"Adult Environment". This two word announcement on the front door of vboggs galleries, was intended to alert parents of young children that vboggs galleries isn't an extension of the park and playground. Upon it's conception, I never thought the idea would extend to a more subtle meaning..."Adult Conversation".... but that has become a refreshing byproduct of conducting our Saturday tastings. I must say, that most of the tasting rooms I've visited have been at wineries, therefore, I didn't frequent them more than a couple of times a year. Our tasting room, is frequented by clients on a much more regular basis, and has come to resemble an English Pub environment of local people, enjoying conversation and commraderie and sometimes - really funny, silly, naughty and enjoyable talk.
Subjects of conversation run the gamut of movies, politics (yikes!), religion (double yikes!), local people, local events, sports, GOLF (alot of golf), Art, and sometimes even wine. I must say, that I really love this accidental byproduct of the Barrel Room. The idea that there is a gathering place, where people feel comfortable enough to share whatever is on their mind - is the greatest compliment to what we've tried to create. An Art Gallery should be a creative place, and I truly believe that if we were tasting in any place other than an Art Gallery - there wouldn't be as much freedom of expression and openess. I cherish it every Saturday and always look forward to the suprise of some comment or notion that makes us all laugh or shake our heads. It's just fun - and dammit - fun is what we need !
I love the movie chat especially - My Netflix list is slap full of recommendations I hear in the Barrel Room - Our clientele have as astute taste in movies as in wine - and the recommendations are always spot on.
On that note - I thought I would close with a few recommendations of my own (and collected), expecially some "wine" movies, that may deserve a second look:
1. Bottle Shock - If you haven't seen it yet - go get it. This is the true story of how a little known California wine won the 1976 Paris Tasting - beating out some of the most prestigous Burgundy's. There is eye candy for us girls and the boys - and the scenery is just breathtaking. It's darned funny too.
2. Mondovino - A mockumentary about the wine industry - a global look. LONG - but extremely educational and subtly funny. There is really cool history about the feuds and land wars that will open your eyes up to the business of wine and the business of family. Truly Cool.
3. Blood & Wine - oldy but goody. J.Lo, Jack Nicholson and Michael Cane and Judy Davis (LOVE HER). It's not really about wine, but it's got some great wine quotes in it and well, like I indicated, I love Judy Davis.... and my husband loves J. Lo.
4. A Good Year - Honestly, I could watch this once a week. Really well done cinematography and strong acting (Russell Crowe, Marion Cotillard, Albert Finney) give us a beautiful look into the intimacy of french a chateau and how unassuming some of the finest winemakers may be - it's a little feel-goody, but a nice lesson on smelling the roses.
No, I didn't list Sideways - as I am assuming everyone has seen it, and I just don't want to further perpetuate the slighting of Merlot. Thanks to that movie, you can't buy a bottle of Pinot for under $25 and people are turning their noses up to Merlot. Well, not vboggs. I have some awesome Merlots for you - structured, no sweet vanilla and great for grilled steaks.
Though, I did really like the movie. We can talk about it next time you're in.
Cheers,
v
