02/04/2026
Terroir&Us — the end…
It took me a few months to make this official. It wasn’t an easy decision.
Two years of sweat, tears, and a lot of laughs.
But with the current situation in the vineyard industry — and the economy in general — budgets for contractors have disappeared (especially for the “non-essential” ones). And as much as I love what I was doing… passion doesn’t pay the bills.
So it was time to find a job. Not an easy move either, in today’s climate.
I’ve been asked: “Why not keep it on the side?”
Because vineyards run on strict calendars — you need to be 100% committed.
And working with a horse isn’t something you do halfway. It takes daily dedication, consistency, and real physical effort.
But also, I received some of the best advice from an unexpected person (thank you, Dad #2):
“If you keep it, it will always sit in the back of your mind. You’ll always wonder ‘what if’, and you’ll never fully commit to your next step. And you might end up investing everything into something that may never work.”
That stayed with me.
Today, I feel grateful. Truly.
Grateful that I got to live my dream, even if just for a while.
Grateful for everyone who supported me and believed in what I was building.
Grateful that I was brave enough to try and believe me it took monstrous amount of people saying that to believed it..
There’s no sadness anymore — just pride.
Duchess has gone to a beautiful home, surrounded by friends.
And I’ve stepped into a completely new chapter.
No more vineyards… but always great wine involved 🍷
Cheers, and thank you.
Emma & Duchess
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