Day 1: 3 D's at the Winery

Danny, Deb, and Doug at Two Mile winery

Lesson 1: Wine helps.

For my first day of official encountering, I decided that an end-of-summer party hosted by a local winery, Two Mile Wines, might provide a good setting for a spontaneous introduction to someone cool. At the very least, I'd get to know a neat local business and drink something tasty.  After all, I'm trying to get to know my community; there's no reason that shouldn't include the buildings, shops, and businesses in it.

The winery itself is inconspicuous, tucked back off the street in an area of town I associate more with auto body shops than with fine foods. But once I stashed my bike and found the tasting room, it was all I'd want a local winery to be: exposed brick walls, art everywhere, Christmas lights,  delicious hors d'oeuvres in the Chez Panisse tradition (watermelon and feta? really?), and a DJ spinning chill electronica on two actual turntables.

It was standing at the bar, sipping on a free tasting flight, that I met my new friends for today. Deb and Doug live in Fairfield, halfway to Sacramento, but are originally from the area and were down for the day. They were waiting for their friend Danny, who had an errand across the street, and wandered in for the good wine. We chatted about life in Berkeley and the virtues of living in Fairfield, which until today I knew only as 'home of the Jelly Belly factory I once toured when I was 12 years old.' It wasn't the longest or deepest conversation, but I could tell very quickly that these are warm, friendly people.

After about 20 minutes, I got up the courage to ask if they'd be OK with me taking their picture and becoming part of the project. They were enthusiastic (Doug even orchestrated the composition), and suddenly our casual encounter took on a new weight.

"My band's doing a show in Suisin Valley next month, you should come up with your boyfriend," Doug offered.

"I'd think you'd have 100 friends, you seem so at ease for someone your age," said Danny. My response: "The wine helps."

I gave Deb my business card with the website written on it, and they promised to come check it out.

So there you have it, 3 new friends who, if all goes well, may introduce me to another side of the Bay Area completely. Hear that guys? I want the details of that show! And even if I never see them again, I got out of the house and into the community for the day. I'd call that a solid start...