March Madness, Indeed!

March truly lived up to its name! From Washington, DC to Taste Washington, it was a whirlwind month of activity.

Here in Walla Walla, winter winds have given way to spring breezes, bringing a surge of activity both at home and on the road as we spread the word about itä wines and Washington wine in general.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of returning to my alma mater, Georgetown University, to speak at the bi-annual Georgetown Women’s Forum. I participated in an event called “Unconventional & Unstoppable: Real Journeys of Reinvention,” featuring Hoyas whose career paths took unexpected twists and turns. After I got past my initial nerves (networking terrifies me!), I found myself deeply inspired by the incredible women in attendance and those who spoke alongside me. From a White House staffer turned fashion designer to an MD turned climate activist (who remains an MD that focuses on social determinants of health such as… climate change!), the stories were remarkable. Throughout the talks, my emotions ran the gamut—from wanting to leap up and cheer, to nodding knowingly at shared experiences and challenges, to wiping away tears. It was truly awesome.

My 36 hours in DC were packed, but I was able to fit in one more event. I was honored to have to opportunity to share my wines with the Finnish Ambassador, The Honorable Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, and some of her staff. While it was certainly the most high-profile tasting I’ve ever conducted, familiar Finnish touches helped me feel like I was visiting my husband’s family: Marimekko napkins, clean Nordic design, and delicious karjalanpiirakat that paired beautifully with our rosé.

Returning to the Georgetown community proved unexpectedly poignant. As one of the few Pacific Northwesterners in my class, I never felt like I truly fit in during my undergraduate years. I didn’t realize it would be so humid, had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, and had never heard of Lilly Pulitzer or Vineyard Vines (spoiler alert: they don’t sell vineyard equipment). But I had forgotten that, in many ways, I did feel at home there. Most folks who go to Georgetown are diligent, hardworking, Type A idealists who genuinely want to make the world a better place—and it was good to be reminded that I’m one of them too.

Hoya Saxa!

-Kelsey