Archive for the ‘Personal’ Category
"Only authentic affection and devoted love of the human sort survives behind each of our arrivals at life's ultimate destination." This straightforward truth I recently came across is surely the basis for any number of explanations on how we ought live our lives. And while it got me thinking about the most important people in my own life and the gate I possess as I merrily stroll toward the ultimate destination, it got me thinking about the concept of the…
Having just finished a survey of the readers of this blog, I wanted to report on one finding in particular that should be of interest to PR folks, advertisers, readers and, obviously, me. Sixty two (62) Percent of FERMENTATION readers do now or have "worked in wine, restaurant, beverage retail or wine-related industries". This makes FERMENTATION a "Trade Media Outlet". For advertisers, it means that if you want to access the eyeballs of members of the wine industry, FERMENTATION isn't…
A new issue by the University of California Press entitled, "The Finest Wines of Champagne: A Guide to the Best Cuvees, Houses and Growers," and written by Michael Edwards represents the things I love most about that civilizing relic we call the "Book". While a paperback in form, the book is sturdy, making it durable, yet portable. Inside the pages are thick and have a coating that delivers a sheen and, more importantly, hold and display the ink beautifully. The…
Today marks the 19th year (to the day) of my time working in the wine industry. "Nineteen" isn't a very interesting anniversary. It's one year before a fairly significant anniversary and 4 years after an only slightly significant anniversary. Still, if you are thinking of getting me a gift in connection with this occasion, the modern traditions tell us that a gift made of bronze is in order for the 19th anniversary. Following my Masters in History I actually sought…
I'm a sucker for traditions where wine is concerned. I like wine-related tradition and I like traditions that fortified with wine. I most recently continued a tradition using wine. At a particular spot on Lake Tahoe in a 1962 Mahogany Coronado, I and friends stopped the boat, lifted a glass of Champagne and toasted the weakest of the three Corleone brothers, Fredo, who met his demise at the hands of his brother Michael's bodyguard, Al Neri, while saying the Hail…
