TAKING A DEEP BREATH AND SOME EXCEDRIN (BEFORE FALLING FLAT ON MY ASS)

Spent yesterday journeying to Columbus for the Vanguard Portfolio show, which for those of you who don’t know, Vanguard Wines is a wine distributor based in Columbus that serves both Ohio and Kentucky, and is run by good friend and winemaker Drew Neiman. While my assistant Shannon and Fort Thomas store manager Matt rode up together, Covington wine bro Corey S. and I hopped on the big-ass Greyhound with several local winos, and had a death-defying ride up to the venue. Big thanks to Drew, Eric, Sunny and Denise (Panera AND Donatos - you are my hero!) and a huge round of applause for our new Vanguard rep and longtime friend Audrey Wood. It’ll be good to see you ’round again.

And today, Shannon and I continued our wine escapades at Cincinnati’s Hugo, where we were treated to a seminar for Champagne Duval-Leroy, courtesy of Cutting Edge Selections and the U.S. sales manager for Duval Leroy, Arthur Silvente. Special thank yous to T.J., Steve and Joe, Arthur and the staff at Hugo for a wonderful event.

Still trying to process everything so hope to have highlights and tasting notes up tomorrow.

Stay tuned!