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May 14, 2024
Tortured Vintners Department // Rose Colored Glasses
Today, today is the day we said "I Do" on the Big Island of Hawaii, just the two of us. On May 14, 2013 we eloped and had a traditional wedding ceremony in the middle of a Kona coffee farm under the pouring rain. In Hawaii rain is considered a blessing and a good omen.
Straight From The Tortured Vintners Department.
May 14, 2014 we announced Smith Story Wine Cellars to the world. We then dreamed of celebrating Smith Story Wine Cellars by year ten back on the Big Island with our most loyal customers, friends and family. Today we’re celebrating by delivering wines to loyal restaurant accounts and looking forward to a quiet dinner at the Chef’s counter at one of our favorites in Sonoma County.
Due to the reality in our industry, pretty much since 2017, we have absolutely lived a tortured life as winery owners. It’s truly unimaginable...wildfires, tariffs, relocating cellars, tasting rooms and homes, a global pandemic, freaking cancer and one helluva increase in the cost of living and in doing business. Pure torture for a small, bootstrapped winery with big dreams.
Ten years of building, innovating, increasing revenue each year. Ten years of giving Smith Story Wine Cellars every single breath we inhale and exhale.
What's the closest we’ve come to our hearts exploding? The thrill of releasing a new Smith Story Wine to you, every single year.
Looking Back and to the Future with Rose Colored Glasses.
The meaning of rose colored glasses; a cheerful or optimistic view of things, usually without valid basis. Everyone we know understands why it’s meant to be. Maybe because we’re crazy, maybe we are the only ones who can see the light pulling us through.
We’re the ones who have seen your smiles after sipping Smith Story wines, read your emails full of kindness and encouragement, been able to hug thousands of necks in gratitude over the years and we’re the ones that continue to push with strength, integrity and passion for Smith Story Wine Cellars. Our wines are impressive, we are so very proud.
Thank you for believing in us. The next ten years are full of making Smith Story dreams come true. Those dreams include you, still enjoying and sharing the spirit of Smith Story. Raise a glass in celebration with us tonight!
In gratitude,
Ali & Eric
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