Eventually he eased next to her. “You look so beautiful, Miss Winery Owner.”
“You look very nice yourself.” She wanted to add that he smelled good too—his cologne was intoxicating—but she didn’t.
“Everything is very nice. Very elegant. Not that I expected any less.”
“Thank you.” She looked around the room at all her guests. “I’m very pleased with the turnout.”
“Are you surprised?” he asked. “People were clamoring to get here … to see this place. To be a part of this movement.”
She laughed nervously. “Stop.”
“No,” he said. “Joieis the talk of the town.”
Remi’s heart raced. She’d been so deeply involved in planning this event, she hadn’t taken the time to put her ear to the street. She didn’t know thatJoiehad gained so much momentum that people were actually chattering about it.
“I didn’t know that.”
“Not only is she beautiful, she’s humble.” Leo grinned widely and pretended to talk to someone else. “Humility is attractive as hell.”
“You are attractive as hell,” she flirted with the man who was beginning to tug at her heartstrings.
“I’m going to mingle before you have a grown man blushing,” he said. “I’ll catch up with you before the night is over.”
Remi giggled. “You’d better catch up with me sooner rather than later.”
“I promise,” he said.
Remi found her way to the center of the two spaces, a mic in her hand.
“Hello, everyone. Welcome toJoie.”
She paused as light applause rippled through the crowd. Her smile was easy.
“We hope that you’re enjoying the music and the rosé,” she continued. “I’m truly thrilled to have you all here tonight. It means so much.”
Guests were smiling and nodding in agreement.
“This evening we’ll be tasting three whites and two reds—all from the Ortiz Vineyard, just across the way.” She gestured toward the far side of the vineyard, where the sun was beginning to dip behind the rows of vines. “That land has been in the Ortiz family for generations, and it’s an honor to partner with them.”
She let a moment pass before adding, “They’ve been instrumental in helping bringJoieto life, and tonight we’re literally bringing joy to your glass, and to your palate.”
A few soft laughs rippled. Glasses raised in silent agreement.
“So,” she said, lifting her own glass, “let us begin.”
The tasting moved throughJoie’s signature whites first—a citrusy Sauvignon Blanc, a buttery Chardonnay, and a crisp Pinot Grigio. Then the reds—an earthy Pinot Noir and a bold Zinfandel. Each wine was paired with one of several small bites—fried goat cheese bites, honeycomb, local chèvre, and crusty bread drizzled with olive oil.
As the night wore on, the sky began to shift. Blue skies became deeper as dusk approached. Inside the mood was lightand mellow. It was the kind of gathering where no one cared about the time. Guests were comfortable and lingered long after the tasting was done.
Paloma stood next to her as she said goodbye to a few guests.
“You knocked it out of the park tonight,” she said.
“Weknocked it out of the park.” Remi grabbed Paloma by the waist. “Could not have done it without you.”
“We make a great team.” Paloma rested her head against Remi’s. Then she released her waist, started toward the kitchen area. “I’m going to check on the winery staff, make sure they’re wrapping things up.”
“What a great event,” Bianca said, walking up. “I couldn’t be prouder.”