Cody

An incredible afternoon spent with @collinamoody of @vomboden tasting and discussing some of the most captivating wines coming out of Germany.

I can't tell you how many times I've discussed with customers and guests my belief that Riesling is maddeningly misunderstood. Today's tasting was such an affirmation of its elegance, depth, range. Tasting the wines of J.B. Becker and Ulli Stein I found myself overwhelmed with thought; how can you balance such incredible acidity, structure and intensity while crafting a wine that is so utterly weightless, charming, and delightful?

We were also lucky enough to have some food provided by @jasonberthold a friend, and chef whose food always leaves me speechless. Incredible oysters, geoduck and uni toast all of which paired so incredibly well with the wines. It was the type of food I could eat and linger over a table enjoying for hours.

Ulli Stein has a motto "Never for money, always for love" and tasting not just his wines but a range from the Vom Boden portfolio it becomes apparent that what makes these wines so compelling is the wonderful humans behind them. People who've devoted themselves to challenging viticultural practices in an already highly challenging environment.

For me, wine has always been about the farmers, it's always been about viticulture it's always been an agricultural product first and foremost in my mind. But today I found myself also loving the romance that there is, this elegance, this transporting property that can take you somewhere you've never been, and introduce you to someone you've never met.

There isn't anything else in the world that has magic like wine, I needed today to remind me of the importance of that magic. Sometimes maybe you do need to fall in love again, maybe the most magical thing is knowing what or who you love, but finding new ways to love them.

I also took my dog, Greta out for our first real walk today, and many things fell into perspective. If you've read this all, thanks!