*Thoughts on Passion, Patience, and the Art of Winemaking*
If you’ve ever met someone who lives and breathes their craft, you’ll understand the magnetic pull of Matt Dees’ story. As a winemaker, Dees doesn’t just make wine—he *dances* with it. And this dance isn’t a quick, flashy number. It’s a long, patient, deeply intentional waltz with the land, the grapes, and time itself.
In a world that’s increasingly fast-paced and result-driven, Dees’ approach feels almost rebellious. He’s not chasing trends or pushing for mass appeal. Instead, he’s rooted in the belief that great wine is grown, not made. It’s a philosophy that demands respect—for the soil, the climate, and the subtle, unpredictable rhythms of nature.
What strikes me most is his commitment to *place*. Every bottle tells a story of its origin. Whether it’s the chalky hillsides of Santa Barbara or the sun-drenched vineyards of the Central Coast, Dees listens to what the land has to say. He doesn’t force his will upon the vines. He collaborates with them.
And isn’t that what artistry is all about? True mastery lies not in control, but in understanding. In patience. In the willingness to let things unfold as they’re meant to.
For those of us outside the wine world, there’s still so much to take from Dees’ journey. It’s a reminder that some of the most beautiful things in life—whether it’s a relationship, a career, or a creative project—require that same kind of “long dance.” They ask for presence, attentiveness, and the courage to move slowly when everything around you is rushing forward.
So here’s to the dancers. The ones who move to the rhythm of their own harvest. The ones who understand that some things can’t be hurried—they can only be lived.
What’s your “long dance”? And what are you willing to wait for?
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*Sip slowly. Live fully.*
