Most of the time, I work as a producer on primetime TV shows (most recently, In Plain Sight on the USA Network). Of all the shows I’ve been involved with, Dawson’s Creek was the most fun…check out the rest on IMDB if you’re curious. Most often, my job responsibilities involve post production—editing, music, sound, visual effects, and such. Given the seasonal nature of the work, I’m not always working. Like now. But working or not, I can always find a reason to enjoy a glass (or two) (or three) of wine.
The wine thing started pretty late for me…when I was 35 and on a trip to Paris to visit some friends. The wine/cheese/grapes followed by late dinner lifestyle was quite infectious, and a 1997 Lalande-de-Pomerol started my journey. The passion emerged over the years, but this geeking out process has taken me to another level in the last 2 or 3. I’ve managed to mix my wine and work worlds pretty effectively, instituting “Wine Friday” on my shows, on which I bring a bottle or two from different parts of the world for tasting. We also started opening a bottle or two during our final sound mix, when the studio executives and a few other assorted chiefs come to screen a finished episode. We found out quickly that an open bottle of wine mellows things out just perfectly. Now lest you think we’re a bunch of lushes, there are usually 8 people or so in the room…so no worries.
What do I love about wine?
I love that my passion for wine has almost exceeded the enjoyment derived from my day job.
I love that no matter how many bottles I’ve opened, every new bottle is a chance at discovering a flavor combination I’ve never tasted.
I love that the learning curve is completely open ended.
I love that the taste or smell of a wine can provide a wonderful snapshot of a special time and place.
I love that the person you’re with can make wine that much more special.
I also love that more wine can make the person you’re with a little more special.
Speaking of which, I’ll be marrying a very special woman in a few months. Sue and I met in early 2008, and we have enjoyed numerous wine trips and many bottles of wine in a pretty short time, with a lot more to come. I especially look forward to choosing the wines for our upcoming December wedding.
My collection (DrewM on CellarTracker) has more Bordeaux than anything, but while that is getting its cellar time I’ve gravitated towards wines from Spain. Absolutely love ‘em. I visited Penedes and the Priorat in the summer of 2009, and will visit the rest in the coming years.
I live in Glendale, California, and you can occasionally find me prowling on Twitter (@drewmatich).
