Passion & Purpose: How a pandemic pause, two careers, and one big question eventually led us to the cellar floor in Napa Valley.

Apr 8

As an extension of our “About Us,” we thought it might be worthwhile to share some additional context about how we arrived at this point in our wine journey—and why we chose to voluntarily become harvest interns last autumn. Neither of us entered the wine industry early in our careers. It was largely by happenstance that we both discovered the same passion, and that our interests intersected at exactly the right time—and in the right place.

For many people, 2020 brought tremendous challenges. Yet it also created unexpected opportunities, depending on how one chose to face what was unfolding. COVID-19 brought uncertainty, isolation, and a general apprehension about what the “new normal” might look like. For us, however, it became a springboard—an opportunity to pursue not only a passion, but a deeper purpose: to build community, create something meaningful, and leave a legacy.

Just a week after the initial shutdowns began, we were sitting across the table from each other asking the only question that seemed to matter: What’s next?

Before Wine

Before Lacie and I met, we both had careers in very different fields. I served 31 years on active duty in the U.S. Navy, while Lacie owned and operated a women’s running apparel company. After I retired, our professional paths converged in the mass participation sports industry—where we both held senior leadership roles and worked with major marathons across the United States.

I served as Director of Operations for both the Boston and New York City Marathons; Lacie was deeply involved in operations for the Chicago Marathon. We also consulted on endurance events throughout the country, including the Napa Valley Marathon—which, as it happened, took place just days before the nationwide shutdown in 2020.

The Turning Point

Once the world stopped, it became clear that large-scale events might take month (or even years) to fully return. That uncertainty pushed us into deeper reflection about our future. We had always enjoyed wine and occasionally talked about the idea of opening a wine shop someday. But until that moment, it had remained more of an interest than a serious career path.

“Sitting at that same table, Lacie floated the idea of opening a wine bar in our local community. Once the idea took hold, it quickly became our passion—with purpose.”

To understand our mindset, you should know that we are both very type A personalities. Perhaps even A++, especially Lacie. We dove headfirst into researching the viability of opening a wine bar and retail shop in our quaint village just west of Chicago.

Building Something

What followed was the creation of a successful 65-seat wine bar and retail space featuring thoughtfully curated domestic and international wines. Eventually, we sold that business, but not before it became a vibrant gathering place in the community. We relocated to Nevada and opened a second wine business with the same energy and enthusiasm. Though smaller in size, it featured an eclectic and carefully selected wine program.

We have since sold that business as well, but what remains are our fingerprints on two successful establishments that continue operating today.

Harvest 2025

After earning the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level 3 certifications, we realized it was time to move beyond theory. We wanted to immerse ourselves in harvest.

So off we went to Napa Valley for the 2025 harvest. Now, if you’re doing the math, you might be wondering how old these interns were. Yes, we were probably considered senior interns, and we say that with a smile. But our perspective was simple: why not?

Where better to understand wine than in the cellar during harvest and learning firsthand about crushing, pressing, fermentation, inoculation, fining, filtration, and the constant, essential work of sanitation?”

Our backgrounds prepared us well, and our theoretical knowledge allowed us to assist the cellar team with confidence. More importantly, it allowed us to finally connect the academic side of wine with the physical process and to put our hands on the equipment and watch the transformation from vine to bottle in real time.

Was it hard work? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Without question.

Passion With Purpose

Wine has once again become our passion—with purpose. Earlier in life, my own passion for long-distance running was intense. It required discipline and commitment, but it often came at the expense of other aspects of life. Wine has proven to be different.

Through wine we have built meaningful relationships, contributed to communities, and helped create businesses that continue to bring people together. That sense of impact and of leaving something lasting is what truly motivates us. Our harvest experience stands as a meaningful milestone in that journey: working alongside talented people, deepening our understanding of the craft, and gaining a new appreciation for the dedication behind every bottle.