Outskirts Press, INC.

Life, as seen through the eyes
of a western Colorado “wine wench.”

At a crossroads in her life, Gemma finds herself living again with her parents, on their western Colorado ranch. A gypsy by nature, she decides to stay put for a while. In the process, she discovers adventures of the heart, embracing delicious and sometimes painful life lessons.

While setting down roots, Gemma cultivates a crop of incredible women friends who work in Colorado’s wine industry. The men in her life come and go, but her sparkling, imperfect, loyal girlfriends endure. This is everyday life, set amid the orchards and vineyards, ski slopes and desert. Gemma relishes her maturation process, celebrating it with the area’s viniferous libations.

These stand-alone chronicles may be read as short stories or strung together as a progressive tale of one woman’s life in western Colorado. Enjoy a nibble or a feast. But don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of wine!

"Listen," Gemma says, leaning over the counter. "They're just words. You can say whatever comes to mind when you roll wine around the inside of your mouth."

"What if my taste buds aren't developed?"


"Makes no difference. Just say the first thing that pops into your mind."


"How do I start?"


"Have a taste of cracker. Sip a little water. Now, with your eyes closed, sniff the wine deeply from the glass," Gemma says, pausing. "Here, let me show you." She pours herself a tad for purpose of demonstration, then closes her eyes and inhales the bouquet through her nostrils, taking her time. She opens her eyes.


"Mmmhmm?" the woman says, mimicking Gemma's actions, waiting for something to occur to her.

"What comes to mind?" asks Gemma.


"Um . . . uh, nah, it wouldn't make any sense."

"Try me."


"Okay. Honeysuckle or alfalfa blossoms?"


"Yes!" Gemma and Reagan shout together, high-fiving each other, doing a little dance. "And, that's just on the nose," Gemma says. "It's promising. Let's see if taste delivers."