The National Wine
UnClub
Newsletter
December 2004
Happy Holidays
We've arrived at the end of another year and it's time to assess how things are at this time in the mysterious world of wine. Wine...mysterious? Yes! Can you think of another drink that can inspire connoisseurs to spend thousands of dollars for a single 25 ounce bottle? A drink that defies description yet it is made simply from the ubiquitous grape? A drink that is mentioned (and consumed) numerous times in biblical scripture by such luminaries as Jesus Christ? Now that's interesting!
Life's challenges seem to be mounting in our world and the need to relax from these pressures has never been greater. Certainly we musn't shrink from our responsibilities, or try to escape from them entirely, but a time of respite is called for in trying times. Purpose-driven living should also include moments of rest and recreation - time for contemplation and meditation so that one can approach the problems of everyday life anew.
The end of a calendar year in the Western world seems to call for such a moment of reflection...to remember what's truly important in our lives, the people that matter to us most, the reason for our lives as a whole. Whether one is religious or not this is needed to continue onwards through the often foggy conditions of daily circumstance. Is our appreciation, indeed fascination, with fine wine related to this inner need?
The answer in my mind is an emphatic YES! What we value in our lives, real or imaginary, can be a distraction from what is not currently present in our experience. Or these valued pastimes can help bring what is desired into greater focus. I choose to see wine in this light. I know that excessive consumption of this wonderful, but alcoholic, beverage can lead to a state of disconnection and disaffection from the world at large. That is abuse of the relaxing nature of this God-given substance.
The everyday joy of discovery that we attend to in our work in the business of wine speaks to the level of involvement we have in the lives of the multitude of wine enthusiasts in this country. The concern that these folks have to find the right wine for their special friend, casual or formal dinner party, or as a rare bottle to add to their personal collection is a welcome challenge for us. We in the business know that we also have this need for assistance in filling out the abundance of our own lives.
Those political-minded folks out there who would hold wine hostage to punish another country's political determinations have (in our opinion) a mis-guided sense of appropriate response to such a situation. Having met many winery owners in countries like France, I can safely say that these people are among the least political-minded people I've ever met. Their wines don't represent the political stance of the country where they reside. Their focus is on the mystery and artisanal mastery of producing a fine wine. That's all.
Where are we headed in this world if not towards a greater sense of unity and harmony, love and understanding? This is the large picture that we must somehow fit our relatively small lives into. We cannot get on very well living an isolated life, devoid of facing this pressing issue. I, for one, would like to move into the coming new year with a renewed sense of optimism for the beauty of life on this planet.
One of the primary reasons I'm interested in the field of wine is because of the international nature of the business; we know (and love) and sell wines from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Bulgaria, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, Chile and Argentina, California, Washington, Oregon, and Texas. We say everyday as we open our doors for business: "Come into our shop and experience the United Nations of Wine"! If we can't agree on political policies we can certainly agree on good taste. Lift a glass in celebration to your family and the world of people who support family values. We join you in this joyous act of communion!
Cheers!
Donald W. White