Novato's Own Woman Winemaker
Cynthia Klock, a local winemaker, will soon be sharing her story on NPAT (Novato Public Access Television). Anyone approaching retirement age will want to watch this program!
At the age of 50, Cynthia was in a position to retire early, which caused her to do some serious soul searching about doing something meaningful in the remaining productive years of her life.
Retiring from being a nurse taking care of cancer patients, she made an assessment of her skills and decided to become a winemaker. Nursing provided her with a strong chemistry background. She also learned from her winetasting friends that she had an extremely good palate and could easily identify aromas and tastes. She and her husband bought 40 acres west of Novato, which was not big enough for dairy or hay production but perfect for a vineyard and olive trees.
Cynthia took courses at UC Davis and gained tremendous knowledge from winery friends, and West Wind Wines was the result. The magic of the winery that makes it incredibly special is that 100 percent of the profit from the wines and olive oil go directly to the support of Novato’s Gilead House, a home for abused women with young children.
The interview with Cynthia Klock was produced by club members of Soroptimist International of Novato. This is a preview of the program that is yet to be edited, but most likely will be shown on Wednesday evening at 7 or 7:30 p.m. and repeated on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. within the next two weeks.
For more information about Cynthia Klock and West Wind Wines check www.westwindwines.com. For more information about the Soroptimist organization, check www.soropnovato.org.
Sylvia Barry
9:47 am on Saturday, January 14, 2012
Great article, Carole. So glad you shared Cynthia's background and passion with us.
I enjoyed meeting her and her wonderful friends at the tea party at your house (which you donated and Cynthia won at the Gilead House fundraiser)
I look forward to watching her program on Sounding Board on NPAT and meeting more amazing women as a member of the Soroptimist International of Novato!
Patricia Hess
12:58 pm on Saturday, January 14, 2012
I was in the studio when this program was recorded, and it is delightful! Lots of tips for tasting wine, too.
The Sounding Board television program is produced by Soroptimist international of Novato, with programs every Wednesday evening at 7:00 and 7:30.
Thanks for this blog, Carole!
Fredda
9:43 am on Sunday, January 15, 2012
This was an especially educational and interesting program. I don't drink wine so I was surprised how fascinating the whole show was. Perhaps you could use this show to spin off additional programs on wine.
Mary Blount
12:01 pm on Sunday, January 15, 2012
Great article Carole! Thank you so much for sharing. I was a camera woman in the studio and I was blown away and inspired by Cynthia! Look forward to seeing the show.
Bill
12:18 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012
drink up!
Cinda Weisgerber
11:40 pm on Friday, January 27, 2012
I've had the pleasure of attending the last Flights and Bites - an annual fundraiser held at West Winds Winery - the Cave. This is an event where you get the opportunity to taste Cynthia's fabulous wines, some delicious food that is paired with each wine, bid on a silent auction and purchase wine and/or Gilead House Olive Oil - the proceeds all benefit the Gilead House. You should get on the mailing list so you get an invitation to the next event. You will definitely want to walk away from it with at least one case of wine to enjoy at home.