The Story of Rich: A Financial Fable of Wealth and Reason During Uncertain Times

Chapter 7

Mechanics of Investing and Winemaking

The Vivas departed Shady Oaks vineyard with a twinge of sadness and nostalgia. Their two-night visit had been a satisfying combination of comfortable and interesting.

“That’s going to be hard to beat,” Rich said as he drove their rented convertible down Shady Oaks’ long gravel driveway and to the highway.

“You never know,” Peg said. “There’s still a lot to see. I’m hoping we can find another winery tour where we can watch the whole process again. I thought that was fascinating.”

“Me, too—and who knew it would turn into a lesson in investing?” Rich responded.

Peg looked across the grassy rolling countryside and tied a veil over her hair to keep it from whipping around in the windy convertible.

“You never know where you’re going to find that kind of insight,” she said with a wry smile. “You’d be surprised how often it’s sitting in the seat right beside you.”

“Don’t I know it,” Rich said as he gunned the convertible down the road.

They were headed about 15 miles north to the next stop on their tour, a fledgling winery called Frais Valley. The wine seller at their local wine shop had recommended Frais Valley to the Vivas a couple of years earlier. They had tried a few of the label’s varietals and enjoyed all of them.

Rich pulled the car into the dirt parking lot at Frais Valley’s tasting room. A chalkboard on the front wall shared some welcome news: “Winery Tour at 2 pm.”

“Excellent! It looks like you’re going to get your wish,” Rich ...