Dear Wine,

You ignited something in me I didn’t know needed spark.

What began as observation became alignment.

I don’t know where I crossed the threshold from “just a job” to a way of life.

Perhaps somewhere between my thirsty curiosity and my quest for knowledge.

You captivated me. Long days in the unrelenting sun, rain-soaked socks, wine-stained hands, bone-chilling winters, bone-breaking work — I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything, and given the opportunity to do it again, I wouldn’t hesitate to say yes.

I have sat with you seaside, crashing waves as our dinner music. I’ve shared you on long evenings that passed in a blink, where one bottle turned to thirteen — but who’s counting, really? Days drifted to nights among bottles, shared with fluted Bossa Nova melodies and spinning disco balls.

I embraced & entangled my life to you.

Your vineyards are my sanctuary from the rapidly evolving digital world. I’m enchanted by the shifting sunlight, how it dances and plays across the vines.

Your fruit will always be my favorite snack, and I will continue to enjoy its sweetness with each harvest.

I promise to protect your vines, encourage visits from butterflies because I know you love their company.

I promise to honor what the vineyard brings to the winery door.

To your fruit, I promise to polish its wildness, but never tame it.

I will attempt to put more fruit in the lug than in my stomach, but I will make no such promise.

Finally, I promise to capture your power with the intention of releasing you.

From there, your story becomes your own.

Most of all, remember, you were made with power, love, exuberance, determination, and, of course, a little luck.