Celebrating 10 years of AdVINEtures.

I’m not entirely sure when I decided that experiencing my first Harvest over the age of 50 was a good idea, but here I am committed to being a full-time intern for the next several weeks.

They say timing is everything, and it turns out that this new adventure happens to coincide perfectly with the 10-year anniversary of our wine blog AdVINEtures. While most people in the industry might celebrate with a special bottle of wine, it seems I’ve opted for a more unique way to mark this milestone!

The wine world is a fascinating one, and Chris and I have dived right in. Over the past decade of writing our blog, we’ve had the privilege of meeting countless winemakers from regions around the globe. Each has shared a unique story, offering us invaluable lessons in both passion and determination.

Pinot Noir grapes ready for harvest.

As a result, we caught the wine bug in a big way. Although we’ve visited wineries during Harvest, we usually avoid that time to give winemakers the space they need during their busiest season. Yet, there’s no denying the magic of Harvest. It’s not glamorous as some might think, but the energy at this time of year is palpable.

From the anticipation and stress of knowing when to pick, to the hard work and teamwork required, it’s an intense and exhausting time.

In my happy place.

Why take the plunge into life as an intern now? After two years filled with profound life changes—losing three family members and facing a personal health scare—I find myself, for the first time, without a long-term plan. I’m incredibly grateful for my 30-year corporate career, which gave me the chance to travel and nurture my love of wine. But now, my focus is on staying present, not looking too far ahead, and pursuing what truly fuels my soul.

So here I am at 53, gearing up both physically and mentally to take on the excitement (and inevitable aches and pains) of Harvest. My goal isn’t to become a winemaker, but to satisfy my relentless curiosity about what it’s really like to be part of it. I believe this hands-on experience will deepen my appreciation for the wine in my glass and, hopefully, make me a better wine writer in the process.

Aaron & Tracy Kendall.

I’m fortunate to have this opportunity thanks to two winemakers I deeply respect, Tracy and Aaron Kendall, who are behind the project Folly of Man in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, set to make its inaugural release in March 2025.

Folly of Man produces just 500 cases which means I’ll get to experience almost every part of the vineyard and winery process and share what Harvest is really like for anyone who’s ever wondered.

Take a look at our article on Folly of Man HERE for an in-depth background on Tracy and Aaron, and their highly anticipated new wine venture in the Willamette Valley.