Early morning wake up call at 6:30AM. "The Dynamic Duo" are out the door by 7:15AM. (Two women in the bathroom takes extra time.) My aunt and uncle chauffeured us to Naples - a two hour drive. Again, feeling more like a family holiday than business. Fortunately, I get a call on my cell at 8AM from one my closest friends and one of the world's best wine reps, Rik Steere of Wilson Daniels Ltd., who reminds me I am not on vacation and he has a full day planned. Good. I like it that way.
As we pull into the hotel parking lot, Rik greets us. I consider Rik my other brother. We've been working together for more than eight years and it's like homecoming whenever we get together. He's an absolute class act. After a quick hug, we store our bags in the hotel, grab a cheap coffee and ten minutes later, board his truck. I've got the brochures and he's got the samples carefully stored and ready for our busy day. I never have to worry about the care of our wines when I work with Rik and that's an understatement. He takes care of every detail, making our "ride-alongs", absolutely delightful.
Here's another first for me ... our first stop requires taking a tram along an elevated walkway, through a mangrove swamp (no alligators in sight), which leads us to a private club. We're greeted by David Kiefer of Pelican Bay. His casual dining room sits only yards from the beach and he promises its view offers the best sunset in all of Naples. Kiefer is another young ambitious wine buyer with a calm about him and a sincere interest in our wines. He brags on how Ponzi Pinot Noir has always been one of his favorites and inspired him to get into the wine business. That's always a huge compliment.
A group lunch was organized at one of my favorite places in Naples, La Playa. This charming, 1920's romantic resort is absolutely elaborate and the Food and Beverage Director Jerry Janus, is fortunately a big Ponzi fan. He's had both Reserve wines on his list for years now, along with every single other wine we produce. At this point, Jerry, a native Czechoslovakian is considered a dear friend, and he welcomes us to a specially prepared lunch - five courses to be exact. It was impressive, as well as delicious. The white chocolate goat cheese tart with marinated strawberries and black pepper cream anglais was exceptional. Yes, I finished that particular dish completely.
At lunch we were able to present to several other buyers including Lori De Kett of McCormick and Schmick's, Joseph Gross, the Chef at The Club at Pelican Bay, Peter Sereno, owner of M Waterfront Grille and Joseph Elwell of Quail Creek Country Club. Two talented women, Megan and Diana of Premier Beverage, represent Ponzi wines all year joined the gathering.
It's always difficult to follow such a grand lunch with a sales call, as you feel more like taking a nap than pitching and pouring more wines. But, we do it all the time. Made a quick stop at a lovely wine shop called decanted and met Jessica Palmer there who quickly purchased three of the four wines we showed. Thanks, Jessica.
After a quick greeting with the owners at Sea Salt, we ended up at Tony's off Third/Ridgeway Bar and Grill...my home away from home. I met co-owner Sukie Honeycutt eight years ago. She's one of those intimidating wine buyers. My first visit she told me she'd try all our wines with the exception of Chardonnay. Told me she wasn't a Chardonnay fan. Of course, I told her the only way to the Pinots was through the Chardonnay. She obliged and before I knew it she had our Chardonnay Reserve on BTG in the restaurant and case stacked in her shop. We've been close friends ever since and I have yet to walk in her shop and not find every single varietal we make on her shelves. She's brilliant, energetic, fun and bright. What more can I say? She's the best.
With Ponzi cases, bottles and cookbooks flooded throughout her store, she hosted Nancy and me for a sold out consumer tasting. Met the nicest people - interested, complimentary and pleasant. A pure delight. Autographing several bottles before I left, Sukie always makes me feel like a celebrity. A comfortable dinner followed in the open dining room and good conversation flowed - as always. We were pleased to have co-owner Tony Ridgeway, his wife Wynne, daughter Alison, along with Ellie (the champion of Fine Wine at Premier) sit with us.
Although the weather is unseasonably gray and wet, all I feel is pure sunshine. I am among friends. Tomorrow promises to be another wonderful day.
Ciao.
Maria
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