the Rohneman cometh…

Relationships are funny—you never know how they’ll turn out.  But there is always the certainty that if you stick around long enough even cooler things happen. I was hired by Michael Rohner back in 2007 at a San Diego wine shop landmark, The WineSellar & Brasserie. He was the irreverent general manager, strumming his guitar, giggling, all with that exacting brilliant and encyclopedic mind. He drove me insane. We’d argue religion, ethics and drugs.  Our relationship was like wedgie meets indian burn. We are thrilled beyond the telling to invite … Read more →

Here’s What I’ll Give You for $1,000 a Night

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) posted a story earlier in the year titled, “What $1000 a Night Gets You.” This piece highlights how clients with sufficient means are willing to pay for intimate and exclusive service at boutique hotels.  Keep in mind $1,000 is the cost for a basic room in this new breed of lodging.  That price doesn’t include the myriad of extra fees and charges that is sure to accompany this type of hotel experience. Sure the high prices are shocking to most (including us) but the ratio … Read more →

“My own chairs to rest upon.”

“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamed of havin´ my own things about me. My spinet…over there, and the table here, and… my own chairs to rest upon. And… and the dresser over there in that corner.  And… my own china and pewter shinin’ about me.  And now…”     -Excerpt from The Quiet Man. Tina and GUY, partners of PROTOCOL wine studio threw a party in June.  We called it Transiency and Transcendentalism.  Our intension was to offer our gratitude to all the family, friends and mentors … Read more →