As you get older you may begin to think differently than you once did. I know I have. Many things I once believed in and life decisions I have made over the years are now shifting much like how my tastes in food and drink have changed since I was a kid. I once abhored beer, coffee and certain vegetables, but eventually they became favorites. Few are so lucky as to find their life-long passions the first time around. The rest of us move along a path developed based on early career aspirations and veer only slightly, if at all, as life happens and security, family needs and material desires claim importance. Over time we become further molded and formed by our experiences, travels, people and organizations as we strive for promotions, recognition, and more rungs up that ladder. Then, at some point, we realize we are no longer as interested in many of those things and the drive and motivation begin to wane. Then, hopefully, we are lucky enough to find something we are truly passionate about to rekindle that fire in our bellies and improve our chances at reaching fulfillment in our lives once again.
So, at this point of realization the process begins of chiseling away the corrosion, spackle and crust that has built up over the years so that you can get to the center of your true self, what many might call the soul. I don’t know if the soul really exists. But, one thing I’ve learned in my broad experience is that it is necessary to be true to yourself in order to be happy and live a fulfilled life. Afterall, you only live once.
Similarly, it is often pontificated amongst us wine geeks that the grape also possesses a soul, which is only truly revealed in the best wines. Never should it be coaxed or altered to become what it is not nor what it was never meant to be. And so it should be with us. This is where my story starts its next chapter, though the planning process has been well underway for years. At this stage, I am simply one man going to Sonoma.
There are a lot of plates in the air, so in my case soul-searching does not mean taking a step back and basically de-toxing. It’s a change in focus and energy, both increasing in intensity for the better. I am taking my search to wine country this Fall to focus on how I can translate my experience, skills and passion into a future in a wine business and to reside once again on the west coast. During harvest I will be performing as a cellar rat for Holdredge Wines in Healdsburg who make tremendously delicious Pinot Noir, perhaps my favorite varietal. All the while, I continue developing and implementing my social media strategic framework from which wineries can be successful in using social media to complement their current marketing plans. I am in talks with both a large winery as well as a privately held sales and marketing company of fine wine and spirits in this regard.
In one week, I will start my trip to wine country and drive across the country a total of 2500 miles over about 5 days. I’ve always enjoyed driving, but this will certainly stretch my highway endurance. However, I look at this drive as another opportunity for soul-searching, enjoying what the American country-side (at least along I-40) has to offer and enjoying the time alone with my own thoughts. Though, I want to share this trip with you as well. I plan to journal my trip via social media including photos, blog posts, tweets and status updates… of course, not while driving 
Won’t you follow along? I could use some company on the drive.
Current Plan
following for sure. wish i could be co-pilot.
got a bad/good feeling (bad for me, good for you) that you’ll never be back. be sure to write. in any case, see you in late september, buddy!
Ed,
You are on the right path, and that is to follow your dreams.
Welcome to wine country!
Thanks, guys! Wish you were going too, Joe… maybe soon?
would need a mafia-offer at this point, but maybe someday!
What’s the significance of the stops? They seem pretty random…
So you’re stopping in Grants, NM? I’m born and raised in the South and living back here now (in N.C.), but I lived in N.M. for nine glorious years (in Albuquerque), so I’m trying to figure out what’s special in Grants. . .
Just a very short hop, skip and a jump off of I-40 in Albuquerque is the Gruet Winery, if you’re looking for a refreshing pit stop. ; )
Maybe Bacchus be with you
I meant, may Bacchus be with you.
Joe/Kimberly… some of the stops currently are fairly random. Just looked for about 500 miles each day. Will refine this week. I may takes Kimberly’s rec regarding Gruet and currently also mapping a few winery stops along I-40 throughout the trip.
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Thanks, Kevin! Will be getting to NorCal anytime soon?
Old age begins when curiosity ends. Stay thirsty and curious my friend
Ed, best of luck my friend. I’ll be watching with great anticipation and cheering for you along the way. Thanks for sharing your journey. I have a ton of respect for you and kudos to your wife for being so supportive in you search.
Josh
drinknectar
No NorCal trips for me anytime soon. Besides, if I were to pursue such a similar path, it would take me to Champagne or New Zealand…probably the latter when all factors are considered.
Thanks, Jason… I always seem to be “thirsty”
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Josh, you are the best… thanks for the support, and I look forward the success of you new magazine
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Kevin, very good point… let me know when you start planning that trip
Wow! Best of luck, Ed! Sounds amazing! So this is why you are selling your house in ATL? I will be following you and hoping all your dreams come true! Good for you!!
Godspeed, bro!
Pick-up “The Wisdom of James Allen” to read and night and Lead the Field by Earl Nightingale to listen to while on the road.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lead-the-field/id265104377
You’ll get there ready to slay dragons.
Thanks Cindy I really appreciate it! Jonjie and I already talked about “downsizing” in regards to house… but, yes, this is somewhat accelerating the process though there is no guarantee that I’ll stay in CA just yet until I can nail down some good prospects.
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Jeff, great recommendations… I definitely need something to read/listen to to mix up with the road tunes… thanks for jumping and helping me out… going to iTunes, now!
Sorry I’m late to this post Ed, but good luck on your trip! I’m sure you will have a blast.
No worries, Jimmy… you’re a busy guy these days… just sorry I haven’t been a good neighbor and planned more time with you guys recently… I’ll definitely have a blast but will be working my butt off too… hopefully, we can find something permanent and stick around for a while
Ed, enjoy a safe and soulful sojourn! I’ve no doubt you’ll “enthrall” us along the road in a way only you can.
Thanks, Russ… I will do my best to make my cross-country experience fun and interesting… I look forward to seeing you guys while I am in the area
Safe travels and here is a toast that you find success and happiness in the wine country. I envy you!