As many of you know, I have been interested in the wine industry for some time now. Many of you also know that I spent two weeks last fall working as a part-time intern during harvest for Freeman Winery in Sebastopol, California. Before, during, and since that internship, Katie and I have had the great joy to meet numerous folks directly (and indirectly) involved in the business and consider many of them good friends. This includes winemakers, assistant winemakers, winery owners, growers and fellow enthusiasts.
During my internship last year, I learned more in two weeks than I ever imagined. I even got to start making my own wine - one barrel of zinfandel (25 cases anticipated yield) which will be bottled in a few months and available for friends and family! Since that time, Katie has not only tolerated my incessant rambling about the wine business but has actually encouraged me to continue to explore it. So, I have been.
Since last fall, I have intentionally begun to slow down my law practice in anticipation of making a larger exploration of the wine business this fall. I have recently accepted a position as full-time harvest intern with Freeman Winery this fall. What that means, essentially, is that I have committed to work the entire harvest beginning Labor Day and lasting through October. I will be working mostly in Sonoma County and lending a hand when needed in San Francisco where the winemaker for Freeman also runs August West Winery and Sandler Winery.
At this point, I am calling this departure from my law practice as a leave of absence, or a “sabbatical” if you will. During the period I am in California, my practice will be monitored by Rob Cole (410-727-3033) and John Deros (410-727-5556) - two excellent trial attorneys whom I have had the great pleasure to work with for many, many years. Please call either of these gentlemen if you have any new referrals for the next couple months. Oddly, my "sabbatical" comes at a time when my practice has been most successful. That being said, I feel like I have more than paid my dues in the trenches of Baltimore's courts and it’s time for a break.
Sorry for the long winded note, but I thought it would be inappropriate for me to simply take off across the country for a couple months without explanation - I wouldn’t want people to get the wrong impression. Although Katie will be visiting me as often as possible, I know already that I will miss her (and many of you) dearly. If any of you just happen to be in the northern California area this fall - please feel free to look me up and pay a visit if you wish. Be forewarned, however, a visit to a winery during harvest may result in you being put immediately to work!
All the best -
John
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