by Tia Butts (@wineinkbytia)

I’ve had several wine dalliances in my lifetime, but my real romance with wine began about ten years ago when I had the good fortune of being hired to do public relations for the Robert Mondavi Company in Napa.

On my very first day of work I was taken on visits to several winery properties, including the iconic Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville. Sitting in the winery’s private dining room, overwhelmed and admittedly intimidated by my elegant lunch, the variety of wines that I was supposed to be drinking (on work hours no less!) and the stunning views of the Mayacamas Mountains, I spotted a woman on the lawn. Her face was loving and beautiful, her arms were open wide and she was completely uninhibited, throwing all caution to the wind. In that moment, my intimidation faded away and I realized that she was showing me exactly how I should approach wine moving forward.

The lady and I got to know each other quite well. Whenever I needed re-assurance in the years that followed, I would frequently look to her for advice. For example, I remember my first invitation to an event where the dress code was “wine country casual” Many people today are still trying to figure out what THAT means. But, at the time, the lady helped me find the answers.

Each year, the patrons of the Robert Mondavi Winery Summer Music Festival choose her wardrobe. She’s worn feather boas, tasseled dresses, a fedora and I even caught her in a hot pink bikini once. I guess there can be many interpretations of “wine country casual.” The point is, don’t sweat it, just be yourself.

And, when it comes to being a great hostess, she always treats guests with respect. Given her beauty, she’s been the subject of several inappropriate photos, usually by admirers of the male persuasion. But she always shows the utmost patience and highest class, understanding that she’s done her part to inspire others to relax and have fun. As a result, they leave wine country with memories to cherish.

Though my wine career has taken me new places, the lessons I have learned from the lady remain. She is my muse. The Muse. Much like wine, you can dress her up or you can dress her down, but at the end of the day it’s all about the fun, the friendship and the enjoyment of life.

The Muse, a well-know bronze sculpture that sits in the center of the Robert Mondavi lawn.