Fondly remembered wine and dinner
Like many, I struggle to get out what I want to say in a way I want to say it. Procrastination and laziness are two of my best friends that have kept me company throughout the years. My goal to write more again was stoked when my paternal grandmother passed away very recently.
Gem as I called her loved my adventures and writing. She kept asking for me to print out each blog post and place it in a binder. That way it would be preserved forever in her mind. I was never going to do that, but I am dedicating this post to her.
Berryessa Gap Cellars captures the American spirit of hard work and vision paying off. What began as simply a rootstock business in the then nascent Napa and Sonoma region in 1969 has become a wine star in their own right. They produce several wines you typically see and some interesting gems all for a very reasonable price. Many of their wines are $15-$25 with one of the most expensive being $32. Nicole as only the second winemaker at Berryessa Gap Cellars continues to innovate in playful ways along with bringing quality wine to the table.
One of my last meals before starting COVID-19 quarantine was at Officina in DC as part of a winemaker dinner organized by Frank Morgan of Drink What U Like and Robert Larsen. The guests of honor were Joel Aiken, consulting winemaker for Scattered Peaks and Nicole Salengo, winemaker for Berryessa Gap Vineyards. There were many other fun guests in attendance who also write or produce content such as podcasts. I was excited to be offered this opportunity because these type of intimate experiences are so important. They offer a really personal look at those behind the wine and allow people to be themselves.
We were greeted with a welcome glass of wine along with passed hors-d'Oeuvres. I was jealous another guest got to utilize the rooftop beforehand as it was a gorgeous day. I on the other hand anticipated arriving early and got lost in the maze that is L’Enfant plaza. I will never, ever (I have now lived here 16 years) exit or enter L’Enfant Plaza metro appropriately or figure out where I need to be. If I ever do, I will then consider myself a true Washingtonian.
Joel has a long and storied career in wine. In it’s current iteration he’s consulting with Scattered Peaks to curate the best Napa fruit he can find into elegant wines. Joel’s knowledge and passion come through in this project. He’s able to produce remarkable Napa Cabernet Sauvignon at a price point easily attainable by many (around $30-$40).
The evening turned into a fascinating affair as wine flowed, courses arrived (tasty, tasty dishes), and conversation turned from views on natural wine, winemaking methods, technology, pets and office work life.
What I found really interesting was how both Nicole and Joel had environmental interested and changed careers or paths. There’s no wrong way to end up doing something you love like becoming a winemaker.
It’s never easy to say “follow your dream or passion” or that money will always come. Sometimes it will and sometimes it won’t. I’m so happy to have met two passionate and dedicate professionals who made that happen.
Gem always wanted me to pursue my dreams. I still don’t know if I am doing that or I made her proud. All I can do is try. I know that’s what she did and that’s what she wanted.
I’ll end this with one of the stories my dad and Aunt keep sharing. Years ago on a boating trip from South Florida to the Bahamas, everyone was unhappy. My dad was seasick, my grandma was frustrated and everyone wanted the trip over. At some point as my grandparents (who were married for over 65 years), were arguing as my grandmother was preparing sandwiches. She yelled, “AND ANOTHER THING” and flung mustard all over my grandfather. He then had to take a bath in the ocean as my dad, aunt, and grandmother secretly laughed. The mustard story continues to live in infamy in our household.
