I meet a lot of people—both through the internet and in person. Many of whom say “you have the best job … ”. And I do.
It’s funny though when people ask me what’s the best thing that’s happened to you since you started Women & Wine.
Was it the opportunity to interview people at the top of their game: Barbara Fairchild, Editor of Bon Appetit, or the winemaker from Dom Perignon? Was it a fabulous meal at the Masters of Food & Wine South America, or a picnic up in the Santa Rita hills overlooking the vineyards on a warm spring day? Or was it the day that I was on the NBC Nightly News? In USA Today? In this February’s issue of Town & Country Magazine?
No, I think I’m just about to have that “best” moment.
There’s a group that started in the wine biz in 1990 to support and nourish the careers of women in the wine industry called Women for Wine Sense. They were around when I started Women & Wine but were going through a bit of a transition as some of the original “old timers” moved on and a new generation came forward. They were broadening their base to include not only professionals but also women who enjoyed wine.
I was asked about them a lot over the years. Had I heard of them? Was I a member (there wasn’t a chapter in LA and the closest one, Santa Barbara wasn’t in business anymore) the answer was no, I wasn’t.
And yet last week I received a call from one of their members to tell me that I was going to be given this year’s Rising Star Award on May 3rd at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in Napa. I was speechless.
The ceremony is to be a part of their annual weekend of events.
Would I come? Of course, I would. Would I tell anyone who would listen about this - I’m still in shock.
I guess I’ve come to that ‘you know that you’ve made it’ moment when you’re recognized by your peers for the strides that you’ve made—and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
It’s funny what the best is … I guess it’s when something you didn’t plan for happens. That still makes you want to jump on the bed. (A little old for that now!)
Thanks to all the women out there who have given me their support. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Julie
