BY Richard harvey
Sometimes dreams become realities. Of course we’d all like to forget the nightmares — that important distinction from pleasurable dreams — and conscious effort is necessary to accomplish this task. Make no mistake: dreams that become real still have their own complications and challenges, like this one…
A funny personal dream became a reality in 1996 when Metrovino opened in October of that year. Aspirations of being an innovative and unusual wine store sound like (and are) vague goals, but proved to be enough material to lash together into a raft upon which to launch into stormy seas.
I often say that working in the wine world has taught me how to be patient. Vines and wines take many years to mature to their full potential and one can only carefully cultivate and sustain them with all possible effort and skill. Grape growers speak proudly of their old vine vineyards; we’re just doing the same! But while Metrovino has achieved a “certain age”, I’d love to share a cause for celebration that is more focussed on a source of youthful energy.
After 28 years now, the “vineyard” of Metrovino is at a stage where even better things are to come. At fruitful moments, good things happen. The active partnership of Metrovino is expanding with the addition of Sarah Boucher and Eva Hudson as Metrovino’s newest partners.
This is a seamless change from the perspective of store operations, as you’ve all had the chance to get to know and love these two bright and energetic women for a number of years. This means that, along with our partner, Al Drinkle, a contingent of some of Calgary’s best informed and motivated wine mavens will be leading Metrovino into the future!
We want to officially recognize and celebrate Sarah and Eva as our new shareholders, but we (especially me, the Old Guy) have really been doing this from the moment that these two joined our ranks. When you have the pleasure of dealing with either or both of them, please feel free to congratulate these two knowledgeable and intelligent young women.
Sarah is a Calgary local who brings extensive culinary knowledge as a trained chef and a Wonder Woman-esque ability to physically manage thousands of cases of wine in our warehouse. She will be our principal Spanish wine buyer, and already our shelves are showing the benefits of her work. In classic Metrovino style, Sarah has obtained for us some of the lesser-known treasures of Spain.
To our great fortune, Eva arrived from Australia just prior to Covid. An immediate bond was formed in early conversations as Eva had amazing familiarity with some of our tiny European producers due to her work in one of Australia’s best restaurants, Attica. A splendid baker and consummate wine-lover, Eva will look after Metrovino’s purchasing from Italy as well as managing Metrovino’s communications and overseeing our tasting schedules.
As the “Old Man of Metrovino”, I will conclude by asserting that our full roster of mates at Metrovino is a joy to experience, and the trio of Al, Eva and Sarah are set to see us through the next 28 years. As for me, I’m NOT going anywhere soon (OK, still travelling to Europe, but working five or six days a week in the store when I’m not). I’m just elated that the “vineyard” of Metrovino has all of the necessary elements to continue to provide you, our lovely customers, with a harvest of amazing wines.
