I am Doukénie's daughter and it might be of interest to some for me to share some of my mother's wisdom, teachings and philosophical sayings that I was exposed to as the daughter of the family.

What I learned became the seed that generated my own philosophy in my maturing years. I am my mother's daughter and what I write is my interpretation of her teaching, as I see it, live it and promote it.

Even the Gods Smiled When Man Introduced Wine

A BATTALION AT ATTENTION

The car ahead of me slowed down to a crawl. As I followed suit and slowed down also I
was wondering why, as I turned my head to the left I fully understood. I couldn’t help
smiling, because there at military stance was a beautiful sight. Still dressed in winter garb,
absolutely at attention with not a movement to be seen they stood in silence, regal in their
positions, side by side. I almost felt like saluting them. Instead I felt pride. They were
what appeared dormant, but relaying the message. Wait until you see us in action then you’ll
be proud. But, my first thought was, it took years of tender loving care for them to reach
this stage. The prize, our grapes, growing like an army at full attention waiting for the
moment when warm weather signals them and like the officer giving a command has them
bursting in agricultural victory. The final analysis, the production of wine for Doukénie
Winery, a family dream.

Hope
Passing of winter 2012

My Friend Zoi {Life}

Yesterday I discovered my best friend Zoi, has come down with something that has us
all baffled. Last year we lost Lucy the farm dog and all of us considered it a
tragedy. She was like family and with us a long time. Now my friend with whom I have
become very close has developed a problem. Because of my advanced age, I live through her.
She takes me everywhere without question or hesitation. Even though my age cloisters me
in my house, with Zoi, I feel alive and young and eager for our next adventure. I cannot lose her.
As soon as possible I will check with my son, the Doctor and see if this problem can be solved.
Rick is an expert with computers and hopefully he will be able to cure my computer, Zoi, from the
virus with which she is afflicted.

Small Talk

Have you ever given thought to the importance of "small talk?"
I have! I find it has essence, it is helpful, cheering and sometimes
it is necessary.
I don't think I am alone in feeling this way because I have experienced
many a situation that ensued in "small talk" that brought a smile to the
face of the person caught with me in an elevator.

I have walked into a doctor's office checking my watch to see if I was
on time flustered to have the only other person there remark, "she is running
a little late". Comforted momentarily, I respond and we "small talk",
until one of us is ushered in to the Doctor's office. Hardly a moment
of conversation but I felt pleased and experienced a pleasant farewell
when her appointment was over with an additional, "Have a good day".
directed at me.

Preoccupied with keeping my books together as I head for the library
exit, I look up to see a kind person who has recognized my dilemma and
holds the door open for me. My profuse thanks, lends itself to "small talk"
as we head for our cars, and an ending of " see you next time".

Having a total stranger approach me {usually a women} at an eatery with
a tray of food looking for a place to sit because all other tables are occupied,
with a "would you mind, it is packed in here today?" "Of course not". and
in no time we indulge in, "small talk". We separate when done, never to
meet again, but the ten minute conversation gives my spirits a lift.

And the atmosphere of Doukénie Winery
employs “small talk”.
It’s amazing how many strangers meet other
strangers and sitting near one another is conducive to small talk.
Everyone parting with a smile of satisfaction written on their faces
and pleasant memories.

Mother Nature
Fickle fall has favored us with her appearance
though, closing on the last of summer,
the temperatures have not varied much.
Sunshine, clouds, rain each battling for
Dominance.
Trees gently turning autumn colors, and dropping
their leaves to the ground.
Defying the calendar warm temperatures prevail.
Harvest time winery activities on fast forward.
Taste of Italy, now behind us, grape pressing, bistro night
with release parties, a menu of activities that brings
smiles and small talk to all who cross the threshold of
Doukénie Winery

A SENIORS OBSERVATION

A hug and a smile can make life worth while. The hug
may be brief but the smile lingers on. Light conversation
ensues lifting spirits erasing the blues. Daily life is filled
with the mundane. Trials and tribulations inhibit the
encouragement and promotion of gratification for
accomplishments performed on a daily basis.
When a brief interlude, friendly or social, interrupts
the daily routine bringing a ray of sunshine, it’s the
smile that enhances the spirit and the quality of life.
It promotes sharing stories and comparing life’s
experiences.
A new avenue of social intercourse has gradually
Introduced itself into our society. Grape growing
and production of wine has opened new doors to
relaxation involving the family. An aspect of
socializing that brings families and couples to an
agriculture environment promoting temporary
peace and tranquility, brief as it may be. Coupled
with a bottle of wine creates a picture of life
sublime enjoying an afternoon at Doukenie Winery.
Hope Bazaco

LOVE
I know I am loved. Young as I am it did not take
me long to recognize the look, voice and attention
bestowed upon me. When a hint that something
was physically wrong with me and my defect became
apparent, you did not turn away. You reached out to
soothe me hugging me and I innocently thought
it would go away.
My handicap, more pronounced, as time went by
was something that could not be avoided
When a professional opinion was sought, I knew
I was in trouble. I could recognize the sadness.
When a decision had to be made, the look portrayed
clearly was, should we, could we, shall we?
The look in your eyes, your choked up voice relayed
what I already new.
My name is Charley.
I am five years old and
I am a black lab that is
about to have surgery to
right a severe problem.
But, I am loved and my family will be waiting for me,
when I recover and return to the love they have for me.
I live at Doukénie Winery.

WHERE SHALL WE GO TODAY?


A friendly smiling face, a setting so sublime one cannot
resist an offer of a glass of Doukénie wine.
Pleasant faces in the background, cheerful expressions,
happy sounds.
First glass presented sets the pace.
A swirl, a sip, lights up the face.
Animated conversation ensues, in order to
determine which one to choose.
When affable choices are smilingly made
determining their selection of their favorite wine,
Off they go with a wave and a smile and a cheerful
"See you next time"

Doukénie Winery  |   14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro, VA 20132   |   540-668-6464                                                  Follow Us on