It’s definitely not square one.  This time last year, the 2009 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest was but a distant gleam in the eyes of a deluded few.  We knew we needed to start getting organized, but we really wouldn’t assemble all our stuff in the same bag and begin working until around the first of August.

Things are different now.  First, I have an honest-to-Pete Wine Committee, composed of several knowledgeable and wine-loving professionals, and a very dedicated Founding Trustee named Marshall Hanno, who’s always generous enough to open up the good stuff.

Second, we’ve already had two or three (I forget) wine-intensified committee meetings, and developed a list of prestigious wineries we want to present to you next year.  Eight of them have already accepted our invitation, and are confirmed.  Sorry, the details are currently eyes only, but we’ll let you know after everybody is on board.

Third, we’ve been joined by several new Founding Trustees, and their support will allow us to set our sights higher for next year, and plan an even more entertaining and worthwhile weekend in February of 2010.

Fourth, the word is out among the vintners who supported us at the last event.  Not only are they delighted to come back, but they’re telling their winemaker buddies.  Napa is a very small valley.  So is the Willamette in Oregon.  People talk.

Luck is when hard work meets opportunity.  We’re very lucky (and encouraged more than somewhat) to receive this kind of response from the vineyard owners and winemakers, and look forward to offering a fine selection for you to discover.  Selecting them is one of the best parts of this job.  All that swirling and sampling.  It takes months.

Things could change.  Please come back soon for updates.

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