I WAS BORN WITH A SUITCASE IN MY HAND: ADVENTURES AROUND THE WORLD Becky Rochester would gladly live out of a suitcase if it meant she could see the world, and that is what she did and continues to do today. She has lived in WI, IL, PA, CA, OR, New Zealand and Australia. Working in different wineries and vineyards and now a brewery, she lives life to the fullest. Sometimes following her heart instead of her head put her in some difficult situations, but she wouldn't change a thing.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Two Harvests in One Year!
Unemployed once again. Yep. Just the life of an international harvester. I just finished work as a Seasonal Viticulturist at Richard's Grove and Saralee's Vineyard in Windsor, California. It feels like just yesterday that I drove 35 hours straight cross country to start working the 2008 harvest in the Russian River (Sonoma area).Not only did I work in the vineyard but I also took up a part-time night shift position at Martinelli Winery. I worked 3 nights a week there sometimes putting in 20+ hour days between both jobs. The winery was hard work!
This harvest I worked with the most inspirational woman I have ever met in my life. Her name is Saralee. She is dedicated to her family, friends and employees. She is hard working, compassionate and full of energy. I can only hope that someday I can be just as fantastic as a woman as she is. She has inspired me to work harder and not give up. I am even more excited now about being in the wine industry than I was before. This is where I belong.
So what's in store next? Good question. I have a few opportunities in the works. First, I have been offered a harvest position in Tasmania which starts in the middle of February. It's a great opportunity, I get to travel and work with some three people I worked with in New Zealand and of course I get paid to learn more about winemaking. On the other hand, a part of me is ready to get back to my city life in Chicago. I miss my friends and I sometimes I miss having a 9-5 job. I had a phone interview last week with a Chicago area wine company. It went really well and they have asked me to come in for a second interview.
Friday Andries and I head to Oregon to do a little wine research or as some most people refer to as winetasting. From there we head across Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota and should arrive in good ole' Wisconsin in the middle of the week. I am excited to catch up with family and friends. It's been a long, but fun 9 months living in New Zealand, Australia and California. Once I get home I will unpack my bags and hang up my gumboots until the next adventure comes my way.
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