WineSpirit began as a conversation between two Davids, a businessman and a member of the clergy. Both sought to integrate spirituality into the business of life, ongoing awareness and celebration of specialness in moments throughout each day. Without such integration, business and spiritual realms remain separated and isolated pieces, indicative of the fragmentation that characterizes much of people’s daily life.

After several years search for integration, addressing matters of life balance and fragmentation, the Davids realized that the business of grape growing and wine production often overshadowed the joy and blessing of doing such unusual farming. They understood that religious institutions / organizations had many items on the agenda, with spirituality but one among them.

From a business perspective it was amazing to reflect on how many are drawn to the vineyard as a calling, a special feeling for the grape and the magic that it produces, with the jackpot at the dinner table and crowned with a toast. They were not drawn to apples, bananas, berries or dates. They were drawn to vineyards. From a spiritual perspective wine throughout time has been the agent of choice to fulfill an obligation to bring as many moments as possible to Life.

As the Davids shared questions and reflections with friends and colleagues, some of whom became WineSpirit Advisory Board members, what dawned was growing delight that each time they conversed, they gleaned more insight into wine’s extensive role in celebrating life and relationships. Wine metaphors blend knowledge with passion, inspiring people to make moments special, even holy; that is the domain of spirituality. Many teachings from widespread traditions can join hands in alignment and unity in raising a glass of wine to share in a toast.

Varieties of programs WineSpirit provides

PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES, AND WAYS TO PARTICIPATE

Through conversations at potluck gatherings, member led seminars and other contexts bringing people together in fellowship, WineSpirit addresses quality of life questions over a glass of wine and a nosh in a variety of areas:

What brings you to the world of wine?

How are passion and wine connected?

What are parallels between the life of wine and the life of a human being?

How the Website Connects you to WineSpirit

The website enables opportunities for people to participate from around the world and glean insights shared in face-to-face settings in a virtual way. One particular Internet-based presentation is the periodic “A Sip of WineSpirit” that goes out to email participants. These “Sips”, produced both by Executive Director David White, and, on occasion, by other members of WineSpirit, provide brief reflections connecting metaphors of wine to spirituality. “Sips” can also be accessed on the website.  The Sips are the basis of the newly published Sippin' on Top of the World

Soon members will have access to audios and videos of programs held in different locations, as well as segments of videos of elders and sages filmed in the past. Insights and nuggets shared in different locales will be included in  Forum and Blog formats allowing for broader participation and perspective.  People can subscribe to the email participation list by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and asking to be subscribed to the list.

WineSpirit Videos of Elders and Sages

Video guests from 2001 - 2003 included Brother Timothy, winemaker for Christian Brothers during Prohibition, Al Brounstein of Diamond Creek, Justin Meyer of Silver Oak, Rene de Rosa, Jan Shrem of Clos Pegase, Jan Birnbaum of Catahoula Restaurant, Margaret Duckhorn, Jamie Davies of Schramsberg, Alan Steen co-founder of Whitehall Lane, and Robert Mondavi joined by his wife Margrit.  In addition we have from 2006 Valeria Huneeus of Quintessa (addressing sustainability in the vineyard) and WineSpirit Advisory Board members and participants in conversation at Silver Oak addressing what we have learned about wine and spirituality over the past five years.  We also have filmed Joanne (Dickenson) Depuy, who was involved in the organization of the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976.  We are now resuming filming more elders and sages beginning in May 2009, with Jack Cakebread completed on May 14 and Mike Grgich on May 31.

Become a WineSpirit Member

Financial memberships are:

Under $100: Supporter

$250: Supporting Member

$500: Sustaining Member

$1000: Foundation Member

Benefits Of Joining WineSpirit

To participate in WineSpirit is to become part of a diverse physical and virtual community with all the benefits associated with meeting new people and developing new relationships.

The environment is conducive to developing friendships and stronger business associations, allowing for networking of the highest order.

For those who enjoy wine and would like to become more connected to those who produce it, WineSpirit provides framework and foundation bridging the worlds of producers and consumers.

WineSpirit enables people of diverse backgrounds to better understand and appreciate varieties of traditions and ways of associating both with wine and with spirituality.

Please contact David White, WineSpirit Executive Director, to find out more.