Page 26 of Secrets, Scandals and Baby Shoes

“Thanks.”

They headed downstairs in silence to meet Monica in the lobby. She smiled at them and gestured to the door.

“Shall we get started?”

“Perfect.” The trio headed out into the vineyards.

“Do you always offer private tours like this?” Elliot asked.

“Sometimes, although they’re a little pricier. Most of our guests choose to go with a small group. Actually, for some of the activities, you’ll meet a few of our current guests.”

“That would be helpful,” Elliot said. “If we can find out what draws your current clientele, we can understand better how to attract more business.”

“Certainly. Feel free to chat with them or ask me any questions you have. In the meantime, though, let me tell you more about the vineyard. Now that it’s September, we’re right in the middleof the harvest season, which is why our vineyard is a little crowded. You can see a few tour groups over there and there.” Monica pointed. “You can also see a few of our farmers picking the grapes. They still pick by hand to enable precise selection of perfectly ripe grapes. You can try picking a few grapes as well, if you like.”

She led them to the first row of vines. “Select a grape to try. We grow a few different varietals here, but you can tell ripeness in the same way for most of them.”

Monica explained more about the vineyard’s microclimates and grape varietals, then pointed out a few key characteristics of ripe grapes. When she was finished, Lucy lifted onto her toes to select a plump dark purple grape, which she popped into her mouth. It was sweet, fresh, juicy and very flavorful. It tasted like summer sunshine.

“This is much better than what I usually get from the store,” she said, reaching for another.

“That’s because all the Pura Vida farms use conscientious farming practices to ensure that each grape is cultivated in the best possible way,” Monica explained, looking pleased at Lucy’s comment. Elliot tried a grape as well and nodded.

“It is good.”

“We also process the grapes in-house,” Monica continued, “as you’ll see later today. Since we’re a small vineyard, we focus on the wine-making process and our guest experience more than manufacturing at scale, although we do always have a few bottles to sell. You’re welcome to pick one up in our gift shop.” She winked, this time at Elliot, and Lucy felt a momentary pinch ofenvy when he grinned back at Monica. So, he could still flirt with women. Just not with her.

“That’s a tempting offer.”

Monica went on to explain how the vineyard managed their grapes through selective pruning, canopy management, and exact timing. “We also comply with all regulations to ensure optimal quality,” Monica finished. “One of the benefits of the Pura Vida chain is that you can sample wines from a variety of our vineyards during your tasting, so you aren’t limited to the wines that we produce at this vineyard.”

“It must be quite a production to put on tours while also harvesting and processing the grapes,” Lucy said.

“It is, but it’s worth it. Just look at this.”

Obediently, Lucy swept her gaze across the fields. The sun was high in the soft blue sky, the grape vines were a bright, healthy green, the hills rolled, and the scene in front of her looked like it had been cut from a storybook. The grape harvesters began packing up their equipment and walking out of the fields. Many waved at Monica on the way past, and she greeted a few by name.

“Are you this familiar with everyone at your vineyards?” Lucy asked.

“I wish, but no. Pura Vida Napa Valley is close to our headquarters in San Francisco, so I’m able to stop by more frequently. It always gives me a better perspective to be out of the city and in the fields.” Monica smiled. “That’s part of why I wanted the two of you to come out here.”

Lucy and Elliot exchanged a guilty look.

“We really are pleased to have this opportunity,” Lucy said. “And we apologize for the presentation.”

“There’s no need. It’s water under the bridge.”

One of the farmers called out to Monica with a question, and she waved back. “Just a second.” She hurried off towards the farmer. Elliot and Lucy looked at each other.

“There’s a lot riding on this, huh?” Elliot said. “If this doesn’t go well… Anyway. I think she has really high standards.”

“I think she’s really being very understanding,” Lucy countered.

Elliot sighed. “You can never just agree with me, can you?”

“When you’re right, I will.”

“So, you don’t think there’s a lot riding on this?”

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