I have had quite a few inquiries of why I write this blog.  I thought I would discuss this matter as I come near my first one hundred entries in “The Wine Raconteur.”  There have been concerns from friends and colleagues that perhaps I am going through a “mid-life crisis.”  This is far from the truth.  I considered myself a professional clothier through the first half of my career and I enjoyed the position immensely.  Customer service was an integral part of that career, as well as being able to communicate with a clientele that was professional and well educated.  As my passion increased I discovered many other people that I encountered enjoyed a similar passion as well as a grand meal.  I absorbed all of these conversations as well as hearing about great destinations for vacations as well.  In fact so many of the vacation destinations that were discussed sounded so good; that my Bride and I also went to some of the locations.

As my customer service skills became more honed, I was becoming a part time concierge too.  I found that I was suggesting new restaurants in assorted cities across the country as well as suggesting new ideas and types of wines to round out my customer’s enjoyment.  First and foremost I was a clothier, but I felt that my suggestions were appreciated and remembered.  I would also help them if they were planning trips that would be to wine countries or near wine areas.  It was fun, and that fun was contagious.   This all came to a crashing halt when I was told to stop offering customer service and instead to focus on selling by deceit and falsehoods, which was an anathema to my ethics.  I could either stop doing what I enjoyed or to my mind quit.  I chose to quit, which did cause some economic constraints, but pleasure knowing that I did the right thing.

I went on a self imposed sabbatical or hiatus to decide if I needed to find a new career, or how to be happy in the career that I knew.   I am still in the decision mode.  I grew up in a “gentlemen’s” industry and that is one parameter that I do not wish to change.

This blog “The Wine Raconteur” became an outlet for me, to continue my need for customer service.  I use it not as a venue to boast or brag, but to help convey my passion for wines and good food.   Yes, I have made it a point to look for great restaurants when we are on our holidays, and I try to find locations that are indicative to the local area.  Why should I go to a chain restaurant in another city, when I have been to one locally?  It is true, that I would know what to expect, but the excitement of something new is diminished.

The same philosophy is done for my wine selections.  I admire people that can recite the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot in a blended wine, but that is too technical and would crowd out my memory of the wine or the situation.  If I was a wine salesman or a sommelier, then the technical aspect would come to the forefront, as I always prided myself on being knowledgeable about the product that I am discussing.

So as I ponder the future, I shall remember the past and continue my anecdotes about wine and sometimes food.  The memories vitalize me and make me endeavor to help people in choosing a wine, with out being condescending.  That is why I try to write about my adventures in tasting some of the hallowed wines, as well as new wines that I have just discovered.  You may notice that I never condemn a wine, but look for the pleasure of it or of the moment.  Whatever likes or dislikes that I have about wine (and food) are my own and I have no desire to taint someone else’s thought or likes.  If anything I have been on a life long mission to proselytize the glories of good wine, good food and good friends.  Perhaps I do it with a little bit of levity and a sparkle in my eye, that I do hope my reader notices.