How's it going?

So it has been a long time since I have been able to pay this blog some attention. There have been some big life changes to say the least, the past 10 months. As a family, we have experienced many of the headlines from the past year first hand, but throughout it all, the simple pleasures in life are what really matters. My boys are growing and healthy. My wife is my rock and my biggest fan, and enjoying a really good bottle of wine is still one of life's simple pleasures. I have still been able to maintain my monthly wine review in the Sierra Style magazines, however, this blog has really suffered. That needs to change!

Now, not all has been doom and gloom the past 10 months. I am working a dream job as the graphic artist at Red Hawk Casino, which is a full time job PLUS! But one of my responsibilities is keeping the massive Henry's wine list up to date, which is really great! Red Hawk is a huge supporter of locally produced wines, and there is a whole section devoted just to our local wines! The Food and Beverage V.P., Joe Diver is not only super versed in wines of the world, he is personally a great supporter of our local wines, so working with him is a great experience. Plus my job allows me to meet some pretty cool people. I've met Jim Belushi, Kevin Bacon, Eric Estrada, Linda Blair, Playboy's 50 Anniversary Playmate Colleen Shannon, Tommy TuTone, Little Texas, Marcy Playground and Captain Phil Harris from the "Deadliest Catch"!

Unfortunately, one my my most favorite stars in the whole world, I don't get to see as much anymore. Ravel Hanes, the owner and superstar of Dolce Vino in Cameron Park had to close the doors of the best little wine shop in the Foothills. It was a sudden and sad day, and she is truly missed here, but I hear she is doing well and still a part of many of her best customers lives. I sincerely hope that someday soon we will be able to work together on something to do with wine!

So, life is still coming at us fast and furious, and the winemakers of the foothills are still busily producing some of the best wines in the country. I will make sure that as I find the best this region has to offer, you hear about it first! I will make time to write about it here. Finally, I am hoping the new version of Foothill Wine Review will be unveiled before the end of the year. More on that later.

Cheers!

Russ