A note from Nina
Dear Friends,
It's taken me a few days to collect my thoughts, get organized and clear the fog in my head. These are crazy times. But I've been wanting and meaning to send a note out to all of you with some updates, thoughts and most importantly lots of love to you all!!
We are all in this together, isolated in place across the globe and yet I somehow feel closer to you than ever. Suffering has proven to be an enlightening experience, for many of us, throughout our lives, and this moment of difficulty and for some, tragic loss, is no different.
My situation is this: Chloe's school has identified multiple cases of COVID-19. They have put the entire community on “Isolate in Place.” So we are in for the next 2-3 weeks and will respect the mandate. As you know, I have a huge community of family and friends in Italy and if there is one thing I have learned from them over these past couple of weeks, it is that we MUST respect the Social Distancing and Isolation requirements. They are 10 days in the future, they know, and the situation should not be underestimated by any of us.
A short update on the company: after the 3+ months of stagnant water due to the tariff threat and now the required closure of 98% of my clients, it's is a difficult time. But I will not give up! DOCG Imports grew by 4x in 2019, our sales are up, our team has grown, and we are stronger and more passionate than ever. For now, we pause and support our local community to contain the spread. I have inventory in the warehouse, a full container on its way across the ocean AND the online wine shop remains open for anyone who needs a curbside delivery (I have help to make that happen if you need us).
Also, our partners at Ambogio15 are offering our wines to pick up with your pizza order, thanks to the ABC and local authorities relaxing the laws and allowing temporarily "take-out wine with food"! :-)) They will be donating 25% of their wine sales to San Diego Food Bank and supporting the program called "The Food 4 Kids Backpack". This program was established in 2006 and provides weekend food packages to chronically hungry elementary school students from low-income households, who are at risk of hunger over the weekend when free school meals are unavailable. You can order the wine through their website and pick up at Ambrogio15 Pacific Beach.
One personal thing I do want to share with you today is my gratitude for the amazing support and encouragement you have all given to me over these years as I transitioned into the wine world. I am so lucky and so happy to have joined this amazing industry, working with so many brilliant and passionate people. From my dear friends producing the wines to restaurateurs, chefs, mixologists, bar owners, wine directors, sommeliers, wine lovers and of course my retail customers... I've made a lot of new friends, and you have all changed my life for the better! It's an absolute dream to wake up each day looking forward to doing what I do! Thank you!!! From the bottom of my heart, thank you!!
I wish you all the very best in this challenging time. Find ways to enjoy the time at home! I’m baking, making fresh pasta, cooking elaborate meals, sharing virtual aperitivos with friends, meditating more, doing a 30-day core workout challenge, taking extra good care of my skin, my hair, doing my nails… and planning for the next phase of DOCG Imports!
It's going to be ok. We will all get through this. You are not alone, and I would love to hear back from any of you with your updates and plans to ride out the time at home.
Stay safe everyone and spread love, not viruses... please STAY HOME!
See you soon!
Nina
