Life Married to a Wine Maker:

The Great Grape Explosion

Ah, harvest season. That magical time of year when the air is filled with the tantalizing aroma of fermenting grapes and every waking hour feels like a race against time. For us winemakers and our ever-patient partners, it’s a season of unfiltered chaos. And if you’re married to a winemaker, you’ll understand that even the smallest vineyard mishap can become an epic tale of its own.

So, let me set the scene: It’s late September 2022, and Kimberly, the talented and brilliant, wine maker at Resistance Wine Company, is deep into harvest season. This means lots of early morning wakeups and late nights processing, aka, exhaustion. Our house, bless it, has become an overflow space for all things vinous. The kitchen is now a lab, the garage full of bins and tie down cables, and our bedroom? Well, it’s the unlikely epicenter of a vinous disaster.

It's 2:14 AM, and I’m in the middle of a particularly vivid dream about being chased by an evil wine bottle that looks strangely like Mr. Reddington. Suddenly, there’s a loud bang that shakes the foundations of our home. Instantly, I’m up, adrenaline pumping, ready to confront whatever threat has dared to invade our nocturnal tranquility.

Fumbling for the light switch, I’m prepared to face down the likes of an intruder, a rogue raccoon, or—heaven forbid—a wine thief (dad joke, sorry!). But what do I find when the lights flicker on?

A scene of utter pandemonium. Kimberly’s test tubes, the very same ones she had carefully placed on her nightstand so that she remembers them in them in the morning, full of fermenting juice, have spontaneously combusted. Yes, you heard that right. Fermentation, in its most unhinged form, has decided to stage a rebellion in our bedroom.

Grape juice, having apparently tired of its confined glass prison, has erupted with the force of a small volcanic eruption. There’s a dent in the ceiling that could only be described as “artistic,” courtesy of the explosive fermentation. The once-pristine ceiling now boasts a grape-splattered fresco that could make Michelangelo rethink his career choices or I might be able to sell a copy on ebay…

Kimberly, ever the picture of composure, eventually stirs from her slumber to find me standing in our grape-streaked bedroom, eyes wide as saucers, trying to process the fact that our quiet night has been hijacked by an oenological disaster. She blinks, looks around at the chaos, and then bursts into laughter.

“Well,” she says, wiping grape juice from her face, “I guess we’re going to need to repaint the ceiling.” Really, she means me…

And that, my friends, is what it’s like being married to a winemaker. Amidst the chaos, the clinking glasses, and the occasional explosive fermentation, it’s a life filled with laughter, unexpected adventures, and an ever-growing appreciation for the artistry of wine.

Cheers to harvest season, and may your nights be filled with less explosive surprises and more tranquil tastings.

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Rogue Valley Holiday Gift Ideas for Wine Lovers

By kirk • December 1, 2024

The Ultimate Christmas Gift List for the Wine Lover in Your Family – Ashland & Rogue Valley Edition Struggling to find the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life? We’ve got you covered, Rogue Valley style. This holiday season, skip the generic presents and opt for wine-centric gifts that’ll make your family and friends feel like true connoisseurs. Here’s the ultimate wine lover’s Christmas list, full of quirky and thoughtful gifts—perfect for those living the Rogue Valley life. Whether you’re in Ashland or just around the corner, these wine-related gifts will make spirits brighter and bottles emptier (in the best way possible). 1. Coravin Wine Preservation System - $$$ Why open a bottle of wine when you only want one glass? The Coravin lets you pour just one glass without pulling the cork. Keep the rest of your Resistance Syrah fresh for weeks or even months—perfect for those who love their wine but don’t always finish a bottle in one sitting. This one's especially useful when you’re sampling wines from all over Ashland’s finest wineries. 2. Resistance Wine Club Membership - $$ Want to keep the good times rolling all year long? The Resistance Wine Club membership gets you 4, 6, or 12 bottles delivered twice a year. They’ll enjoy a discount and the opportunity to hand-pick wines like Malbec, Syrah, or even a special reserve just for members. Support local and enjoy some of the best wines from Resistance Wine Co. in Ashland, right to your doorstep! 3. One of Everything Pack from Resistance Wine - $$ Can’t decide which wine to get? Get them One of Everything—a bottle of every wine Resistance Wine Co. has to offer, from the bold 2018 Syrah to the refreshing 2022 Rosé. A perfect gift for anyone who likes to have options, and especially ideal for those who live near Lithia Park and entertain guests year-round. 4. 4 Wine Glasses (Riedel or Similar) - $$ Sure, the Ashland holiday lights are sparky, but so are nice wine glasses! If you're going to drink wine, you need a glass that lets the wine breathe. Riedel or Zwiesel glasses make the perfect gift for wine lovers who want the best wine-tasting experience. This set of four will ensure everyone’s glass is filled with Syrah, Malbec, or Tempranillo in style during holiday dinners in Ashland’s cozy neighborhoods. 5. Resistance Wine Tote (Linen, Insulated Bag) - $ For the wine lover on the go—whether it’s a picnic at Emigrant Lake or a tailgate for an Oregon Ducks (or Beavers) game, this Resistance Wine Tote will keep wine cool and stylish. Made of durable linen, it’s insulated to keep your favorite Resistance Wines at the perfect temperature wherever the adventure takes you. 6. Best Waiter’s Wine Corkscrew - $ to $$$ No one wants a cork to ruin their wine experience. The best waiter’s corkscrew will have you uncorking your Malbec like a pro. This sleek tool is perfect for opening any bottle of wine with ease, ensuring you never waste a second when it’s time to enjoy your Resistance Syrah. 7. Subscription to Wine Enthusiast Magazine - $$ For the wine lover who always wants to know what’s next in the world of wine, Wine Enthusiast Magazine is a gift that keeps on giving. With insider knowledge, reviews, and the latest trends, your friend or family member will always be the first to know what’s happening in the world wide wine scene. 8. Wine Class with WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) - $$ Turn their passion for wine into expertise with a WSET wine class. This internationally recognized certification will take them from casual wine lover to sommelier-level wine enthusiast. They’ll soon be impressing their friends with their new knowledge of Tempranillo and Pinot Noir, perhaps in the beautiful wineries of Talent. 9. An Amazing Decanter - $$ - $$$ Every wine lover needs an amazing decanter to let their wine breathe. This gift ensures that the 2018 Syrah gets the attention it deserves. Whether they have a cellar in Ashland or just love to entertain, a good decanter makes any bottle feel extra special. 10. Wine Tags for Tracking All of Their Wine - $ For the true collector, wine tags are essential. These labels will help them track their wines by type, vintage, and tasting notes. Whether it’s their Resistance Syrah or a limited-edition Malbec, wine tags keep the collection organized, so they’ll never forget which bottle came from a great vineyard! 11. Wine Sensory Kit - $ Help them deepen their wine appreciation with a wine sensory kit. These kits contain scents and flavor profiles to help them hone their nose and palate, making them an expert at identifying the notes in any bottle of Resistance Wine or any Rogue Valley wine. Perfect for the wine geek who lives for their next wine-tasting adventure. 12. Wine Glass Charms - 0 Just kidding – don’t do these. If you can’t figure out what glass of wine is yours, a wine charm won’t help. You won’t remember which one belongs to you either… 13. Wine Tasting Journal - $ For the wine lover who likes to document their experiences, a wine tasting journal is perfect. They can track the different bottles they've tried, from their favorite Syrah to the 2022 Rosé they love to sip while watching the sunset over Ashland. This gift ensures they never forget that amazing bottle from Weisinger. 14. Personalized Wine Barrel - $$$$ For the serious wine enthusiast, a personalized wine barrel is a statement piece. Whether they use it for storage, decoration, or even aging their own wine, this barrel is an unforgettable gift. Bonus points if you add a bottle of Resistance Syrah from Ashland to complete the package. 15. Customized Wine Glass Set - $$ Get them a set of customized wine glasses—personalized with their name, a funny quote, or their favorite wine on each glass. It’s a thoughtful and practical gift that’s perfect for Malbec lovers or anyone who enjoys their Syrah from Resistance Wine Co.. One of my favorite presents ever is a monogramed Bourbon bottle. Every time I use it, I think of my sister…it’s weird it has her initials instead of mine…just kidding! 16. Portable Wine Aerator - $ For the impatient wine drinker who doesn’t have time to wait for wine to breathe, a portable wine aerator is the solution. This handy tool instantly enhances the flavors of any wine, so your friend can start enjoying their 2019 Syrah right away. A perfect gift for Ashland locals who like to sip now. 17. Vintage Wine Map - ?? For the aspiring wine connoisseur, a vintage wine map is the ultimate gift. It highlights the best wine regions around the world, and for a true Rogue Valley experience, pair it with a bottle of 2022 Rosé from Resistance Wine Co.. It’s a great way to dream of future wine adventures—or just keep track of your Southern Oregon favorites. These wine-centric gifts will keep your favorite wine lover’s spirits high (literally). Skip the boring presents this year and give them something they'll actually use—preferably while sipping on some Resistance Wine. Cheers to a wine-filled holiday season!