This past week has been a delight in bringing Sippin' out in different ways...developing a new model...a few people at a time...Sippin' Lunch, monthly on Tuesdays, and Turnin' Happy Hour into Sippin' Time, monthly Thursdays at 5PM.
What joy to see and be with Burke Owens, as we were this last Tuesday at the launch of Sippin' Lunch.  Burke chose Sip 12 with which to inaugurate Sippin' Lunch, reflections on the mellowing of wines and people as they/we age.  And the wine we drank was an old Sauvignon Blanc with redeeming features, character that outshone its age.  6 of us came away inspired by the insights that were shared on connecting with elders and youth.
This evening we launched Turnin' Happy Hour into Sippin' Time with Ron Scharman bringing a special boutique winery merlot and Charlie Johnston sharing one of his well aged Helena View Cabernets...what a taste treat with the cheeses and hummus and conversation about growing gardens or not...basking in the abundance of the wine country.  Ron associated fermentation of the wine with fermentation of the mind, as you sort out life's conditions.  The decision to find time to be at this gathering for Sippin' Time required commitment and prioritization in competition with other scheduling needs.  The one who made this comment ascribed benefit to this hour that he cannot find anywhere else, and it benefits the rest of his day.
We will do Sippin' Time and Sippin' Lunch monthly.  The next Sippin' Times are: Thursday, September 24 and Thursday, October 22  at 5PM.  Sippin' Lunch will be Tuesday, September 15 and Tuesday October 13 at noon.  Please write them in your calendar now, if you are in reach of Napa.
This just in from Steven Russon.  He received this note from
Sam Minner, Dean of Health Sciences & Education at Truman University. (His office is also in charge of all student services at Truman.)

Dear Steven-

Thanks so much for the opportunity to peruse the book. Very well written and a fine addition to the literature in wine generally. There's plenty of "how to make it" books out there, and far too many "how to sniff and swirl" books, but a book on spirituality?

I think this may be the first. Again well done, and we will look forward to the Sippin' party. Sam