My fella and I moved to BC wine country about three years ago, leaving the big city of Vancouver – and surrounding urban areas – behind. Living in wine country kicks ass. I’m minutes away from some of the best BC wine there is, and that’s a very good thing. Especially with a hammock in the yard. Wine + hammock = happy.
But, as with every great departure…something gets left behind. In this case it was a great circle of remarkable friends. And sometimes I need a little of that crazy-friend-thing that happens when a particular group of us are within twenty feet of each other. You know what I mean. Most people have those friends; if not, get them.
This past Friday I ventured out on the road, cooler (and car) stuffed with Okanagan wine to share with my gal pals. A trip to The City is reason enough to prompt a social gathering of my lovelies. Thankfully, there’s very little that a bunch of good friends drinking good wine can’t remedy.
Here are a few of the situations we tackled, and the wine that helped:
The “what-am-I-passionate-about?” debacle
While discussing the merits of finding your passion versus knowing your passion but being unable to do much about it because of a mortgage, car payment and student debt (still), we sipped the 2008 Sauvignon Blanc from Little Straw Vineyards. This ain’t your usual sauv blanc. It’s honey and clover and grapefruit, crisp and buttery at the same time. A of a mix of things, kind of like finding out – or trying to develop – what you’re passionate about. Think and, not or.
The “is-it-asking-too-much-to-meet-a-nice-guy-who-likes-that-I’m-a-smart-and-confident-lady?” challenge
As several of my lovelies are in a similar predicament, I can safely say that this is a fairly serious issue – and one which requires a bit of finesse, delicate manoeuvering and strong character. Fortunately, we had a bottle of Reserve Pinot Noir from Mission Hill, and I poured generously. Classic pinot noir (to me) is sandy beach with a basket of strawberries and a soft, lingering touch. Yeah, this little number was a perfect companion to our discussion of how to find your perfect companion – or just someone who finds it sexy that you have a thing for literature.
The “it’s-a-few-hours-in-and-things-are-getting-out-of-hand-in-a-good-way” medley
You know you’ve been there, so don’t even try to deny it – especially because it’s often the best part of the night. Hopefully, you can remember most (or at least part) of it. I’m talking about the time of night when you reach for that next glass of whatever and realize ‘I’m having so much fun!’. Our hostess has a weakness for one particular BC winery, so I thought it perfect timing to bring out the Burrowing Owl 2006 Syrah. Hello, nurse. Big, dark and rich with a whole lotta stuff goin’ on, this beauty is the take-things-up-a-notch element you’re looking for when you don’t want the night to end.
But every night must end. And as we stumbled our way home (safely, and with designated drivers) I know we each got a little something more from those few hours than a belly full of good food and wine. We were overdue for our un*wine*d session; at least, I know I was.
Cheers,
Jeannette
