In these most uncertain of times, we are doing a few things to keep people connected and community strong, including sharing stories from our initial 30 days of practice. Check it out:
All in Community
Launching ABG on the Cushion: A Meditation for Busy (and Anxious) Wine Professionals
With all that is going on in the world, and our collective anxiety heightened, we thought it timely to launch ABG On The Cushion four-week meditation program led by Cathy. Curious? Click through to learn more.
The Power of Intention: Open That Bottle Night
We are all looking for a reason (call it an excuse, if you want) to celebrate, to vary our daily routines, and to punctuate the mood of otherwise ho-hum patterns of our lives. Open That Bottle Night, created by Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher in 1999, is the PERFECT reason. Join us,.
8 Lessons I Brought Back from Australia: Taking Stock and a Step Back
Beck reflects on her latest trip home to South Australia and the lessons that come when revisiting old places and faces through a new lens.
The Kindnesses We Show Each Other
This week I set out to notice the kindnesses that we show each other, here within the wine world. There is, it turns out, no shortage of them. That may be because the wine industry is a small and inter-connected place where, as Beck points out, six degrees of separation can become two pretty quickly. Kindnesses we show each other are one way to make that closeness more comfortable.
Australia’s Bushfire Crisis: From Helplessness to Hope
As bushfires continue to devastate areas of Australia, Beck shares the ways that people can help to support the recovery efforts.
Elated, Encouraged, and Exhausted: 2019 in Review
Are we there yet? 2019 was an incredible year for A Balanced Glass, and this week Beck shares her highlights from a year of growth and change.
Mental Health Awareness: Shifting from Stigma To Support
Guest contributor Deborah Parker Wong shares a thoughtful question-and-answer interview with Brandon Staglin who talks candidly about his work and life experiences living in recovery from schizophrenia.
Connecting through Crisis: Finding Community in Hard Times
We cannot fathom the adrenaline, stress and feelings of terror, or what it’s like to flee at a moment’s notice, not knowing what you may return to, or how to pick up the pieces. We cannot fathom how being without power, or the smell of smoke, can trigger anxiety and leave an impact well after the fires have been brought under control. But living in San Francisco, and having spent time this week between Napa, Sonoma and Southern California, the power of community in action is something I wanted to share.
Curious About A Yoga Retreat But Not Sure Where to Start?
If you’ve ever been curious to know the basics of how to start to find yourself a good yoga retreat, Beck has a few tips for you…
My Three Favorite Wellness Resources That You’ve Likely Never Heard Of
There’s no shortage of information, insights and advice on navigating the world of wellness. But how do you sort the real data from the witchcraft, snake oil and uninformed opinions?
Why I’d Bet on the Young Women of Our Industry
Earlier this week I was honored to attend the first Dream Big Darling retreat in Paso Robles, which aims to foster professional development for promising young women, with four to seven years experience in the wine and spirits industry. Heer are my learnings.
For the Love of Wine – A Master of Wine’s Perspective
What does a Master of Wine love most about wine? this week we hand the keyboard to Kate McIntyre MW who shares her perspective on a career that has kept her captivated for more than two decades. Balance folks… balance…
Wear Your Values - The ABG Pin
The wine industry is full of badges of success. Rare wine tastings. Culinary conquests. Dream-worthy experiences. Being part of a secret club creates its own brand of success, and its own set of demands….
Here's What's Missing from the Sober-Curious Movement
You’ve seen, I’m sure, all of the consumer media attention being paid right now to abstinence, and sober-curious, and the valorization of non-alcoholic beverages to the point, arguably, of demonizing the enjoyment of wine. Do you know what’s missing?
A Personal Account of Caring for A Loved One Struggling with Alcoholism
In the first of the monthly guest post series, ABG Tribe member Kimberly Charles shares her personal story on caring for a loved one struggling with alcoholism.
Behind the Scenes at a Silent Retreat
This week I’m doing something I’ve never done before, and that’s spending seven nights at a silent meditation retreat in the mountains of North Carolina, outside Asheville. Let me tell you, it’s a little trippy…
Lessons from Liège – Takeaways from the Born Digital Wine Awards Summit
At the recent Born Digital Wine Awards Summit in Liège Belgium, numerous topics were discussed, but the group chose to prioritize four topics for further industry consideration: packaging, wine tourism and education, wine media, and health and wellness.
Come As You Are – Learnings from the 2019 Bâtonnage Forum
Come as you are! Such was the edict given by the organizers of last weekend’s Bâtonnage Forum. Founded by Oakland wine retailer Stevie Staconis, the second edition of the grassroots event is aimed at stirring up discussion around issues facing women in the wine industry.
Taking My Own Advice: Let's Get Physical (Therapy)
Being in physical therapy (PT) while maintaining a daily job in any industry is difficult enough, but alcohol is known to be an inflammatory agent for joints and tissues, even though it can seem like a salve to take away physical pain that we may feel.