The Good Life

My guest this morning is Liz Thach, Ph.D, co-author (with Brian D’Emilio) of a very timely new book titled; How to Launch Your Wine Career.  Dr. Thach has a wealth of wine experience, executive and business experience with fortune 500 companies and is currently  Professor of Management; Wine Business Program, Sonoma State University.

Get a copy NOW!

Hating life in a cubicle where the only greenery is that of the mold growing on the rungs of the corporate ladder? Feel as if you ve graduated with honors into a nation-wide hiring deep freeze? Wine was one of the very few U.S. industries that experienced growth in 2008. Is wine recession-proof as many believe? Not entirely. But even in these times of pervasive layoffs and cutbacks wineries and wine related businesses are creating job prospects every day and in a variety of skill applications from agricultural work to marketing and business. How to Launch Your Wine Careeris the first book of its kind. Written by successful and respected industry professionals it gives practical, real-world advice on how to land, develop and succeed in a career in: Wine Making, Wine Production, Vineyard Management, Wine Marketing & Sales, Wine Public Relations, Wine Writing, Wine Education, Winery Management & Administration , Direct to Consumer Sales, Winery Supplier and Wine Marketing with a Distributor or Retailer. Including interviews with some of wine s most prominent figures, like winemaker Heidi Barrett, and wine writer James Laube of the Wine Spectator, about how they made it, the book builds a career from the ground up, explaining job descriptions, educational and skill requirements, the career ladder, how to get started, and job hunting strategies. Each chapter ends with a helpful resource guide of available conferences, books, and websites. The appendix provides a detailed Action Plan Worksheet to help the prospective applicant plan, plot progress and nail that killer wine industry job.

Speaking of wine…
The Good Life Guy Wine of the Week available at Jacob Liquor Exchange:
2008 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris

Winemaker Forrest Klaffke joins us to talk about this great Oregon producer, wines produced and then will focus on this stunning Pinot Gris with a great track record.  We’ll also get some insight in to this years grape harvest.

Bright, fruity, refreshing style with aromas of pear layered over a light citrus backbone and complemented by honeydew and green apple in the nose. A creamy, round mouthfeel highlights the nicely balanced acidity. Flavors open with fresh green apple, complemented by a bold minerality and notes of tropical fruit, leading into starfruit flavors in the finish with just a hint of sweetness. The small addition of Pinot Blanc, picked very ripe, adds emollient mouthfeel, and contributes to this classic Oregon style. While the Muscat adds flowery sweetness, the barrel fermented portions of the Pinot Gris add a kiss of toast and richness.

The quintessential match with salmon. Wonderful with cheese, shellfish, chicken, salads and white fish. Serve chilled and allow to warm in the glass for optimal enjoyment.

Stop by Jacob Liquor Exchange at Rock and 29th, ask for the Good Life Wine of the week and join me Saturday to taste this wine together.

www.jacobliquor.com