Here is an update from last week’s April 1 column: I mentioned
that the L.A. Times was interested in hiring me as a columnist, and
if successful in the Southern California market, there would be
hopes for national syndication. All that needed to be finalized
were the negotiations.
This column is dedicated to Sean Merriman – a great person, loving son – a friend who was always there when you needed him the most.
Here is an update from last week’s April 1 column: I mentioned that the L.A. Times was interested in hiring me as a columnist, and if successful in the Southern California market, there would be hopes for national syndication. All that needed to be finalized were the negotiations.
I met with a bunch of executives a few days ago, and like cards, put all my wine glasses on the table. Besides asking for a substantial salary and expense account, I tried to parlay my one shot at fame into demands for talk show appearances, world travel, a book advance and a possible movie deal. In other words, I was not asking for much. After the laughter subsided in the meeting room, the suits called security and threw my out-of-shape body into the street.
You see, that was my problem – an out-of-shape body, but not an out-of-shape mouth!
Dr. Jon Hatakeyama, a longtime Morgan Hill dentist, knows what I’m talking about. A number of years ago, Hatakeyama was concerned about the growing need for children to get exercise. His brainchild was the South Valley Wine Auction, an event created to bring awareness and raise funds to help children stay healthy, and avoid the diseases and obesity that often develop from a sedentary lifestyle.
The Eighth Annual South Valley Wine Auction will take place at 6pm April 28 at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road in Morgan Hill. The net proceeds from this event will be used to support local youth in the Morgan Hill Unified School District’s running programs, such as cross country and track and field. The goal is to increase education and provide more opportunities for healthier lifestyles.
This is a fun, lively event that brings together some of Northern California’s best wineries from Morgan Hill and Gilroy. Wineries from Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties will also be there.
In honor of its 100th anniversary this year, the city of Morgan Hill has commissioned a specially labeled, 6-liter, hand-painted, etched bottle of the finest Santa Clara Valley-grown cabernet sauvignon. Many other unique, hard-to-find wines will be auctioned off, along with golf packages, gourmet dinners and artwork.
Admission to the event – $50 in advance and $60 at the door – will allow you to enjoy foods from some of our area’s finest restaurants. The evening’s host will be Jona Denz-Hamilton, longtime radio announcer from 94.5 KBAY. Dorothy McNett, award-winning chef and wine aficionado, will lend her expertise as the live auction emcee. Other local celebrities will also be in attendance.
“This is a great place to meet friends, taste some spectacular wines and incredible food,” Jona said. “Running is a great way for youth to get more exercise, and most everyone can do this, which is why the proceeds will support the school district’s programs.”
Knowing there are only a few more weeks until this event, I felt compelled to visit my friend, Ricardo Espinosa. Ricardo owns Planet Fitness in downtown Gilroy. How could I show up to the wine auction, an event that promotes health and exercise, and not be in shape myself? When I visit my dentist, I figure I can make up for six months of neglect by brushing by teeth and flossing vigorously until my gums bleed the night before my appointment. Physical fitness couldn’t be any different, right?
I arranged for a meeting with Ricardo a couple of weeks ago. When I entered the gym, I heard the clanging of free weights and some occasional grunts from people working out.
Seeing all the machines, I was a bit intimidated. I said to Ricardo, “You’ll have to show me how to use all this stuff. I haven’t been in a gym in over 10 years.” Not missing a beat, Ricardo said, “By the looks of you, I’d have guessed 20 years.” Sometimes the truth hurts, but not as much as my body will during the next few months.
Cheers!
Participating wineries
These local wineries will be participating in the auction:
Calera
Cima Collina
Cinnabar
Clos LaChance
Donati Family Vineyard
Enz Winery
Fernwood Cellars
Flint Cellars
Fortino Winery
Gallo Family Vineyard
Guglielmo Winery
Hahn Estates
Kirigin Cellars
Leal Vineyards
Louis M. Martini
Mac Murray Ranch
Mann Cellars
Manzoni Estate Vineyards
Martin Ranch
Mirassou Winery
Pedrizzetti Winery
Pietra Santa
Pinder Winery
Rancho Zabaco
River West Wines
Sarah’s Vineyard
Solis Winery
Summerrayne
Sycamore Creek
Windy Oaks
The Details
What: Eighth Annual South Valley Wine Auction
When: 6-10pm April 28
Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill
Cost: Tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door. Must be 21 or older to attend.
Info: www.svwineauction.org
