I met Blair Pethel in 1987, when he was a copy editor at the News & Record and I joined the staff as night cops reporter. Long story short, in the intervening years, Blair developed an interest in wine, moved to France, went to wine school and opened his own winery, Domaine Dublere, in Burgundy. He’s only been at it a few years, but the stuff he makes is wowing the critics.
Every summer for the past few years I’ve gotten an invitation from him and his family: Come help with the grape harvest, and in return we’ll feed you, put you up, and give you some of the best wine on the planet. God willing, one year soon I’ll be able to take him up on his offer.
If this economy doesn’t kill him first.
Hang in there, my friend.
UPDATE: I’ve heard from Blair via e-mail and am delighted to report that 1) although it is a bad economy, the wolf isn’t nearly as close to his door as the article makes it seem, and 2) the French have been much kinder to him and his than the article makes it seem.
