They say it takes a village to raise a kid, but it also takes one to write a book, and I would like to take this moment to thank all the wonderful people who had a hand in making this book happen.
First, my incredible agent and friend, Rachel Vogel of Waxman Leavell. In Los Angeles, the words “agent” and “friend” are rarely in the same sentence, but Rachel goes above and beyond each of those titles. The first time we spoke, I was on the phone in my car in Mindy Kaling’s driveway while the DirecTV guy knocked on the window and I begged him to please wait because this was the biggest call of my life. She heard the entire conversation and still took me seriously. She believed in me when few were willing to give me a chance, has guided me through one of the most complex projects and experiences of my life with warmth and consideration, and has dealt with more of my existential crises than any human I’m not paying or sleeping with should. She’s the best.
Second, my badass editor Kate Napolitano at Plume. We had tried to meet twice before my proposal was even done, and both times we entirely missed each other with mixed-up dates and times. Third time truly was a charm; we shared some wine, had some laughs, and if this had been a first date, it would have been one of those first dates where you’re one hundred percent convinced you’re going to marry that person. She just got it. She sculpted this book without stripping away any of my voice or vision, and for that, along with her hard work, invaluable insight, and support, I am forever grateful.
I’ve been so fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most talented and generous people in wine, and I owe them many thanks. Kashy Khaledi, proprietor of Ashes & Diamonds Winery in Napa, has been an honorary older brother to me since I started my Wine Time videos in 2011. Not only did he introduce me to so much wine, history, and appreciation, but he has never stopped pushing me to be better and learn more. Jill Bernheimer of Domaine LA, Lou Amdur of Lou Wine Shop, Silverlake Wine, and their staffs over the years have been instrumental and vital in my growth as a wine drinker and writer. Without their shops, knowledge, and kindness, I wouldn’t drink nearly as well as I do. Distributors and importers like Amy Atwood of Amy Atwood Selections and Cory Cartwright of Selection Massale have also played a huge part in my life in wine, and, of course, the many huge-hearted winemakers they represent. No one had to be nice or welcoming to some random girl with a blog, but they were, especially winemakers here in my home state of California.
My sister, Valerie, is my everything, and I wouldn’t be anywhere without her limitless love and encouragement. I would need to write a whole other book to simply scratch the surface of how important she is to me. Valerie has been cheering me on (and putting up with me) since I was hosting comedy shows from our family’s fireplace when we were kids. She is my rock, my sounding board, my best friend, and my monkey. She has also seen every headshot I’ve ever taken and still loves me, so you know it’s real.
I would also like to thank all my friends and family who have been there for me before, and throughout, this project. Especially my parents, Dave and Gail. My father gave me my ambition, my mother never let me stop dreaming, and they both gave me the strength and confidence to pursue my passion even when I was told it would be impossible. Special thank-you to the homie/the only sommelier I could trust to read this over without killing me, Adam Vourvoulis, and extra fist bumps to my best bro and temp research assistant, E. Ryan Ellis.
Despite already dedicating this book to him, there is no one that deserves more thanks than my extraordinary husband, Benjamin Blascoe. None of this would be possible without him. He believed in me when I was a cocky college dropout with big dreams and no practical plans. He believed in me when I was a struggling writer with three day jobs and a blog no one read. He believed in me when I was given a chance. More specifically, he put on Van Halen’s “Jump” and convinced me to quit my job and write the proposal for this book.
From the moment we met, I promised you I’d make it.
But now that I’m here, it’s more than that.
We made it.