Road trip

After the meeting we headed over to a cocktail party at Spataro Restaurant to mingle with some legislators and members of congress. Rest assured I felt out of place (and under dressed) at first since my knowledge of state politics is very limiting. But low and behold a familiar face in the crowd; Anne Vercelli an extraordinary chef and friend of my mom’s was in town for the Unified Grape Symposium. Anne is the nicest women you could ever hope to meet and has created several unique recipes to pair with our wines. She introduced me to her friends Gordon and Anita Murchie. They were out in California representing the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association, one of the oldest wine organizations on the east coast, established in 1973. Gordon is President Ameritus of the Association and his wife Anita is secretary and treasurer.

After a little more circulation of the crowds I met an Assembly woman and several representatives from the Congress. It was interesting to hear their perspectives on the current economic situation as well as how they are focusing their efforts in protecting agriculture and supporting the wine industry in California. I enjoyed the experience and “rubbing elbows” with some well known politicians although I don’t envy their jobs, I am very content right here…. in Sonoma County.