A New Gig…With A Twist!

Some of you are aware of my newest venture and others will shake their heads at this news; but know this is a no brainer. Back in early August, I started working in a tasting room for a Northern Virginia vineyard to give me a little extra cash.

The owners are absolutely awesome and pouring wine comes with nice perks. I have also started doing some of their graphic design too. Gotta keep the skills sharp for a full time gig.

Standing behind the tasting table, is a different environment for me. This is just like tending bar without all the mixers and bitters. I have specific verbiage that I’m required to say and push the specials of the day.

Not really hard work but it can be hectic. Summer time when our outdoor patio is open, it can be chaos. I got a rude introduction to the patio on Labor Day Weekend. I don’t remember going thorough my pitch of the wines much that day, as there were two deep in line to sample wine. Most folks just want a glass with wine without the pitch. It goes against what I expect at a vineyard, this is like being at a wine festival and I’m no longer a fan of that environment.

They usually send me to clean dirty wine glasses as the day comes to an end. This is because I opened my big mouth and said: “it was very therapeutic process for me.”

Oh well, Suck It Up Fat Man!

As for the folks who work beside me, they are very unique in their own way. We have the mother figure, the hippies, the ladies man, the hard core party animal and then there is me.

With all that being said, I discovered I could visit my remaining vineyards for free or at a reduced tasting fee. This makes me happy. But along the way, I found that some of the staff at area vineyards are…how do I say this…douche-bags.

Keep in mind, these are folks who work in a tasting room at one of the larger vineyards just off of a major roadway. These kids are barely old enough to even drink legally but they are peddling wine. We are told when someone comments about an area vineyard, especially if it is a negative comment, to just let it roll. We support our local vineyards and encourage our customers to visit them.

This vineyard, when I inquired about a newer vineyard that had opened recently, they bad mouthed their neighbor and when I pressed about one that is listed in a spirits trail guide, but not listed on the states website, I got this response:

“We’ll how do you know about that!” In the most hateful way.

Top of the line customer service at its best!

This guide that I was using is helpful and is user friendly but to those who are in charge of such organizations, here is some advice:

Most of these services run by the state or counties and are not well organized. They don’t have anyone who is knowledgeable enough to lead or guide tourists to our beverage venues. They rely on what information is online or what was provided without thoroughly investigating.

Do a better job or let me do it for you…oh what, I am! 

The vineyard I questioned isn’t even open to the public at this time. This tidbit of information is crucial especially for those traveling long distances to check this off their list.

After finishing the tasting at the uppity vineyard, a couple from Minnesota began talking with me about Virginia wine. Our conversation was about the number and what is available within this area as well as Central and Northern Virginia. I provided them with some information but the young man behind the bar wasn’t amused by my recommendations.

He began to trash a few I mentioned simply because they didn’t allow groups larger than 6 or buses or limos. I refrained from pulling him across the bar and pounding him into the concrete. Regardless how unruly/hateful a person is, if you’re going to work with the public in this manor don’t show your true colors to the customer.

This was the same place in 2015 that was pouring a Chardonnay they had bottled the previous week. When I asked them about bottle shock, her response was:

“You don’t know much about wine.”  

Considering I have helped harvest, bottle, sort and de-stem grapes on occasion and most recently participate in blending trials of one of the states premier Meritage blends. NO! SWEETHEART I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT VINO!

If anything, this helps me improve as a wine educator at our vineyard as to what not to do. I want everyone to enjoy themselves at our vineyard and to be safe. The last thing anyone wants is an A-hole pouring wine. Maybe they were having a bad day or were hungover from the previous nights outing. There’s still no excuse for that kind of poor customer service.

I’m grateful that this vineyard isn’t one that I frequent. Okay, maybe 5 years down the road I will revisit, only if someone invites or they are paying. Otherwise, I would rather set my money on fire than give it to this place of business.

There are 258 vineyards open the public in Virginia and you can find wine to enjoy without rude people pouring. Don’t drink bad wine or tolerate douche-bags! That’s my motto!

Cheers!

And to give you an update, I now work at another vineyard. Or as I like to say: 

“The best in the state of Virginia!”

Not bad for a Wino-Redneck!

It’s Just Like 2005…

Well, not exactly.

I had been a Graphic Designer for a classic Ford automobile parts company and it was a fun group of folks to work with.

This was about the time the real estate market went into the toilet and other industries followed their lead. It was mid-July when I was called into the General Manager’s office. He explained that sales had dropped and he needed to make some cuts. Our department went from 3 people to 1, good luck Scooter you’re going to need it!

Tish and I were living on a 186 acre farm. Our rent was only $425 a month and Tish took over the utilities while I searched for work.

Early on I had no bites and then I went on an interview marathon…I had two in one day in D.C. I thought for sure one of those would pan out. Not this time.

This was near the Christmas holiday and I knew most places weren’t going to fill any position until after January 1.

It took nearly 8 months and I started working for a local newspaper in McLean, Va.

Let’s skip forward 10 years.

Once again, I sit here tapping on a keyboard looking for work. This time, I had bankrolled more than enough money to allow me to search for what could be my last employer. Funny thing is, now the job force is nearly filled with only 4% out of work. I being in the latter, it has been very challenging.

Who wants to hire a older individual who now carries an AARP card. You would think that skills and hard work would prevail. Now a days, most places are just looking for bodies and not talent. As long as the seat is filled, they aren’t as concerned about the quality of work.

Two of the positions I interviewed for are now open again. Oh yeah, I have resubmitted my resume and I will just sit and wait.

Shorty recently said: “You have the talent and I don’t understand why you haven’t gotten hired.”

Oh brother, I wonder myself.

Most design positions are looking for web based skills. That is fine but the last I saw, most businesses are migrating to Facebook to boost their advertising and eliminate the web designer. Social Media Coordinator is the new niche to call a journalist, graphic artist or a secretary. All of those job titles are being erased thanks to use of social networks. I can post a picture or two for you if that what is required for a Social Media Guru.

I recently told a potential employer that 10 years down the road, the new age production staff will want to create a magazine, newspaper to hold in their hand. The electronic devices will no longer be cool and the printed product will be retro to them. This is when my skills and all of my print family will become rock stars and we can shine. Mention CMYK to these “designers” and they will look at you like they just took a hit off of a bong.

In the meantime, I’m going to search and apply. I may even venture out to a few of the local print shops and fill out an application…it couldn’t hurt.

As I beat away on the keyboard, an email comes in giving me hope. A small part-time gig to hold me over and put a little coin in my pocket.

These are baby steps but I believe it’s starting to come together y’all!

I’m always saying: “Everyday Is A Good Day!” Make the most of today as we may not get that opportunity tomorrow. Go and enjoy the things that make you happy!

This good ole boy sure does!