A Stranger In My Own Home Town

I never thought I’d feel like an old-timer. How did this happen-ugh?!

How could it be that at 32 years old…ok, I’m lying…actually 44 years old, (dangerously close to forty five!) that I’d relate to how the old guys must have felt when a transplanted city slicker from Boston arrived on the scene back in 1972.  But there I was having a rare “date night out” with The Husband when it happened.

We were seated at the bar of Bistro Ralph, Ralph Tingle’s eponymous restaurant here in Healdsburg.  On either side, we overheard the happy banter of numerous newbie winery and vineyard owners.  I suddenly realized that I didn’t recognize one single person.  Worse, they didn’t know me!  It was an odd feeling to be in a town you’ve lived your entire life, a member of the business community for over 35 years, and feel like a complete outsider. I must admit, I didn’t like it one bit at all. 

I was feeling a bit depressed until we had our first sip of a delicious wine by some new winery named Arista. A 2005 Pinot Noir that was smooth as silk and as refined as a Hermès scarf tied on a Prada bag. Ok, that might be a stretch, but you get the point. At that very moment, I was reminded of the magic of wine discovery. How fun it is to learn about a new wine from a new producer. How cool it is to listen to the waiter, take that leap of faith, and order something new, sight unseen.

And then I wondered…did anyone discover a Dry Creek Vineyard wine tonight??

By Kim on March 7, 2008 11:39 AM | | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

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3 Comments


Chuck said:
May 29, 2008 1:18 PM

I'm unconnected with Arista in any way, other than I happened in on a tasting trip on chance. Check 'em out if you get a chance -- not only do they have (tasty!) Pinot Noir, but they also do small batches of Cab Sauv and Cab Franc. I really liked them all, and wound up going home with some PN.


Telma said:
October 21, 2008 11:33 PM

You write very well.


Kim (aka Wilma) Author Profile Page said:
October 22, 2008 10:48 AM

Thanks for the compliment Telma!

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