The energy and the people I was surrounded by over the last few days in N.Y was beautiful. I had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing souls doing amazing things in their community with wine. These people are adamant about their hybrids plus the impact that these grapes have on our future and the future of winemaking. The bigger picture that I took away is that climate change is accurate (obviously!) and that utilizing the resources and sustaining what the land has to offer in the area where you decide to make wine is essential. That's precisely what the intention was for the event: Anything But Vinifera. Anything But Vinifera is a creation by our dear friend Jahdé @jahdemarley.drinks (a true force of nature) backed by the force that is @zevrovineselections (great swing and great ball btw Zev! 🏌️) It was amazing to be around so many creatives and watch how they are such incredible stewards of their craft. To hammer in on the notion of decolonizing wine and getting out of the mindset that European vinifera grapes are the true and only way to make wine and the rise of hybrid grapes was at the forefront of the conversation. It brought it full circle to me that you must take grapes and wine out of context, venture out of your mind, and try something new! We are not canceling vinifera but instead expanding upon the conversation of what works. It's crucial in the discussion when it comes to looking at the number of unnecessary things done to the vines and in the winemaking process because our minds are locked in that vinifera grapes are the crème de la crème, but in reality, they don't work everywhere. In our July Chronicles monthly newsletter, we talked about community; this topic is an integral part of what everyone spoke about at this event. Thank you as always, New York, Jahdé, Zev Rovine Selections, and all the fantastic producers for a beautiful time. We look forward to being a provider of some of these delicious hybrid wines in the future. Cheers and be great this week, RichWine fam 🧡