Labels again and hard times

Yesterday was a mixed bag, as David put it. We went by the print shop and they had four very nice revised labels. David, Rob and I thought they were all nice but 2 stood out. We were pretty excited about the whole thing. My mother came up and shot them all down. She wouldn't give a reason but made it clear she didn't like any of them. Oh well, we will see what my dad has to say when he gets back from his trip.

The guy that I've been trying to get ahold of for days just showed up this morning with a ton of glass (empty wine bottles). Rob was ticked and I can't blame him. The bottle guy tried to pin it on me but when he calls finally at 8 PM nobody gets the message. I was upset also because all he needed to do was call back and tell me when he was coming. That put a bit of a dark shadow on the day.

I also got some bad news that I can't really talk about. I hope things can change enough around the winery that this passes but I'm worried. I am really sad but I understand at the same time. I think a wake up call is in order...we'll see how that goes!

Tomorrow is David's birthday so I thought I would write about his good qualities. He is a great winemaker, has a "delicate" palate and can pick up things that most people would never taste. He is a wonderful story teller and very entertaining. Sometimes he has to repeat things, I can't understand because of his accent but other times I just want him to repeat himself to hear it again. He is expressive and passionate about wine, has travelled to so many places that I'm jealous. He is smart, honest and friendly. He's a bit moody but most artists exhibit this quality. Can I say he has beautiful blue eyes without seeming smitten? (I have blue eyes myself so I am an admirer.) He's a nice guy and for the most part a fun coworker. We are lucky to have him with us, my eyes well up to think of him ever leaving us. Thank him when you see him and tell him what a good job he does! (Actually, a couple of tears popped out, shocking.)

We are still thinking of a name for our sweet dessert wine. The ones we have come up with so far are: Red Splendor, Red Reflection, Ruby Reflection, Garnet Gaze and Luscious Libation. We may have to have a vote. Wine club members, prepare yourselves. Everyone else, comment with your favorite or give me more options.

Our label order is complete...yeh! Two weeks worth of work and they will be going to the press. I know I drove the guy I've been working with crazy. I met him when we were looking at the labels yesterday. Nice guy, he said I wasn't too bad.

The next couple of weeks will be a little crazy, bottling, deciding on a new label and getting things ready for Memorial Day weekend. The fun never ends!