Vibrant Austin!

Landed in sunny Austin. Just as I was making arrangements at Budget, an attractive young woman, Stephanie Stowell, greeted me at the counter with a beautiful smile and rescued me. The bright, ambitious Republic On-Premise Sales rep helped me load my suitcase and sample of 2009 Pinot Gris into her car and we were off.

First stop, The Melting Pot, where we met Michael Swartz. Talk about a nice guy. It’s rare you meet a busy restaurant owner who is so calm, easy going and interested. I actually enjoyed the sales call. I love when this happens, when you actually find someone who is seemingly sincerely interested in your product and appreciates your story.

Stephanie organized a group lunch at Josie’s, where I was able to meet Jennifer of 219, Ike Johnson of Max’s Wine Dive and Sean Minto, Republic’s On Premise Wine Division Manager, a well-dressed charming British gentleman. Cory, owner of Josie’s, was busy in the back while his kitchen crew created delicious redfish tacos, which more than satisfied our entire table. The wines showed well with the dish’s spicy notes and the conversation was lively: how Internet wine sales are affecting independent wine shops and how Blackberrys have created poor manners and never-ending work weeks.

From there, Stephanie and I took a drive to a new development just outside of downtown Austin, The Domain. A new Westin Hotel opens this week and we were due for a staff training with the dining room staff. Hundreds of people were on the scene. Painters touching up the walls, random meetings being conducted throughout the space and vacuums were rampant, anticipating the grand opening. A tall, slender middle-aged man wearing very hip glasses gave us a hearty greeting. He’s known as “B”, Carl Bruggemeier, the concept developer for the restaurant. As “B” shook my hand, he remarked, “Ah, Ponzi, one of the country’s best wineries. Great family, great wines, great story. I’ve been placing your wines in my restaurants for decades.” Nice.

More than 20 servers showed up for the training – most of them sincerely interested in tasting the wines and hearing our story. I was impressed. I have a hunch they're going to sell a lot of Ponzi there.

Last stop of the day was at Eddie V’s where we quickly tasted through the wines with busy General Manager, Jeff Freeman. After being dropped at the hotel, I found my way to Avis and rented my car destined for San Antonio the following morning. Short workday, but well executed by Ms. Stowell, a brilliant rep who has a strong future in wine.

My evening was spent driving around Austin’s active city, alive with young people running, walking and biking along the river. I ended up at the sushi bar, Uchi, and was fortunate to strike up a friendly conversation with a nice gentleman from Dallas. he explained he was a fan of “big reds” and California wines, so in traditional form, I attempted to convince him to give Pinot Noir a chance, suggesting the 2008 vintage as a great opportunity. Who knows, maybe we’ll get another convert.

San Antonio Bound

Left early the next morning in my silver KIA driving South on Highway 35 due for San Antonio. Ray Ayala of Republic’s On Premise team met me at the airport where I traded in my chic ride for Ray’s Cayenne - better suited for the wine queen. We were off to see Oliver-Pierre Ressel of The Grape Wine Company. Yes, he’s very French and, yes, he knows his wine, fortunately he loved ours.

Lunch date at Fredericks (incredible food) included guests Erich Heileman of Vino Volo (the company that has set up wine bars in airports throughout America) and Joey Sholdra, GM at Bin 555. Nice guys. Just so happened the big guns from Republic Distributing were dining there, as well so had an opportunity to thank them for their support. I just love lunches. Don’t get these too often back home.

From there, we headed downtown, tossed back a double espresso and met up with Laz McGill at Bohanans – considered one of the best steak houses in the city. From there - get this - we walked! After passing The Riverwalk and some of the city’s most historic buildings, we sat down with Chris Walling, Director of Food and Beverage for the Omni Hotel. A proud Texan who enjoyed the wines and invited me back to host a future winemaker dinner.

Our final call was one of my favorites of the day – Christian Schimmelfennig of Flemings. Here’s a buyer who offers you cold water, a seat and pays you one of nicest compliment ever, “Your father is a real legend in American wine history. Congratulations.” Okay, so I immediately like this guy, and fortunately, he liked our wines too.

Hugs and thanks to Ray for the long day and next thing I know I’m removing my shoes and laptop at another airport security gate. Ah ... this is getting old. The days are beginning to run together along with the numbers of airport gates and hotel rooms.

Speaking of hotels, I just arrived at my Houston accommodation, The Lancaster. This charming old hotel is nestled in the center of the city. It’s quaint, clean, people are nice, Internet's free and the lights are on! No dinner tonight. Straight to bed. I’ve got a feeling I’m going to enjoy my last day in the Lone Star State.

Ciao.

Maria