I Remember:
They say that the Greek god Dionysus tearfully complained to his father Zeus that he was sad and yearned for something sweet. Dionysus was years removed from being protected in Zeus’s thigh. Zeus felt his son was old enough to have his own life’s pleasures.
Zeus suggested that Dionysus should merely create something sweet to touch his lips.
From the summit of Mount Olympus Dionysus spotted rivers flowing like veins in many directions. He paused his hands above the flow of currents, and begged the rivers to become sweet. Cupping his hands Dionysus sipped the first savor he would share when he descended Mount Olympus.
#Napa Valley
For almost four years I traveled to Napa Valley seasonally. I had a genius client Bill Harlan, (Harlan Estate Winery) who thought I would understand what it meant to focus my camera on a unique Napa Valley. Bill also owned the Chateau and Relais Meadowood Spa and Resort. He thought it would be a nice home base for me to set out from every morning and afternoon.
Bill Harlan at the #ChateauRelais #Meadowoodspaandresort
When I was in college, I occasionally escaped the Bay Area on weekends. My destinations were wineries. In those days I could enjoy tastings for next to nothing. Sipping late 60s early 70s Beaulieu, Jordan, Heitz, Sterling, Charles Krug, Rutherford and many others was a gift from the gods. A convertible in my hands, the race up to a glass of wine was an hour away.
The 90s were a bit different. I met the most fascinating California wine personalities who shaped Napa as a destination. It felt like I was landing in Oz. Wine makers Andre Tchelistcheff, Heidi Barrett, Gary Eberle and dozens of the valley’s best wine makers were guiding me. I absorbed anything and everything they shared, which included vertical tastings from Grace Family, Harlan, Chateau Montelena and more.
Vertical Tastings offer a unique insight and understanding into the world of wine. The value is best when you have the genius of experts whispering what to look for. When Dick Grace (Grace Family) and Heidi Barret funneled 3 vintages into my pony glass I listened for what I should know. When Bill Harlan shared 5 vintages (full bottles), we discussed the nuances for 5 hours. A wee bit tipsy after that. But amazing insights followed.
#DickGrace #GraceFamilyVineyards
I took advantage of having the secret security code to Harlan’s property. I walked along his vine covered hillsides grabbing a taste, and smelling the seasons.
I weaved my convertible along the Silverado Trail, Highway 29, Oakville Rd. I toured around the Mayacamas Mountains, Vaca Mountains, Howell Mountains and many other mountains that bracket the Napa/Sonoma wine treasures. My camera embraced every nuance, every shade of light, every color the landscapes offered me. I suffered through every glass of wine or indulging meal. More than 20 years later, I realized I was given a gift. Today I love having someone like the Financial Times Jancis Robinson fill me with vintage ideas from around the planet. But back in the 90s I was learning on the fly while tasting the most famous Harlan, Grace, Screaming Eagle, Shafer, Mondavi and of course the most obscure.
The “Judgement of Paris” was a bit before my time. But I have spent years trying to make up for time lost. A bit of discovery, A bit of education and a touch of a Bacchanalia does wonders for my memory, for my present. Thank the gods for Dionysus.
