Garretson closing down his wine enterprise

[wondersofwine]

Saw on WLDG forum that Mat Garretson is calling it quits--the economy factors into it, also time away from his young children while traveling to promote his wines, and desire to leave California. He may resettle the family in Georgia or the Carolinas after the school year ends. I know Dananne has visited with him and likes his wines.

[dananne]

This is sad, as I've enjoyed spending some time with Mat, who is a fantastic and fun guy, and his wines have always given us pleasure. He clearly knew what he was doing, and his wines were always unique, something that can't be said for everything out there these days. If you see anything on your shelves, pick it up and toast winemakers like him. I'll try to remember to pop one of his wines soon and do the same.

[Bucko]

Another dream gone due to our lovely congress...on both sides of the aisle. The American public has let let these crooks run us into the ground with their freewheeling spending. It is time to hold them accountable.

Dear Friends:

After months of reflection discussion and prayer, Amie and I have decided to
pull the plug on Garretson Wine Company. I am sure that you can appreciate that
this was not an easy decision to make...but it's one that, having now made it,
we are entirely at peace with.

There were a number of factors which led to this decision. Firstly, as you
are no doubt aware, the economy is in a shambles. That means it's gotten a whole
lot tougher to sell high-end wines, and that those folks that are buying our
wines aren't paying us in a timely manner. Secondly, the only way I've been able
to keep selling wine is to constantly be on the road. While I've not been one to
shirk from the title, "Road Warrior", it DOES get old...not to mention
awfully expensive.

And how it has taken its toll on my family. Before my last big road trip,
my son Thomas asked if I'd bring him home a big tube of Krazy Glue. When I
asked him why, he responded, "So I can glue your feet to the ground, and
you'll stop traveling so much." Ouch. Thom's now eight, and Jack is nine.
It's simply not worth my missing their childhoods to go out every Monday
and return home every Saturday.

Add to these factors that Amie and I both feel the time is right to move
out of California. I've been here 15 years...Amie 11. It's never really been
home to us. We miss four seasons, better schools for the kids and a more
realistic cost of living. Our hearts are telling us that we'd like to live
somewhere in the Southeast...particularly somewhere in Georgia, or the
Carolinas, but we're open to other locales as well. It's our hope that
we'll make this move after the kids are through with the school year.

What will really determine our relocation plans will be where I can find a
good job. While my job search won't exclude the possibility of another
position in the wine business, I am open to other opportunities. Certainly,
if you are aware of any potential leads (in or out of the wine business)
that you think I'd be ideal for, I'd sure like to hear from you.

And I'd like to ask you for your prayers for my family during the start of
this new adventure. We value them...and your friendship!

Feel free to reach out...and rest assured we'll keep in touch, too.

With Love,

Mat & Amie Garretson

[Kcwhippet]

It's a real shame. I remember meeting Mat back when he was working at Eberle and thinking then that he had a real passion for wine, even with his laid back attitude. I next met up with him when he was brand manager at Wild Horse and just starting his own winemaking career. We've had quite a few of his wines over the years and have never been disappointed. We'll miss him.