What the *$#&!??

I was out of town earlier this week and got the shock of a lifetime when I returned. Plastered on the window outside the entrance door to the winery is a sign saying PUBLIC NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR OWNERSHIP CHANGE.  It’s one of those mandatory signs that you often see outside new bars, restaurants, etc., except this one is yellow.

Funny thing is…we aren’t for sale!

A couple of thoughts popped into my head.

  1. The Husband has pulled a fast one on me and is headed to the Bahamas.
  2. My father got sick of retiring on a little bit of money and has decided he wants to retire on a LOT of money.
  3. My staff is trying to see how many grey hairs I can grow in one day.

After further investigation, I’ve learned that this is a classic case of bureaucracy in action. The California ABC (Department of Alcohol Beverage Control) requires such notices any time there’s been a change in corporate structure. Something about our development of a board of directors and the estate planning that my father has done, sent up a red flag that resulted in this obnoxious yellow sign. I simply can not believe it. I can just hear the rumors around the valley now. And, it needs to remain in place for 30 days!

So, if you happen to come by, don’t be alarmed. It’s just governmental red tape at its best. Definitely something to consider though if you’re thinking about changing your winery’s structure or beginning the estate planning process.

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4 Comments


Jack said:
June 27, 2008 6:56 PM

I'm not believing your explanation. You sold out to Fred Franzia but just won't admit it!

The winery's going to be renamed Dry Creek Chuck.

The fun thing is that the tasting room employees will now have to say, when a customer walks in, "Hi, I'm Wenda, and I'll be your personal tasting sommelier."


Kim (aka Wilma) Author Profile Page said:
June 27, 2008 9:52 PM

You're right, I lied. Freddie's taking over and we've expanded to include the appellation of Van Nuys. We've cut a deal with Walmart and you'll soon see Dry Creek Chuck floor stacked next to the fishing and hunting aisle.
(Not!)


hustler said:
July 5, 2008 3:03 PM

I love alcohol laws because they make so much sense...lol.


JohnLopresti said:
July 9, 2008 9:16 AM

The font could be more esthetic, but the poster art design is from a branch of the bureaucracy with roots in utilitarian simplicity. Perhaps a collage of larger fonts nearby would soften the harsh lines on the public notice, something with true letter art. The alicante bouschet consortium which no longer has any acreage or members in Dry Creek Valley has put up with these tasteles signs for eighty years. Maybe some oversize lawn ornament art could help mitigate the garrishness of the sign. Consider, this statue which long has graced the grounds in front of the portico to the Boston Museum of Fine Art. The image is of a chieftan of native Americans, astride a quiet horse. I am looking for a similar alternative, available locally, one that would add to the charm of the picnic area and its approaches, yet make a statement more artistic than ABC's. Let you know, soon.

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