Greetings and Welcome to my blog, currently titled The Old Vine Grenache Project.  This is the official launch of my new business,  which includes moving my winemaking to France.  The typical response from family, friends, and colleagues when I share  this new and unusual direction is, “you must blog this!”.  No, I don’t always listen to what others tell me, but this time the idea made some sense.

Of course, I am very nervous as this is my first time.  And you can only experience the first time once….so better make the best of it.  I think that you know what I mean.

So, now that we have….ah…..broken the……ah, ice, let’s get going!

My plane leaves today Sunday the 19th so last night was the official family last supper.  Saturday morning was overcast but not raining……yet (it happens that we are still trying to ripen grapes in the Willamette Valley so this rain stuff is NO fun!).  Off to the farmer’s market to shop for the big meal.

The Vegetable Course

Peter Piper Picked a Peck........

Purple Cauliflower??

And of course, 'des fleurs' for the table

This and more resulted in a lavish multi-course meal.  There was concern that we had not planned for dessert.  That was the best decision of the day!  Here is the final menu:

The Last Supper....for now!

I am on the red eye to Chicago, then to Dulles, then to Paris, then to Avignon, then to CNdP.  Will return as soon I can get set up in France.

For now, I am off and running….let’s see, do the laundry, pack, learn to speak French….