A new year of wining...in San Simeon...

A bucolic scene at San Simeon
(photo by Rico Mandel)

This past year has been so challenging for everyone. I am pleased and amazed to see how so many of my wine colleagues have pivoted (the latest buzz word) and adapted to the new normal. Many event planners have created online events, virtual tastings, all designed to keep their base engaged. Others, like myself, stepped back a bit, waiting to see how things would develop. I tried not to give in to depression, but there were days that my major accomplishment was getting the bed made. 

Meanwhile, vaccines were being made and distributed! Hope on the horizon! Grownups in the White House! I started feeling a bit better, and after getting my first shot of the Pfizer vaccine, began to feel that I could return to the world. Carefully.

Central Coast Wine Classic

Are you folks familiar with the Central Coast Wine Classic? It's a terrific annual event that raises a lot of money for many deserving organizations! Check it out!

The Central Coast Wine Classic Foundation is pleased to announce the grantees for funds from the 2013 Twenty-Ninth Annual Central Coast Wine Classic, to be held from July 11th through 14th, in Avila Beach, Shell Beach and San Simeon on the Central Coast of California. From net proceeds from the Wine Classic, specific projects are funded for 501(c)3 non-profit corporations in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties whose missions are in the Healing, Performing or Studio Arts. Over the past nine years the event has conferred grants $2,101,055! to 103 such non-profits. Grants for 2013 will be conferred in early October in San Luis Obispo.