Ya’ll, just within the last week, I’ve gotten several comments about how much everyone is enjoying my content. Thanks. Thanks a bunch. I guess I’ll keep on going. That being said, would also love to hear what else you’d like to read/hear/see from me. Open to any and all suggestions.

And that said, know that I’m taking a bit of a hiatus. By the time you read this, I’ll have set up all of my away messages, packed my bags and am on my way toward an extended vacation to Japan. Stoked—I’ve never been any where in Asia before and as I understand it, all my senses are in for a glorious treat. I’d say ‘follow me on all the socials,’ and not that you can’t…definitely do!…but who knows what service will be like where I’m going, so as much as one wants to share in real time, it’s not always possible. And for that, I’m a bit grateful—it makes one practice living in the moment.

So please enjoy this last little update of the early summer season.

Silly comments, random thoughts, snide remarks…all my own.  ✌️🥂

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Hello my friends. Another two weeks gone. This time because I spent the week of the 10th traveling all around the Bay Area. First out to Livermore (my secret spot for amazing wines!) to cover an event at the beautiful Wente Estate for Tasting Panel. Then jet-set up to Santa Rosa to speak at this year’s Wine Industry Sales Symposium. All while continuing to teach my classes as well as write my stories.

So, of course the news piled up a wee bit. And, sorry NOT sorry that I’ve got bit of a rant about the majority of these headlines: I feel like the wine industry is just trying SO hard. It feels like when an uncool parent/aunt/uncle/older sibling is like trying to wear what the cool kids are wearing or start using phrases that are way outside their lingo. Can we all just relax a wee bit? Nothing is more of a turn-off then when someone is forcing their agenda.

Obviously I’m not against wine—or any alcohol for that matter—but, as I mentioned in my last newsletter, we just need to be ok with the -ish part of drinks culture. Whether that means going off the sauce for any length of time; having areas of lives where abv-based drinks are not welcome; or including our non-drinks-oriented friends and families. Further, we need to be ok with alt-categories. Weed is not the enemy. Seltzers are not the enemies. Juice, soda, coffee, gum—not the enemy. As folks keep pointing out, wine has been a part of human culture for eons. Even if regulations state we have to slap health warnings or nutrition facts on it, I wager that wine won’t be going anywhere. If anything, folks will start to consume more thoughtfully, engage with the category rather than chug it—which will continue to set wine apart from other beverages. I also wager that the brands and businesses that find a way to comply will only find favor in the modern market.

But those are just my two pennies. For whatever two pieces of copper are worth nowadays…

Mini-rant over, but beware that my snide remarks get pretty, um, snide-y alongside these first eight articles.

Silly comments, random thoughts, snide remarks…all my own. ✌️🥂

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