Rarely do we realize history is being made.
Rarely do we realize that history is being made right in front of us. My niece, Emmery, is a unique bird, a truly exceptional soul. She makes me smile every time I see her, with an artist’s spirit that doesn’t suffer injustice lightly. Tough as they come, she stands up for what she believes in, even if she’s the only one standing. Her spirit is defiant, as all good artists are. If she has something to say, she says it. Sometimes with words, sometimes with actions, sometimes with paint. She’s a recruiter, always asking you to join her cause, and she’ll convince you with her passion and determination.

I’m a fan of people like this, motivated doers, unstoppable forces of nature who refuse to sit on the sidelines. Sitting on the sidelines is easy; it’s comfortable. No one really wants to start a parade. But being the kind of person that leads the charge out front, waving the banner, yelling, “LET’S GO!!!” – those are one in a million. They motivate us, they say the things we wish we could, and they do the things we know we should. They make it happen. This wine reminds me of her – her voice, her beautiful spirit, her determination to make a difference in the world.

Cabernet Franc is the middle child of wines. Emmery is also a middle child. Sometimes they don’t get the attention they deserve, but they both deserve the spotlight. Cabernet Franc and Emmery have a depth and complexity that are often overlooked, but when you take the time to truly appreciate them, you see their full brilliance. This wine, like Emmery, is bold and unyielding, with a character that stands out and makes a lasting impression.

The history of Cabernet Franc is as rich and complex as the wine itself. Originating in the 17th century in the Loire Valley of France, this grape has faced many challenges over the centuries. Often overshadowed by its more popular siblings like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc has always stood its ground, much like Emmery. Both have a resilience and strength that inspire those around them. The grape traveled to Bordeaux, where it played a vital role in the region's famed blends, adding finesse and a distinctive character that is unmistakable.

In our vineyards, Cabernet Franc has found a home that allows it to express its true nature. The terroir, the climate, the careful nurturing it receives – all contribute to a wine that is not just a drink, but an experience. It’s a wine that tells a story, much like Emmery. Each sip reveals a new layer, a new aspect of its personality. It’s a wine that demands attention, that invites contemplation. It’s not the loudest voice in the room, but it’s the one you remember long after the conversation has ended.

Emmery, with her artist’s soul, embodies this spirit. She’s a painter, a creator, a force of nature. Her art is not just something she does, it’s who she is. It’s her way of communicating with the world, of making her mark. She doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects; she confronts them head-on, with courage and conviction. She’s a person who makes you think, who challenges you to see the world in a different way. She’s the kind of person who makes the world a better place just by being in it.

Just as Emmery is an unstoppable force, so is our Cabernet Franc. It’s a wine with a rich history, a deep connection to the land, and a character that stands out and makes a lasting impression. It’s a wine that has faced challenges, but has always emerged stronger, more resilient. It’s a wine that, like Emmery, deserves to be celebrated, to be appreciated for its unique and beautiful spirit.

I am pleased to put them both right out on Grand Ave, to give them the recognition they have always deserved. Enjoy your time in the sun, Emmery, and keep your eyes pointed up. The world deserves to see you shine, just as it deserves to savor the unique and beautiful spirit of our Cabernet Franc. Here’s to you, Emmery – a true original, just like this wine. Cheers to the middle children, to the ones who stand out by being themselves, who make their mark in their own unique way. The world is a better place because of you.