This photo was taken and posted online by the local newspaper The Press Democrat in 2008. I would have been happier if they dug this pic up instead of the one that they used.
I predicted he was going to show up on my doorstep before he did. As soon as I heard his voice on my message machine I knew that his was not going to be a good article.
A couple of hours later his paunchy belly and red pocked marked nose loomed into my laundry room window. Trepidation…but I had to get this over with. I went to the door to meet him. Verdict looked at me, and at everything else surrounding me.
“Can I help you?”
“Are you Naomi Brilliant?”
“Um yes…. “
I showed him my garden. It is just dirt and it is the future. I have nothing to prove with it. Today, it is a mushy mess. My boots sink an inch with each step “shwick shiwick shikewick”. In my peaceful moments I have a vision that this is what I’ve been waiting for. To get my hands, feet and face filthy, salt on my brow and soil under my fingernails, why because what I do now, will taste sweeter at harvest.
This is food. It is touched by hands, and not so much by cold machines. My rows are not even or straight and I might have a few plagues of white flies in the coming spring. I want to share. It makes me happy. Doesn’t it always feel good to watch someone enjoy what you have created, what you have brought to life.
For the past 10 years. That has not always been so with roshambowinery. Although I will miss what it was. It was not always what I wanted it to be. As with everything alcoholic, I spent most of my time pulling my hair trying to understand the legal definitions of can and can’t. Distribution and sales and the act of “making” friends to sell were something I struggled with. To most I may seem an extrovert, but in my own being, I know that it was very hard for me to be “on” especially when it was with forced acting.
I may have been known for my crazy stunts, marketing and events, but I always wanted first to be known for making great wine for you. “Fighting for fun in a winey world” was NOT born as our slogan to sell to you. I wanted wine to be about you. About FUN, about what it is to be alive, not something that is savored solely at a special meal. Wine is about place, and time. Where it was grown, the sun, and the weather, winemaking is just putting that into a bottle to be shared and remembered.
I still live on the vineyard and I will see grapevines every morning. I still will be doing what I have always strived to do. Share with those around me something I nurtured. Live close to the land and care for it too. Will it be a success? It will even if it’s only in my own mind.
- I guess I am bitter that a reporter from the local paper had the nerve to come to my house without invitation, and steal “the story” from another reporter from the same paper whom I had a respectful conversation with the day before. This reporter also misused statements I said to create a character of me that is exaggerated. He also even after asking, ignored my request to NOT use a photo of me (especially one that misrepresents the serious tone of the article he wrote) All of this I know was done with callous intention, which hurts me as a private individual not the winery. In the end. The story is the same roshambowinery is on hiatus, and that I understand is newsworthy.
So now where is there going to fun in this “winey world?”
** I also want to clarify that I never said that I was an “organic” farm. I currently am not certified; the word organic is a word that unfortunately has little meaning if we misuse it. I attain to be sustainable, and be as caring as I can be to the air and earth. If in the future I apply for organic certification I will probably tell you here. We are very lucky here in California to have so many awesome local certified organic farms that I don’t want to steal from that.
Get Hector
6 Comments
Yes, I do believe your butt is newsworthy! Certainly worth the picture. But thats not why I write…I saw the NYTimes article on your business and although it is the first I’ve seen it I love your style. I’m wondering if you couldn’t do something there like I do with the vineyard I have in the south of France. I’m looking for more network partners to make my concept more viable and your place sounds like it might be worthwhile. Please take a look at my website or email for more info on it. I think there may be a fit. Best regards and best of luck in any event.
Michael
Naomi,
I would assert by now that you have learned the price that any relationship with press comes with. All forms of press come with their own agenda and price. I think your personality from what I have read will certainly find that growing foods to be much more to your liking. First, you will have less “Big Brother” breathing down your neck since there is no alcohol involved. Second, and more than likely the larger reason is that it seems to be more of “your” calling like the wine vine might have been for the generation before you that left you the land. Mother earth and your attachments to her can and will come in many forms. Listen to those which call your name and you will do fine. The best statement you made was that of success to you now…and it will come on your terms not someone else’s. I wish you the very best!
Hi Naomi,
You seem to have a pretty good idea where you’re headed and have your own wonderful ideas unique to you, but here’s an “idea resource” for you if you’re looking around for such: hoodriverfruitloop.com. Each farm does it’s own thing. Anyway, best of luck to you!
I too read the NY Times article this morning, and just wanted to write in support of your endeavors, and say your comments about being a small guy in the wine industry are “spot on”! I’m from your parents’ generation and own and operate both a small winery (NOT owned by huge corporate interests!) and orchard where we grow cherries and pears, and both are a tough row to hoe….but rewarding in ways that many people will never want to work hard enough to enjoy or understand. I can never tell which industry (wine or farming) is more regulated, more of a “money sump”, or more full of “holier-than-thous”. You seem to have a true heart, and I hope you will not be discouraged and will give your farm project the time it will need to develop. And don’t tear out ALL those vines, save some if only to make a little wine on the side for yourself–you won’t regret that, and there will be days when you really need that glass of wine!
Hey Naomi.
I’m the one who took that picture of your butt at the Handcar Regatta. Oddly enough at the time I had no idea who you were. I just thought the gear was really cool! Looks like the Times used the same photo. Oops.
Dear Miss Brilliant,
A friend shared the NY Times article with me today. I have been a repeating participant of your roshambo winery and tournament. Thanks to you and your staff for working so hard. You have made lasting wonderful impressions. Best of luck with your veggies and I look forward to your next soiree, perhaps for “Beets with Beats”.
Dear Naomi,
At first I wanted to say – what a terrible decision. I had just a few months ago discovered your wonderful Zin of 05. Right now I am having the final drops of a bottle of your 05 Syrah – in a snowstorm in cold Copenhagen, Denmark. But I must admit that I admire you for following what you feel for – and for taking the tough decision you have made. I will certainly miss your wines! And I will be sure to stock in from Anders at Nordic Wine Traders. Thank you for bringing about some extraordinary interesting and mouthwatering wines.
I wish for your greates success moving ahead!
Best wishes,
Lars