09/29/2026
Raj was driving the tractor that day, I was in the cellar cleaning and drinking coffee, anticipating what was going to be delivered to the crush pad by my husband, the weary, calloused man that I’ve shared blood, tears, pain and now joy with on our vineyard over the last 3.5 years of recovery.
My family and friends were out picking, the dogs supervising, my nerves inside, trying to smooth out with some pressure washing. More coffee.
The rattly hum of the Kubota neared, I didn’t look yet. Hearing the thud of the bin inside the w**ery, I knew that the day had officially begun. Turning around, me and Rajen shared a look that couldn’t be described. Wet eyes, comforting nods, a quick embrace in silence. Flashbacks of the last 1300 days in both our faces.
I love you.
Let’s do this.
Sticky, honeyed Viognier.
38 year old vines that somehow pushed through their roots to meet us again. They didn’t leave us, some of them, and we didn’t leave them.
We cannot wait to share what has been quietly taking place inside our barn - analog castle of broken promises rebuilt it seems on the cliff bank of this river. In the constant gaze of this mountain.
The w**es taking shape from All the Pretty Horses are outstanding and complex, so so much beauty from all of those memories.
The next chapter of Bella has OFFICIALLY begun.
Want to be part of it? Join our club waitlist in the link in bio.
Photos by my dear baby Jarusha Brown
**es **e