The 2006 Wine & Cheese Event again sponsored by Heluva Good Cheese has come and gone. The Chautauqua- Lake Erie Wine Trail sold 430 tickets for the Mother’s Day week-end event, although we were only visited by 277 of those ticket holders. I cannot help but wonder why the other 158 people passed us by for one reason or another, but I guess that is their loss, although I do hope they choose to visit us another day. No we are not about the glitz and hype like the big city, but rather the casual unrushed personalized attention to detail, so much like Mr. Watso treats the wines themselves.

            Spring is definitely in full bloom here in Chautauqua County, I am enjoying the sights of the vines reaching for the blue sky, dotted with billowy clouds and the sounds of the birds singing happily outside the window. The vineyards are looking very promising the early on, Jason is preparing to host a bottling party for the new Oaken aged Chardonnay that is to premier on the tasting table very soon after the 2002 dribbles out the door.

            I am very much looking forward to spending Father’s Day with my Dad “Willie”, since I was unable to spend Mother’s Day with my Mom, but duties called here. And I was able to wish many Moms’s a very happy day. I am sure Mr. Watso’s son Robert is very much looking forward to his very first Father’s Day even since the birth of his daughter this past August. If you are visiting us this “Dad’s Day” please feel free to wish Mr. Watso a happy day too.

            Sadly I must tell you all this is my last look from behind the table, since I will be venturing out into a new position back in the transportation industry. I do want to take this chance to first and foremost thank Mr. Watso for the honor of working for him, I do thank him for his knowledge, input and guidance over the last (almost) 4 years I have been here at Schloss Doepken. Thank you to all my customers, both retail and wholesale, old and new for their patients while I was learning the ropes and for just visiting with me, sharing a smile and a chuckle from time to time, whether it was once, twice or several times a year. Best of luck to Jason with all of his many new duties, may your days not be overwhelming. Bruce may your tractor never run low of fuel so you may keep pace with Jason. To Maribeth a heartfelt thanks for her assistance and support before during and after all our events. And to all the friends I’ve made at the other wineries, Good-luck and great success to all! No I am not leaving wine country, but simply will not be seeing you “From Behind the Table”.

                                                Love to all,

                                                Alicia