After our trip to Sacramento and San Francisco this past six or seven days, wine has become a “top of mind” thing again in our lives. Not that it wasn’t prior to our trip, but certain things happen, and our awareness of those things makes us think and ponder and evolve as humans (and wine drinkers/appreciaters). The first leg of this journey took us to Sacramento, where Hoot’s Dad lives (oh, and he has a beef jerky business, Liberty Jerky).
Anyway, up until four years ago, Hoot never drank wine with his Pops but this visit (along with numerous recent visits) seem to have revolved around wine. From tasting on the Auburn wine trail (yes, it exists and we found a few that were great), to sharing a bottle of Dom, to having a business meeting that…well, revolved around wine as well.
Then, off to San Francisco where Annie had business…think we left the wine behind? Au contrair Mon Frair, we brought some along and found some more. San Francisco, as most people know is an AMAZING people watching experience but we also found great wine spots; from the wine merchant shop and bar at the Ferry Building, to First Crush Restaurant and Lounge, to the amazing Press Club Wine Bar. Wow, we just can’t escape wine!!
As it should be, wine is the ultimate ice breaker. While in San Francisco we even had a meetup with about six or seven of us that met each other on Twitter…and we ended up drinking wine! Hard to imagine, we know.
So, a couple of points to all this rambling.
– One: Please, PLEASE find something you’re passionate about and chase it and don’t stop. Hoot is a prime example of someone who knew squat about wine four years ago, but Annie got him into it and from there his drive and her knowledge led them to this blog…along with countless other opportunities.
– Two: Wine is undeniably something that brings people together. Whether it’s family, business, friends, or people you’ve never met, wine has the uncanny ability to draw people into conversation. It’s not just the warm buzz that comes from a couple of glasses wine that can inspire a friendship, but the fact that wine is an endless source of opinion, learning, and experience that should NOT be underestimated!
Power to the Wine-O’s!!!
Beverly says
So true, so true, we have met some wonderful people during our wine tasting events in our four years of wine tasting (too) and have become close friends with a few and we meet up for dinner etc. Thats how I found you….through the grapevine….lol. Keep up the good work, and happy trails to you until we meet again. Cheers!
Hoot 'n Annie says
Wine really brings things together, right Bev? We’ve made some great relationships with people (including you) over wine! Something about it….just does the trick! Cheers and happy Friday!!!
Beverly says
Right! Happy Friday to you too.
Grace Lewis says
You write as if you ARE trying to escape wine 🙂
My comment is further proof that wine brings people together. I saw #wine (a hashtag I did not know existed) and here I am!
Cheers!
Hoot 'n Annie says
Hey Grace! Never trying to escape wine…it’s a huge part of our life! But, thank you for the insight and the click! Welcome!!! Cheers to you!!!
Ron says
“Spilling some liquid” as we like to call it, is one of our time-honored traditions in our circle of friends. Cheers!
Ron “FoodPinions” on Twitter
http://www.foodpinions.com
Hoot 'n Annie says
Love it, Ron! We’ll use that one…thanks!
Scott says
I stay around the corner from First Crush and have several times slipped over for a quick dinner and glass. They have a nice list, and decent sized pours. I also love the wine merchant at the Ferry Plaza and find their prices better than most of the little wine store/liquor stores out on the street corners around town. Next time you are in SF, if it is during the week. Let me know. Cheers Matt and Annie!!
Hoot 'n Annie says
Hey Scott! Sorry we missed you…would loved to have shared a glass with you in SF. We’ll be sure to hit you up next time! Cheers!!!