck! Call some friends over and think about something other than opera for a few hours. You’ll still be a fine young emerging professional tomorrow, and maybe you’ll get some great new recipes out of the night.

Pay-to-Sing Rejection: Champagne

Tune out that wailing voice in your head that says “even the pay-to-sing turned me down!” and raise a refreshing glass of bubbly in celebration for not having to fork over that cash. That program was expensive and you can put that money towards other things. Maybe you need some (modest) retail therapy to cheer yourself up. Take yourself on a thrift store shopping spree and see what treasures you can find. After that, track down a coach and map out a training program for yourself. Decide on a role you’ve always wanted to learn and set yourself the challenge of mastering it this summer. Go ahead and make your prescreening recordings in July. Come next audition season, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running. Raise a glass to forging your own path.

That Company You’ve Never Heard Of But Applied Because They Had No Application Fee And You Happened To Be In New York Anyway: Red Blend

This was a free gamble and you lost nothing. A red blend gives you a similar ride. You’re not quite sure what you’re going to get from this mixture of Cabernet, Syrah, and Carmenere, but you won’t know unless you try it. Maybe you learned something new. Try to take what you can from the experience and learn if you want to put more into your application or audition next year.

Rejection Without Audition: Petite Sirah

This wine has “petite” in the name, so those who don’t know better may write it off as a "small" wine with nothing to say. You know better. This is a bold, powerful wine that makes a statement. It’s a massive, intense, memorable wine that is not soon forgotten, and that is exactly what you are. You are strong. You are important and memorable. Right now you probably have a lot of angry, frustrated feelings and you need a bold, heavy wine to match your emotions. You also need a way to get those emotions out. After you finish your first glass, grab a pen and paper. Write a letter. Just start writing. Write about how fantastic you are; write about all of the things that you do well. Write down how you’re working to improve, everything wonderful about yourself, and all of the amazing things they are missing out on by not even bothering to hear you. When you’re finished you can burn it, hide it in your drawer, frame it next to your desk, or whatever makes you feel good. Just remember: never ever send this letter to this company. This is an emotional release not an opportunity for networking.

No Offer with Encouragement: Rosé

They liked you, but there just isn’t anything for you this season. That’s good, right? At least they liked you? You’re happy, but you're also a little disappointed. Time for some rosé: a perfectly refreshing wine for when you’re not quite sure what you want to do with yourself. Not sure if you want red or white? Rosé. Not sure what you’re having for dinner? It will probably go with rosé. Not sure if you want just one glass with your meal or to polish off the bottle while sobbing over a marathon of Queer Eye? Rosé is always there for you.

No matter what you drink (alcoholic or not), we’re all in this crazy business together. Remember to be kind to each other and especially to yourself. Don’t take any one rejection as a condemnation of your talent. Learn what you can from each experience and move forward to the next challenge. Cheers to audition season, and cheers to you!