Wine and Free Spirits

I can't escape it. Whenever I look for red wine, I see her face. Every time I look at its deep crimson hue, I remember her dark hair, red lipstick, nails, and the scent of her perfume. Her graceful walk, breathtaking smile, and intense dark eyes were imprinted in my mind's eye. The glasses I drink remind me of her shape. The fragrance takes me back to that one night in Carla's Vineyard when I laid eyes upon her for the first time and heard the soft sweetness of her voice. It was a simpler time when we could have a romantic night out with just the two of us, fine dining, and a bottle of Merlot.

A few years ago, I had the privilege of studying and working at a well-known winery in northern California under the tutelage of a great winemaker. I worked on all stages of the process, from harvesting and crushing to fermentation, filtering, and bottling. Occasionally, I interacted with visitors, but as a kid straight out of school, I often found them intimidating. Rich and important people would sample and purchase our most expensive wines, and I often worried what they would think of me. All of that changed one day.

On that afternoon, a small group of young women arrived at the winery. They each appeared to be congratulating one woman in the center. When they approached the counter, I asked them, “What brings you here, ladies?” And then I saw her.

She looked at me with her gorgeous dark eyes, flashed a slight smile, and said, “This is for her bachelorette party,” pointing to the blonde woman in the center in white.

I poured the blonde woman a glass and said to her, “Congratulations! Are you looking forward to the big day?”

The blonde woman looked away slightly and sipped. Then she said, “You mean the merger between our fathers' corporations? I know they are.”

I clarified, “I meant the wedding.”

She answered, “Yes, isn't that what we're talking about?”

I said, “I don't understand. I think marriage is supposed to be about love, not business.” The woman pouted and walked away, and her entourage followed.

I thought nothing of it and continued working. As the group walked around, the dark haired woman said to the blonde, “Cassie, he was just trying to make conversation.”

Cassie responded, “Amber, you know how I feel. Jack is nice. But I'm being pushed into this way too fast. Our parents just keep talking about the merger. It's as if love has nothing to do with it.”

Amber answered, “I know how you feel. Sometimes I wonder who I could have if I could choose.” She looked out over the fields and saw me harvesting grapes. “Someone who is strong and kind. And loving.”

Cassie remarked, “Rich too. If you want your parents' approval.”

Amber replied, “I know.” Her face drooped and she continued, “Now, if you'll excuse me.” She explored the grounds, trying to clear her mind.

Meanwhile, I finished harvesting and began working on other aspects of wine making. Unbeknownst to me, Amber was watching me work. I turned my head and saw her standing there. As I looked at her, my heart began to beat faster. In spite of the nervousness, I said, “Hello! Can I help you?”

Amber answered, “I hope you don't mind. I just need to focus on something simple to take my mind off things.”

I said, “There's nothing simple about making wine.”

Amber responded, “No, I meant that I can give my mind a rest by watching you. I've always been intrigued by the whole wine-making process.”

I answered, “I can tell. I saw you looking at me earlier in the field.” She blushed. In spite of how little I knew her, I felt compelled to say, “I know the kind of person you are. You want to take charge of life.” She nodded. “That's why you walked over to me. And that's why I'm here too. After I graduated, I decided to put my old life on hold and jump headfirst into my passion for making wine, and I've been blessed with the opportunity to live and work here, learning from the best. People like us don't want to waste time not doing what we love.” Amber nodded in agreement.

With my heart pumping fast, and my body full of nervous adrenaline and excitement, I gently grasped her hand and said, “I'm Antonio Rossi.”

She smiled, “I am Ambrosia Capparelli. Pleased to meet you. You can call me Amber.”

I answered, “I'd rather call you Ambrosia. A name fit for a goddess.”

She chuckled, “You're too kind.”

I then said, “I have to return to my duties. Why don't we continue talking later tonight over dinner?”

She answered, “I'd love to.”

I responded, “Excellent. Let's meet by the fountain at sunset.”

For the remainder of the workday, I could barely contain my excitement. As I continued working, I saw her face in my mind's eye and anticipated our meeting that night. As the time drew near, I looked nervously through my wardrobe and found only one outfit appropriate for a nice restaurant. Immediately, I feared, “If she's rich, she might not like how I'm dressed. She might not like my choice of restaurant or the experience I have planned with her.”

I quieted my mind and redirected my thoughts. I said to myself, “These clothes are all I have. This bottle of Merlot is all I have. This restaurant and my plan for tonight are all I have. We are here to make a human connection, not win a beauty contest. She will either accept what I bring or she won't.”

I went to the central fountain and gazed at the gorgeous sunset while I waited for her. As I felt the early evening breeze on my face, I heard her call my name, “Antonio!” I turned and beheld the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. As beautiful as she was earlier that day, it was nothing compared to how she looked that night. Her long flowing hair cascaded down her face and shoulders. Her dark brown eyes gazed warmly into mine. Her rose red lipstick and red nails shined brightly. Her evening dress hugged her figure. Her heels clicked on the floor as she walked toward me.

I again wrestled with the nervousness as I looked her up and down and said, “Hello, Ambrosia. You look stunning!”

She answered, “Why thank you!”

I said, “I picked a table by the balcony overlooking the valley. You'll love it.”

She answered, “I'm sure I will.”

Once we sat at the table and ordered, I asked, “Why did you decide to come to the winery?”

Ambrosia said, “My friend, Cassandra Constantino is getting married to a man named Jack Corvino.”

I gasped, “The heir to the Corvino fortune?”

“Yes, exactly. Their fathers are both wealthy businessmen who decided to merge their companies, and the two of them are caught in the middle. This marriage is really more about their business than love.”

She continued, “As part of her bachelorette party, I wanted to take her to this winery so she could experience wine culture first-hand and live more in the moment among nature and history.”

“Well, does it seem to have worked?”

“Considering that she just waited for me at the exit earlier instead of looking around, I'd say no.”

“That's the kind of person she is. As well-intentioned as you are, you can't make her change her focus. And this is the kind of person you are. Supportive, empathetic, and generous.”

“You really think so?”

“Absolutely. Few people would spend the time and effort to help their friends like this.” When the main course arrived, I pulled out a bottle of Merlot and said, “I'm sure you know what this is.”

She smiled and said, “Oh yes I do!”

I poured it into both of our glasses and said, “Let's use it to set the mood and relax in the moment.” We each took a few sips and continued talking as the alcohol slowly seeped in.

Ambrosia asked me with a mischievous gleam in her eyes, “Have you ever done anything really crazy, Antonio?”

I answered, “Maybe. Like what?”

She said, “Oh I don't know. Drop what you're doing and take a long drive down the coast?”

I smiled, “Sounds like something we could do. My wine-making quest has taken me all over California. Sometimes that's the excuse I need to go visit a city I've never heard of. How about you?”

She answered, “Sometimes I've livened up a dead evening by singing at open mics or dancing at live music.”

I responded, “Looks like we need a demonstration!” The restaurant began playing live music and opened up the dance floor. I took her by the hand, and we started dancing ballroom dances such as tango, waltz, salsa, and rumba. The two of us grew closer and built up a more physical connection.

Later, we went out to the balcony. I looked her in the eye and said, “You were amazing.”

She responded, “And so were you.” As we relaxed at an outdoor table and gazed at the stars, we drank more of the Merlot. She asked me, “Do you ever wonder about our place in the universe?”

I answered, “Always. We all have a purpose. And I really think it's up to us to decide what it is.”

She countered, “But what about society or the family structure you're in? What if people above you tell you your place?”

I answered, “We all have constraints, whether internally with our shortcomings or externally with people trying to control us, but ultimately it's up to us to fulfill our purposes. It's all part of the challenge.”

She responded, “Interesting. What do you think your purpose is?”

I answered, “I must fully pursue my passions, whether through wine-making, musicianship, or artistry. I know I am meant to do something with these skills that can help people. One of the things I've been floating in my head is opening a winery with my own unique brand of wine.”

She answered, “That I would love to see.” She looked me in the eye and asked, “How about something you're too scared to do?” My mind raced with thoughts about my past successes and failures, missed opportunities and fears. It was all so sudden, but her expression was both inquisitive yet gentle at the same time.

I answered, “There are many things involved in all that I want to do. Many people who need to be convinced to work for me. And many more to support my ventures and make them last.”

She then relaxed and said, “I know what I'm scared of. Doing things that stretch outside of my family's norms and rules. Being born into a wealthy family comes with certain expectations. Occupation, choice of partner, etc. Ask Cassandra. I don't know if I can change it.”

I said, “You do. And that is why you're here with me. You have more power than you think in deciding on your future.”

She remarked, “You're free. I like that. Listening to you makes me want to think it's possible.”

I suggested, “Let me see if I can convince you. Why don't we talk about it over a long drive down the coast sometime? Or maybe just over coffee.”

She said, “Sounds like a plan.” She kissed me on the lips and we held each other for a few seconds. “I had a really great time tonight.”

I responded, “And so did I. I'll set you free. Just you wait.”