Well over a year ago, my friend and blogfather, Randy Elrod, whose blog Ethos has been a standard and inspiration for dozens of blogs (look at the blog roll on this page and see "Randy Elrod Inspired") asked me if I would consider guest blogging on another blog he started called Wine for Novices.
Although, never really stated specifically on this blog, many have picked up on my knowledge and passion for wine. Albeit, a bit unusual for a pastor to have such a hobby, this goes back to my days in the food and beverage industry. Over the years I have had the privilege of getting to know several top California wine makers, create and lead tours for people who've never been to the wine country and compete in wine competitions. Today, triathlon takes up most of my extra time while wine has been reduced to simply a shared pleasure with good food and friends. And like wine itself, the knowledge I've gained over the years is something also to be shared. So, when Randy asked I quickly agreed.
Recently, while in Nashville, Randy and I were talking about Wine for Novices, or WFN for short, he asked me if I would consider writing something more consistently as he was devoting more time to other projects. Again, I agreed. So, beginning today and hopefully most Fridays I'll be putting a few thoughts together over at WFN. These posts may include helpful information, etiquette, inexpensive wine finds, travel ideas to the wine country, interviews with industry professionals and trivia just to name a few.
I'll leave you with this quote:
"We hear of the conversion of water into wine at the marriage in Cana as of a miracle. But this conversion is, through the goodness of God, made every day before our eyes. Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards, and which incorporates itself with the grapes, to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy." -- Benjamin Franklin
