Page 70 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

Lori glanced at her. “Where did you learn all this?”

“I have a degree in Viticulture and Oenology,” said Kayla. “In short, for winemaking. It’s interesting, but the real value is having a reliable nose and a sensitive palate for the taste of wine. Griff mentioned that you instinctively have those qualities.”

“But this seems overwhelming,” said Lori. “After the grapes are pressed, what do you do?”

“We test for several other things as the grapes are processed,” said Kayla. “Things like acidity, sulphur, residual sugar, and other components. Every step of the process is important and determines the outcome of the wine. Let’s go into the cellars.”

Kayla led her into the warehouse, which had barrels stacked horizontally on metal racks above the ground.

Lori shivered and pulled her sweater tighter.

“We keep it cooled and well-ventilated here,” said Kayla. “Lighting is low. We also have an actual cellar where our well-aged wine is stored in barrels.”

Lori followed Kayla down a set of steps into an even cooler cellar where barrels were stacked with enough room between to get easily around them.

“It’s morning, but how about a taste of wine that will be bottled in two years?” said Kayla.

She led Lori to an old wooden barrel and poured wine into a glass sitting close to a special stopper. “Taste this. I think this is going to be a very special cabernet.”

Lori remembered how Griff had taught her to taste wine. She inhaled its bouquet, then took a sip of wine, allowing air to enter her mouth.

“What do you think?” asked Kayla.

“I think it’s ready now,” Lori said. “It’s already very tasty.”

“We’ll let it sit for longer, and then the tannins won’t be as strong,” said Kayla. “Let’s go upstairs. I have coffee and will answer any questions you might have.”

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Kayla led her to a small kitchen off the lab and then outside to a patio where a couple of chairs had been set up around a small, round metal table.

The warmth of the sun on her shoulders felt healing to Lori. She sat facing the rolling hills covered with straight rows of vines. “Such a lovely view,” Lori said. “When Griff told me he lived at a vineyard, I had no idea this property was so large.”

“You’ve known Griff for a while?” Kayla asked.

“Not really. We met in Florida for New Year’s, and then he left to go home. I stayed a couple of days more and then went back to New York. Having a friend win a week’s stay here is almost eerie. But I’m glad he let me come in his place.”

“Weren’t you going to come together?” said Kayla.

“Yes, but we decided not to. We’re just friends,” said Lori.

Kayla gave her a penetrating look. “That’s what you said about you and Griff, but anyone can see it’s more than that.”

Lori let out a sigh. “It’s true. I’ve fallen for him.”

“Well, he’s certainly attracted to you,” said Kayla. “I’m glad. He’s an exceptional guy, and I’m happy for you. I think you make a terrific pair.”

“Thanks, but I live in New York. My family and my life are there,” said Lori, saying all the things she told herself over and over.

“Bullshit,” said Kayla. “What are you afraid of?”

Shocked by Kayla’s boldness, Lori sank back into her chair, her mind racing.

Kayla gave her a sheepish look. “Sorry to be so blunt. I wasn’t here for the Cassandra mess, but I know how hurt Griff was by her actions.”

“I understand,” said Lori. “I guess I’m afraid that this moment of happiness with Griff won’t last. It didn’t with my husband because of life’s cruelty. What’s to say it won’t happen again?”

Kayla shook her head. “That’s something you have to work out for yourself.”