Chapter 34

From a glass of wine in Miami to the hills of Oregon to the winemakers themselves, I journeyed in quest of the source of liquid passion. A successful winemaker holds the secret to the fascinating alchemy necessary to bottle passion. Once a bottle is opened, it's a magical experience to see this passion pour into the glass, to anticipate the aromas in the colors of a job well done. When they finally explode in the mouth, all the elements swirl into place in a complex dance. From the fiery heat of the sun ... to soil, wind, and rain ... earth, air, and water ... all are spellbound into a perfect liquid potion.

As I wrote my article in the privacy of my room at the Salem Country Inn, I realized that my words were infused with magic. I lifted my fingertips to touch the amber still hanging around my neck.

Was magic still dwelling?

I saved my words, turned off my laptop, and went to bed wearing only the pendant.