Why Wine? Why Now?

Humans have been captivated by wine for thousands of years. But what is it about this seemingly simple beverage that continues to inspire art, poetry, ritual, and celebration across cultures and generations?

For most of my adult life, I’ve lived in a constant state of forward motion—always chasing the next goal, the next idea, the next task. There was an ever-present internal voice whispering, What’s next? Whatever was right in front of me—an accomplishment, a project, even an enjoyable activity—rarely felt like enough. My brain was constantly scanning for the next thing. I didn’t recognize it as a problem. It wasn’t a conscious choice—it was a compulsion.

It wasn’t until the world came to a screeching halt during the pandemic that I was forced to stop and really take inventory. With nowhere to go and nothing to chase, I finally had the time to ask myself what truly brought me joy. The answer came quickly: my relationships.

But in those early days of social distancing, our usual ways of connecting weren’t available. So, we adapted. We gathered outside, six feet apart, bundled in layers if needed. We shared a bottle of wine, conversation, and presence. In a time of uncertainty, those simple moments nourished the soul. And something shifted. For the first time in years, my mind quieted. I began to prioritize connection over productivity, presence over performance.

After two decades in the wine industry, I found myself seeing wine with new eyes. Its enduring appeal, I realized, isn’t just about what’s in the glass. Wine connects us—to the earth, to tradition, to each other, and to the moment we’re in. It invites us to slow down, to savor, to share.

Wine has always brought me together with people who delight in flavor, curiosity, learning, and joy. But now, I understood its role in my life more deeply. It wasn’t just part of my career—it was a bridge to the life I wanted to live: one rooted in connection, appreciation, and meaning.

This new clarity shaped the way I experienced everything, including a transformative trip to the country of Georgia—a place where wine and life are seamlessly intertwined.

Before this trip, I had rarely traveled without my guidebook in hand, always planning the next stop, the next excursion. But Georgia felt different. Life there moved slowly, intentionally. The people we met didn’t seem hurried or hungry for more. They were content with what was right in front of them. Meals were rituals. Wine was a living history. Time was measured not by to-do lists, but by togetherness.

In Georgia, I finally let myself be. I tasted without rushing. I listened without distraction. I felt connected—not just to the place or the people, but to myself. That experience changed me in ways I’m still discovering. It’s why you’ll see Georgia woven throughout my book, The Mindful Glass: Savoring Wine, Living Well. That trip didn’t just show me a different culture—it showed me a different way to live.

Because wine is more than a beverage. It’s a living thing—a portal to the land, the people, and the stories that shape it. It’s a sensory experience, a cultural artifact, a source of both celebration and calm.

In today’s world, we’re told to move faster, do more, and chase perfection. We live tethered to devices and distracted by headlines. We scroll endlessly, comparing our lives to curated versions of others’. In this environment, genuine presence is increasingly rare.

But wine offers something different.
A shift in rhythm.
A reason to pause.
A chance to return to ourselves—and each other.

And that’s why wine.
That’s why now.