The editorial was written for the introduction of The Wine Hour #24 with Ferdinand Mähler-Besse.

As we are closing Season 2, I am so happy and grateful that the adventure has gone that far. Thank you to the wonderful Wine Dream Team, your sharp comments, the great energy and passion you bring. Thank you the loyal audience. You are the reason why we are doing this show. To bring you a different perspective on the world of wine, and sometimes beyond the world of wine.

And so much has happened since we started Season 2. Lockdowns have been eased then erased, putting us back into a changed world because people have changed during these long weeks and months of secludion. People trying to reinvent themselves, to make better use of their times on this planet. With more meaning and purpose.

But at the same time, we have been reminded that the powers-that-be don’t change. On February 24, as we were welcoming the tenor Joseph Calleja, the russian tanks were invading the sovereign state of Ukraine. That day the international order changed for the foreseeable future. How could this be even possible in the 21st century after 2 world wars, and countless conflicts. A few days ago, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade, abolishing abortion rights. Setting the country backwards by decades. Words are missing to describe the impact on women across the country. How could this even be possible as well?

While all this is happening, we enter the first normal(ish) summer in a long time. A time to unwind, and rest. Americans for 15 days, Europeans for 6 to 8 weeks. A time favorable to take care of yourselves (though this is something you should do all year round). Sometimes to keep your sanity it’s important to disconnect from the world. And if you want to change the world, you better be rested. Have a beautiful summer.

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