'Splainin' Wine in Beer City

A classic routine on "I Love Lucy" involved Lucy getting busted in her not-so-clever ruses. When the jig was up, Desi would fold his arms in judgment, give her that look, and say "Lucy...you got some 'splainin' to do!"

I've learned that starting a California winery when you live most of the time in South Carolina means having some 'splainin' to do.

We were out for dinner recently with a group of skiing friends. The restaurant is a casual pizza place with an incredible craft beer selection. It is popular with this group of friends for two reasons- really good, big, cheap pizzas and two hundred plus craft beers. Its like a Wine Spectator Award list for beer.

As hearty brew was pounded down, I was questioned about this crazy Calicaro Winery idea, not the least of which had to do with why the wine cost over $15 a bottle.

I love this group of friends. But this is not the crowd that will swirl, sniff and talk about getting a hint of crushed violets on the nose. Its more about burning 3,000 calories on the slopes and then quickly and inexpensively replacing them so we can ski again tomorrow. But everyone was having a blast examining the never-heard-of craft made beers on the list and trying some of this and some of that.

In response to the Calicaro question, I stammered and stumbled, defensively trying to explain what I was up to and why my wine was pricey. Then the light bulb went on. Craft beer is to Budweiser as Calicaro Wine is to $20 grocery store wine.

Double the price but so much more going on in the glass. Character, personality, distinctiveness, intense flavors. Hand made. Yeah, double the price but about ten times as satisfying. Not something designed to stay on the center line so as not to offend anyone. Because when you don't offend anyone, you don't please anyone either. You are Middle of the Road and that is frankly boring.

The craft beer comparison connected. And these friends and others will try some Calicaro and other good wine soon, through some tastings. I'll try to control my missionary zeal. Nothing is worse than a well meaning friend intent on "improving" you. I really don't want to be that guy.

So, we'll see. They are all happy living in Beer City. But we'll take the bus over to Wineopolis for the day and do a little sightseeing. I'll try to be the tour guide and not the Wineopolis Chamber of Commerce President.

Cheers,

Dave