It's been quite a year and I am very fortunate for many things. As I take a look back I am not quite sure how I accomplished everything I did but without the help of family and friends, I couldn't have done anything.
I did drink my share of wine, of course, but I got to visit California twice, Paris and Burgundy. In fact Paris reminded me very much of New York City and Burgundy of the Hudson Valley, especially the train ride. I felt right at home. The wineries and towns we visited awesome. I loved getting up in the morning and taking a walk through the vineyards. The hotels version of a Continental Breakfast is way more filling than what I am use to and I loved the cheese and bread. Many of the wineries we visited had so much family history. During my free time on my tour I got invited to Chateau de Pommard .and our guide gave us an incredible tasting along with the history of the clos estate - everything is walled in the Chateau grounds, building and vineyards. During my trip to Paris I tapped all my tastings and lectures to share with you, including the one that was through a translator. Bad news, in October my computer crashed and I lost everything, all my notes and recordings so that is why you haven't heard about my trip.
We had a few milestones this year. In April I published my first book Tapping the Hudson Valley. I can't believe I published a book and I want to thank everyone for their support during the project. The book is available on Amazon. After the book launch we drove to South Carolina and picked up a new puppy, Gigi. I forgot it was like having an infant. A few weeks later, my daughter Melanie received her Masters Degree in Hospitality from Johnson & Wales University and I partnered with Lori Budd of Draceana Wines for Winephabet Street. I have so much fun doing this monthly education program. It's a learning experience for me just as much as it is for our audience. I couldn't of asked for a better video webinar partner than Lori and our mascot Elmo.
Through my wine life I have met some wonderful friends and I got to meet some I only know through social media in person. Meeting Tanisha in Paris was a great way to get introduced to Paris. Then in October I got to meet some wonderful ladies from #winestudio, an educational program I participate it, in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Needless to say we had a great time and great wine! Next it was off to California for the second time. I got to go to Sacramento and visit my friend Patty and she took me up to the El Dorado Hills and Shenandoah Valley for some wine tasting. First time I was in that area and was quite impressed. Some of the towns time did not take over and it was like the wild wild west. From there I headed down to Santa Rosa for the Wine Bloggers Conference. It is such a great weekend when I get to spend time with my wine friends that I talk to all year long on social media, learn about wine and wine regions and taste wine from all over the world. During this trip I got to take a tour of Sterling Vineyards and Beringer two iconic wineries (blog post in January). Dinner at Jordan Winery takes the cake. They take hospitality to the next level, they are personable, gracious and lovable as are their wines.
That leaves us to now. I want to thank all of you for your love and support all year. If it's wasn't for my family, friends and you my audience, I wouldn't be where I am today. I want to wish you all the best this holiday season.
May your 2018 be filled with love, laughter, good health and great wine. See you in 2018. Cheers!
