There's an old adage about roads travelled and the choices we must make between them that has all of the great hallmarks of wisdom imparted: brevity, broad imagery, and a voice certain of its value.
But life isn't as orderly as words written on a page, and is infinitely more complicated than any spoken analogy or metaphor can communicate. It's a place where difficult roads are often times chosen for you, and real answers are found in the spaces between the lines, rather than written neatly on top of them.
A few weeks prior to the 2013 Harvest, upcoming Washington winemaker (and my younger brother) Dain Carter, was paralyzed in an accident on his birthday. What began as a day celebrating his life and recent career accomplishments, ended as a night filled with fear, anxiety, and uncertainty.
The only thing that WAS certain? That I would do anything to help him. It turned out that so many of YOU would as well, and contributions through our combined fundraising efforts in the first 16 months post-injury have helped support all of the things needed as one literally starts their life over.
The launching of our eponymous new wine label, Carter Lamour, hasn't merely been years in the making. It's been two lifetimes spent on a road that began in the wheat fields of Kansas, bent through the vineyards of eastern Washington and finally led to a place where the ocean meets the mountains...the gates of the Emerald City. A place where even a dream interrupted can still come true.
Your contribution towards the fundraising goal will help Carter Lamour through the infancy stage of growth, and will provide immediate infrastructure essentials such as: high-quality used barrels for wine storage, barrel racks, fermentation vessels, harvest supplies, and fruit. Our supporters will be the first to receive special offers and discounts on future releases, get sneak peak video, picture and story updates on what starting a winery looks and feels like, plus all of the damn Inspiration you can stand that will come from following our story.
Reflecting on the transition from an unexpected career calling (caregiving) back to my true passion (winemaking) has illuminated a few truths in my life: a commitment to always give with my whole heart, a resolute patience in all things...and the certainty that I've never felt alone in the process.
So please, be a part of Carter Lamour and together, Let's Make Wine!
