North Bay Woman

S P R I N G | S U M M E R 2 0 2 0 NORTH BAY WOMAN 69 By Lori Pearce M arch 27 was supposed to be our Tasting Divas night. Our theme was "Celebrate," and we were going to be joined by the mother-daughter duo, Karla Reed and Tiana Sawyer, behind Wild Rising Wines. We anticipated laughter, camarade- rie, food, drink and a Women's Ceremonial Celebration Circle. Guests were asked to bring their crystals, sacred stones or any important talisman to use and to recharge during our circle. Our evening and circle intentions were then going to be shared in this article. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 shelter in place, the event was postponed. We were creative, though, and have since had a few virtual wine tastings. Themes have been varied, yet positivity and support have been constant. Reed and Sawyer have purpose- ly chosen to include Gaia, the Greek mythological ancestral mother of all life, in their winemaking. Reed has worked at many prestigious local wineries, and is vice president of supply chain at Vintage Wine Estates. Sawyer, a new mom, has her master's degree in viticulture and enology from University of California, Davis. She facilitates meditation and sound baths along with new moon and full moon workshops, and is the wine- maker for Sonoma Coast Vineyards. Reed and Sawyer pour their passions into their winemaking which melds the organic and the metaphysical. All of the grapes they use come from local family vineyards that practice organic or bio-dynamic farming. Sawyer, a vegan, promotes a natural lifestyle and enthu- siastically incorporates those principles into the wine. Reed, who studies Reiki Healing and Vibrational Power, brings the energy of flowers, crystals and sound into every sip. The winning combination from Mother Earth and Mother Gaia led them to their inaugural harvest Reed and Sawyer released their first wines, the Shimmer and Shadow col- lection, in spite of the current situation. The collection embodies the ying and yang of life, the masculine and feminine, the light and dark, the ebb and flow, the night and day. Shimmer, a 100% Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, is inspired with citrine, labradorite, and rose quartz, just begging to let your inner light run free. Shadow, 100% Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, vibrates with moonstone, celestite and apophyllite crystals, creating an ambiance of deep reflection. Reed and Sawyer explain that the crystals don't necessarily influence the aroma or taste, yet impact the profile of the wine and its energy reconnecting us to the Earth and to the Gaia. For more information about Wild Rising Wine, to purchase wine, or to buy wine with a self- care gift pack including smudge stick, feather wand, and five element crystal, visit wildrising- wines.com. n Divine crystalline Tap into crystal frequency by holding, wearing and keeping them close. Citrine — Carries the virtues of self healing, inspiration and self-improvement. Labradorite — Known for being the third eye enhancing mental and intuitive abilities. Rose quartz — The heart stone of un- conditional love and feminine energy. Moonstone — Legend says this stone brings good luck. Celestite — Symbol of peace providing clearer vision. Apophyllite — Calming and tranquil, encouraging honesty. Keep your crystals energized. Flowing water: A natural stream is best, however you can put your crystals in a glass dish and run cool water over them for 15 minutes. Moonlight: Place your crystals in a dish outside overnight during a full moon. Mythical stones add mystique to virtual wine tastings Wild Rising Wines Left: Mother and daughter Karla Reed and Tiana Sawyer, with Kaia Quinn Sawyer, 10 months, launched Wild Rising Wines, balancing Mother Earth and Mother Gaia. Above: Sacred Self-Care Gift Set. – Photos courtesy Wild Rising Wines Sacred Sips

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