I used to be the Event Coordinator at James River Cellars winery but now I’m a wine host for Boordy Vineyards and Opici Family Distributing … and let it be known that I adore my jobs. Not many people can say that these days, but I truly believe that if you aren’t happy doing what you’re doing, then make a change… Life is too darn short to spend time doing things you don’t love.

I spent my sons’ childhood and youth with them… a stay-at-home mom who baked cookies, made dinners, and drove car pool. I volunteered at their schools, coached them in sports (yes, I was actually a head soccer coach for a rec team because no one else would do it), managed their athletic programs, and photographed more events than I can even count. It was exhausting, but it was exactly what I wanted to do and where I needed to be… and I thank GOD that my husband felt the same way.

My boys are now (mostly) grown and I have been given the opportunity to do something else I love… work in the wine industry. I get to teach people about the wine produced by some  brilliant wine makers and I find ways to stay active within the wine industry. Along with these really neat things is the chance to learn about and try wines from other wineries… it really is a win/win situation.

That tells you about me but not about why I’m writing…. I’m writing because I want to make wine more accessible to others. I want people to think of wine in the same way they now think about chicken stock when it comes to cooking. I want to let people know just how fun it is to enjoy what you do and share that joy with others. I believe that it’s about the power of positive thinking and harnessing that power for good. Even if you’re not a huge fan of wine (gasp!), I believe that there’s something wonderful about using wine to make a delicious meal for those you love. If they become fans as a result, so much the better, right?

Wine or no, I’m writing to share what I know… and I hope you enjoy following me on the journey…