Since I started writing this column, I have been blessed in many
ways. Most prominent is occasionally getting invited to a few more
parties, occasionally getting recognized as the
”
Wine Guy
”
and occasionally getting asked to participate in various events
that are associated with wine.
Since I started writing this column, I have been blessed in many ways. Most prominent is occasionally getting invited to a few more parties, occasionally getting recognized as the “Wine Guy” and occasionally getting asked to participate in various events that are associated with wine.
Being the “Wine Guy” is something I cherish, and is usually welcomed, but it sometimes catches up with me.
This past week was a classic example. The minutiae of my life can put most people to sleep, but I thought it might be interesting to let the public know what a week in the life of the “Wine Guy” is like.
My job as executive director of St. Joseph’s Family Center was put to the test last week as our organization was getting monitored and reviewed by both the County of Santa Clara and the U.S. Department of Housing of Urban Development.
While our programs and administration passed with flying colors, it was time consuming and stressful.
Simultaneously, I was getting inundated with requests to participate in wine-associated events.
First and foremost was a request that was placed by the local Rotary Club, of which I am a member.
Each week, Rotary presents a program to its membership – this time it was to be about wine. This past Tuesday, I had to shed light on the vast subject of wine.
I drafted up a PowerPoint presentation and went head-first into the program. I normally do not get flustered speaking in public.
My time in front of judges and juries has made me immune to nervousness, but these were my colleagues, friends and business associates – I was worried.
Since I wasn’t pelted with rotten tomatoes, I think it went OK.
Over the weekend, I received a few requests from friends who were campaigning for donations to various nonprofits they support.
I confirmed my participation in being a guide and host to a group of people who will participate in a wine tour with yours truly, a gift to benefit the Learning & Loving Education Center in Morgan Hill.
A donation I offered to Community Solutions, a wonderful community-based organization that provides mental health and domestic violence support services to families and individuals, will come to fruition when I host a group of 10 people on Monday night for a tour and tasting at Leal Vineyards.
Another friend, an advocate of the stellar work that Rebekah’s Children Services does in our community, asked for a donation of wine for an upcoming fund-raiser.
I plan to assemble a nice assortment of wines from local producers that will help out its cause.
This Thursday, in the beautiful surroundings of Clos LaChance Winery, a colleague is bidding adieu to her service in our communities.
I will be there to send her off in style, wishing her well in the next chapter of her life.
Almost every weekend, local wineries have fun events planned for their club members and the general public.
If invited, I feel compelled to attend as many events as I can.
Though my presence is not critical, I want to show support of their individual wineries and the efforts made by the local wine associations.
The San Benito County Winegrower’s Association’s 5th annual Passport Weekend event is this weekend. I will squeeze in a quick visit to a few of the participating wineries.
Some friends are getting married at a local winery this weekend. I can only imagine the anticipation and excitement that must be surrounding this special moment.
In between my work shifts, I plan on popping in to say hello and toast the future of the bride and groom.
On top of all of this, I am involved with a wine and food pairing dinner to be held in Los Gatos late Saturday night.
Again, the premise is in the context of a fund-raiser. I not only will be providing the wine, but hopefully an insight into the strong connection and reliance that food has with wine (and vice-versa).
Am I complaining? No, to the contrary, I am flattered.
To be a part of something that is memorable in the lives of others is special, no matter how fleeting.
Wine has been the forum that has connected me to so much that is good, and to that, I am eternally grateful.
Cheers!
