My last post was November... In the months between then and now my life has taken a dramatic turn. For those of you who haven't heard by now, I've been promoted and making a move to the Napa Valley. This should be the highlight of what was the worst year known to mankind and yet I find myself totally unable to enjoy the professional gift bestowed upon me. Why you ask? (Even if you didn't ask you know I'm going to tell you) Quite simply, it's because I recognize what I'm leaving behind. In the last 5 years here in the Coachella Valley I've built a business, a name for myself, and long lasting friendships. In short, I've created a beautiful life. I don't take that for granted. I've been given the opportunity to do what I love on a daily basis and earn a paycheck for it. A platform to spew my passion and "geek out" with other wine-minded individuals. Here, I am an anomaly. There, I am just another sommelier.
So, enough with the "poor little, newly promoted, moving to wine mecca, Katie" and on to the real reason for this post.
THANK YOU.
Thank you to my wine buyers. For being honest with me and not giving me the run around. I've long said to suppliers when they come into town on work-withs that I have the best buyers in the state. You say what you mean and you mean what you say. Thank you for supporting my little, never heard of brands. In a town where Rombauer and Silver Oak are still considered par excellence, you have embraced Cliff Lede and Zolo and Neil Ellis. Thank you for trusting me and my judgement. You will never know how much I appreciate the phone calls where you tell me you need a case of ________ wine and take my suggestion. You have put your faith in me and trust that I want the best for your business and wine list as much as you do.
Thank you to Cooking With Class, Sun City, Canyon Estates, The Citrus Club, Trilogy, and Copely's for giving me the opportunity to share my love with you. You have let me educate and entertain you, and it has been my pleasure. I will miss this most of all. After every event I experience a "runners high" that can only be described as addictive. The energy and enthusiasm that builds throughout the night is infectious. The support and feedback you have given me over the years has made Great Legs Wine Consulting possible.
Thank you to my ladies of wine night. Once a month I am surrounded by the strongest, most gracious, professional women in the valley. Through you lovely ladies, I have been exposed to the Women Leaders Forum, Olive Crest, Shelter From The Storm and Go Red. I truly believe it's because of you that I was among the desert's 40 under 40. I have never known a more dynamic and supportive group of women.
Lastly, thank you to Mindy, Garvey, Kelly and Gary, Nikky, Dar, Jason, Markus ...on and on and on. You have kept me sane, been my touchstone, and fed me copious amounts of alcohol when it was needed most.
Okay, so that's enough mushy stuff to last all year.
Now, it's time to get my cape (and my big-girl panties) on, and tackle my next adventure.
Cheers to the next chapter...
