It’s time to go home.
Like so many others throughout the world, our extended family has been separated for the past two and a half years. In our case we have a new addition, baby Juliette, who has not met anyone in her international whānau. So, it’s time to go home. I miss my Mom. I miss chat with my Dad. I miss my brother and best friend, Jamie, and my amazing sisters, Bethann, Theresa and Kathleen. All of their families have grown in this time as well. Man, I’m excited! But I suppose we all got so used to just hopping on a plane and flying around the world whenever we wanted or whenever we could afford it, so we took it for granted. Not anymore.
We will park the family in Lombardia, Italia for about seven weeks. From there I will visit Ireland for a few days. Yes, Ireland! We’ve been so busy that I can’t even fathom this part of the trip. I have Irish heritage (c’mon Daniel Patrick Brennan?) from my father’s side of the family and have never been there. Ireland has come on strong in the past 9 months as one of our best export markets. So exciting and I cannot wait to support them, tell my story and pour my wines. Overall, it’s a great opportunity and we feel blessed to have met some great people in Ronan and Alex and The Irish Cellar who are bringing in our wines.
Then it’s off to my home in Philadelphia where we’ll do a week of events at McCrossen’s Tavern. One night at McCrossen’s is never enough. So brother James and I have spoken for a while about just doing a big week there and giving the people what they want. This will include some trade master classes early in the week (email us to find out more at [email protected]) in conjunction with our local PA distributor, Breakthru Beverage. Then each night we have wine dinners or casual food pairings. That is, except for Wednesday night, when I’ll be at Overbook Country Club with my old buddy and resident ‘Phish-head’, Jimmy Bartorillo. Can’t wait to see Jimmy! But then it’s back to McCrossen’s for the next few days. On Friday the 22nd and Saturday the 23rd, at 3pm each day, I’ll be hosting two interactive tastings in the Public Room at McCrossens Tavern. Sign up now by emailing Ryan at McCrossen’s Tavern at [email protected] or call McCrossens at 215.854.0923. All event information can be found here on our Facebook page.
Other than that, I am looking forward to catching up with so many old buddies and family while I’m back in the US. There’s been so much negative news out there these days. But I relish in the fact that I can be with these people, hug them and spend time with them. Can’t wait!
All of us have been under so much stress and have experienced so many strange and tough times in the past year. Our family is no different. New baby, new house, new shop, and no babysitters! We’re looking forward to some much-needed down time in August. Rumour has it that we’ll be venturing up into France. It is during these times that I can reflect and recharge my creative juices and see what the masters of the old world are offering these days with regards to wine and food experiences. But I almost feel like I’m cheapening it by saying that. It really is more of a holistic family experience. I am going back to my roots to reconnect.
Ngā mihi maioha, Daniel
