Love of the Journey

I was sitting by our pool enjoying a glass of Wente Vineyards wine in a rare moment to myself. The sun was this beautiful pink color and the air was still full of humidity. A perfect summer night. A year ago this would have been a completely different scene. There would have been kids running around, a table full of food and drinks and lots of music and noise. This summer is quieter. Life with a new baby does that. And in moments like these I’m still amazed that she’s mine. That we are here in our home with a daughter, a son and a new dog. Last year I would have never imagined this life. I thought I knew what life had planned for me, I thought I knew what my journey was.

But about this time last year life threw a curve ball at us. My husband decided to leave his job and start his own business. It was not a decision that he came to easily and one that I bit my tongue and supported, even when every part of me wanted him to make the safe choice and stay at his job. We decided to stop trying for a second child, because having a baby and starting a new business really didn’t seem like a responsible option.

And then I was pregnant, as in on the first day of my husbands new career, pregnant. Our journey changed in that moment.

We both had to work harder and be stronger than we had been. I took on extra hours at work and kept my mouth shut when John worked 6 or 7 days a week and brought work home with him. But we made it. And by the time Grace was born we knew all of this was meant to be. Grace turns 4 months old today and I can’t think of a time in my life when I’ve felt happier. This journey that once felt overwhelming has been our most incredible one yet.

Wente Vineyards started in 1883 by C.H Wente a German immigrant who believed that “work made life sweet”. He started a journey that would span his family for 5 generations of wine growers, even through prohibition. The Wente family built not only a winery but a family traditions that is handed down for generations, something I’m sure my husband hopes to do with his business, passing it on to Jackson and Grace.

Not only has Wente Vineyards been a family tradition but it is estimated that 80% of California Chardonnay is derived from the Wente Chardonnay clone. Their wine has influenced their family but it has also been apart of many other California Chardonnay wines in the region.

Wente Vineyards is the countries oldest continuously operated family owned winery which goes to show their commitment to excellence. Their history shows that they don’t just make wine, they love doing it and sharing their love of the journey. What we love can unite us and become a common thread that weaves us together.

For my husband and I last year it was working together as a team to get his business off the ground by the time the baby arrived. This journey is part of our story. I will always remember John saying that some day he would say to our family, “Dad had left his job to start the business and Mom just found out she was pregnant with Grace” what a story that would make, he said. Now that is our story.

Our journey’s are part of our life story, for Wente Vineyards that journey was and continues to be their wine. They believe in the importance of family, traditions, entrepreneurial spirit and this beautiful journey that we are all on. Our journey is what makes us unique but it is also what brings us together. This past year has been an incredible journey for my family, one that has made our life that much sweeter.

You can learn more about the Wente Vineyards journey as well as wine pairing tips, events and more by following them on Facebook and Twitter, #LoveoftheJourney.