Wine Glass Steady Sticks

I met Ondine and David (of Atelier Winery) last Tuesday evening at the Music-on-the-Square. I was planning to meet the Jordan Winery crowd on the northwest corner just a bit after the music started. I feel a bit awkward, but I find them. I’m glad I met everybody last week when Ronald was around. I settle in on the picnic blanket and look around. I’m interested if I see anybody I know. I notice that the couple behind me have their wine held by some wire things that are stuck in the ground.

I go over and ask: Can I take a picture of your wine glasses? They immediately know I’m talking about the metal sticks–and not necessarily about the wine.

“That’s such a great idea,” I say. “You get to picnic with wine in real glasses and your glass doesn’t tip over. Where did you get them?”

Ondine answers: “I saw them somewhere online and thought they were perfect for the picnics and nights like tonight.”

I stay and talk to them for awhile–because they want to know why I’m taking pictures and asking questions. I tell them about this Healdsburg Magazine site I’m starting and how everything I see right now is fodder for articles. EVERYTHING.

I ask them if they are local to Healdsburg. They laugh and say, “When we’re not working.” And I nod my head. I know how that feels. Then I ask them what they do.

Ondine is a winemaker. Ondine and David have their own label: Atelier Winery. I try not to look too interested but I’m already wondering if I can interview her for my series of articles on women winemakers.

They tell me a little bit about their winery: 500 cases. Zinfandel. Syrah. I shake my head and say, “No. No. Not right now. This article is about your little wine glass sticks.” I try to look hopeful, “Maybe I could interview you about your wines for a feature article?”

She agrees and we exchange contact information. I’ll have to call them next week and set up a real interview so we can learn more about their wines.