WINE IS NOT A MAN’S WORLD

(THIS NEWSLETTER HAS BEEN 100% WRITTEN BY A HUMAN -- ME)

Combat sports in Napa? The money won’t follow.

Two things that are bothering me (among a plethora of other things): David Beckham apparently took it in the shorts for drinking a glass of red wine! And, “Napa Knockout Brings World-Class Combat Sports & Wine Country Hospitality Together Under the Napa Sky”. WTF!*

Beckham, who BTW, I know very little about save for the fact, he’s in the ether. The bloke was “caught” sippin’ on a glass of wine. Who the hell cares, except I do, a little, but it’s not what you might think.

And as for that knockout, combat battle apparently being staged for The Swells, this is what we’ve come to: A country at war, a country that features bloodsport on the front lawn of our house, and a bucolic spot in the middle of vineyards that’s gonna have blokes and bloketts pummeling the crap out of each other. Maybe the splattered blood will help the vines flourish – or maybe die.

Re: Beckham. Words such as “gobsmacked”, “glug”, “stunned”, “throws back”, “shamed” were used all over the Internet to characterize the retired footballer’s faux pas de un as he watched a World Cup match.

The Drinks Business quoted fans and wine folk with this: “Who would of thought, an adult drinking wine”. What, did she/he (likely the latter) expect, a Gen Zer knocking back a goblet of vino? Not a chance.

Or this: “Red wine is a mad choice in that humidity from David Beckham.” That may be right. A white wine likely would have been more suitable for the occasion but what the hell, it’s the Bending guy.

And from a wine MS, who got it right, especially in this wine climate: “Given the commercial and political pressure the drinks industry is under it is a relief to see a celebrity drinking any sort of alcoholic beverage in public.”

Like lots of others, my very first reaction when I saw the chap flashed on the telly with a large glass in hand, was that the vessel was way too big; and connotated classicism. Not the best of looks. But at least the gent was holding the glass by the stem which likely invoked classicism and a guy who knows wine. And one report on the kerfuffle had a headline with the word “Enjoying”. In the end, much adieu about nothin’.

***

As for that lots-more-than-a-hubbub fight night taking place in Napa Valley at Rutherford Vineyards, July 25; what da hell? First, that despicable and unbelievable and insane spectacle on the White House lawn; and now Napa Valley? Where to next? The Ferry Building Plaza on the waterfront in San Francisco? Or Times Square? This ain’t no Jack Johnson 100-round fight 100 years ago. This is some gladiator bloodsport thing being presented as a sportsman and sportswomen thing. It ain’t any such thing.

“No, you can’t have my wine. But you can have my soul.”

It’s an extravaganza being presented by Alpha white Men for Alpha white Men. And I’m sure they’ll be some Alpha Women – a lot of buxom blondes likely there, too – for the Alpha Men to gaze upon and to sate their misogynist, machismo thirst for in-your-face power.

The press release about this debacle reads: “Set beneath the Napa sky, Napa Knockout will combine the energy of championship combat sports with the elegance and atmosphere of one of California’s premier destinations. Guests will enjoy an exclusive evening featuring world-class competition, VIP experiences, premium wine, entertainment, and appearances from legendary figures in the combat sports world.”

Hyperbole aside, it may be for charity that supports(?) previously battered battlers, but at a grand a pop for ringside seats, one would think the red Raymond wine, one hopes wine will be thrown in as a perk, no doubt in huge goblets.

This is no way to attract the Gen Zers – or most anyone else – to what is barely now — the most respected wine region in America. Some young’uns might come to see this hideous display but they won’t be at Raymond for the wine.

Heaven help us.

*I miss you, Marc Maron, who is definitely not an Alpha Male