I’ve apparently struck a chord with the news I want to purchase a vineyard.

My preference would be Spain.

I’m not looking for investors or partners.

And, I don’t view this as a retreat. More so a platform.

Apparently, and according to Hemingway, and my Granddad, Spain is easier to defend (more about that some other time). And, the people are like none other on the planet. And, yes, I did predict Spain winning the World Cup. The mountain ranges of Spain influence the climates of many Spanish wine regions (and politics), isolating regions like Galicia in the northwest, and protecting the Rioja region from the rain and cool winds from the Bay of Biscay.

All of this, and it’s import, are things, and critical things, that Prudent and Optimistic Gentlemen understand.

Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.

Brian Patrick Cork

Are you familiar with the Brotherhood of Chateauneuf-du-Pape?  Most are not. Yet, you can be certain that this is one of France’s most famous wine regions.

It’s a rare honor and experience to be invited to that place, and oft-reserved for one form of cultural star or another.

And, it’s a stated goal of mine.

You can’t just climb there. Although that might be one way to get attention.

The invitation to join the Brotherhood, and the initiation ceremony, is always a quiet affair – as is the event itself. But, it unfolds something like this:

The guest is welcomed into the Brotherhood at the Domaine de Marcoux, has an aperitif, tastes the wine of some of the region’s top vintners, and finally tucks into a gourmet dinner at The Verger des Papes restaurant perched right on the top of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape village.

It’s rewards such as this that makes trying to make a difference, possibly a profound difference in this world, ever more the worthwhile.

Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.

Brian Patrick Cork