I first met Archie in 1986 at the third year of what was then known as the KCBX Wine Classic Auction and Tasting. Held at the San Luis Bay Inn over three days, it was the epitome of all such regional occasions for wine and food aficionados from around the world. It was a get-together to celebrate a shared passion and to raise some money for local charities. It was the most significant promotion of Central Coast winemakers and wineries at an embryonic time.
Archie and I immediately connected as if we were brothers. Over the years, not only did we create many wine events and dinners, but we cared about each other, confided in each other, and provided council for each other in times of need. We saw eye to eye on the need for the lifestyle auction lots we put together to always be classy and educational and have value for others, as well as being a benefit for local charities.
My dear friend died on February 20 at age 75 of advanced stages of bone cancer. His life took him from his birth in Atlanta, Georgia, through college at Vanderbilt and Memphis State, and then to California as a sales rep with West legal publications. Archie’s interest in wine grew in the ’70s and ’80s, and his gentle Southern accent drew many into wine appreciation, as did his sense of humor.
