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PARKHURST WINE CELLARS RED LILY VINEYARDS
Mark Enlow, owner of Parkhurst Wine Cellars, regards his wine Red Lily Vineyards offers a new release quarterly, though not always
club philosophically—how does the wine taste, of course, but more, with an accompanying celebration, as their events are weather driven.
“How does the experience feel?” When people join the wine club, they The winter release offers appetizers and tastings open house style, and
become like family with other club members and winery staff. They they put on a summer shrimp boil for the wine club. This year’s seafood
gain a sense of engagement, even ownership, saying to friends and out- gathering was more quaint and intimate.
of-town guests, “Let me take you to ‘my’ winery.” Mark gets to know Before Covid-19 hit, they already had portable tastings in place. Rather
them—their families, their health issues, their wins and losses. When than sip in the tasting room, people could pick up a packaged tasting,
someone doesn’t show up, he becomes concerned. He worried when then head to the creek and enjoy a peaceful, leisurely experience. This
he couldn’t make contact with a gentleman he’d befriended through made the switch easier. During the time people weren’t allowed onsite
wine. Eventually, when the man returned from a desert retreat as part at wineries, Red Lily folks were humbled and encouraged by the sup-
of cancer treatment, he dropped by the winery even before returning port their members offered—both in their caring and their word-of-
to his home.
mouth recommendations. Some called simply to say, “We wondered
Parkhurst is currently offering Book Your Bubble events. Wine club how you’re doing?” Members have been ordering for themselves and
members receive priority to create their own private tasting, a small others, with some driving by and phoning for take-out “at the curb,”
bubble of family/friends, for wine and charcuterie. Wine by nature pro- so to speak. DawnDee Dallas, Tasting Room/Wine Club Manager, is
motes conversation and engages the senses—something these events grateful for the faithfulness of their members.
allow, and something needed in this strange season.
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