The Origin of The Bonne Vivant

This week, Sacred Sundays arrives in your inbox with a fresh new look. The template has been refreshed, and while I hope it won’t affect its deliverability to you, it certainly can’t get any worse than last week—when everything broke, including my website.

I spent the better part of seven days in what I now call tech purgatory.Picture endless chats with bots, copy-pasting mysterious DNS records, and a crash course in email authentication I never asked for. It was maddening at times—and, I’ll admit, a little funny in hindsight. (If nothing else, I’ve earned my stripes as a reluctant tech apprentice!)

Beneath all the chaos, I kept circling back to the “why” of this project.

The Bonne Vivant Origin

Bon vivant is a French phrase that means “one fond of good living” or “one who lives well.” It describes a person devoted to the refined pleasures of life—good food, good wine, good company. Synonyms include epicure, gourmet, gastronome—words that all circle around the idea of savoring.

With a feminine twist, I became The Bonne Vivant—a playful nod that reflects both who I am and what I hope to share. The Bonne Vivant was born out of a longing for a creative outlet and for a way to share my love of food, wine, art, and the slower rhythms of life.

Sacred Sundays became the natural extension of that spirit. What began as my personal ritual of reflection has grown into something more: a way to connect—with myself, with you, and with a community of people who crave beauty, intention, and nourishment in their lives. At its heart, Sacred Sundays is about connection.

Sacred Sundays is my way of connecting through words, and wine is my way of connecting through stories and shared experience. Which brings me to this week’s indulgence…

🍷 This Week's Highlight

​Goldschmidt Vineyards | 2022 Katherine Cabernet Sauvignon​
Stone Mason Hill Vineyard, Alexander Valley
$21–$25 retail

Nick Goldschmidt’s winemaking journey began in New Zealand, where he studied viticulture at Lincoln University before moving to California. After more than a decade at Simi Winery, he rose to become Global Blender and later Head Winemaker for Constellation Brands’ Icon Estates Group, overseeing production across multiple countries and brands. In 1998, Nick released his first vintage under the Goldschmidt Vineyards label—true to his philosophy that every wine should be single-vineyard and 100% varietal, crafted as an expression of place and precision.

This week I had the pleasure of hosting Claudia Del Rio Torres, Assistant Winemaker at Goldschmidt Vineyards, while she visited Tampa. We tasted through their lineup with local restaurants, and while every wine was excellent, the standout was the 2022 Katherine Cabernet Sauvignon. A 100% varietal Cabernet Sauvignon with generous with dark fruit, firm (but supple) tannins and a velvet-like finish. This wine is named after one of Nick’s three daughters, Katherine, and it completely over-delivers in quality for this price. Proof that craftsmanship and passion can shine through even in everyday wines.

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" — Mary Oliver

🌿 A Pause to Reset

This weekend marks the close of summer—Labor Day, the turning point where the days begin to shorten and a new season quietly stirs. It feels like the right moment to pause.

The Bonne Vivant and Sacred Sundays will be taking a brief two-week break to recalibrate, reset, and recharge. Part of that pause includes a journey to the north woods of Wisconsin—an end-of-summer adventure into still lakes, whispering pines, and the kind of quiet that only the country can bring.

When I return, I’ll be carrying with me fresh stories from the road and north woods, ready to share them with you as we transition into Florida’s season of cooler weather, cultural gatherings, and new rhythms.

Think of this pause as a deep breath before what’s next. Sacred Sundays will return stronger, refreshed, and brimming with the small treasures of a life well-lived.

✨ An Invitation...

As summer closes, I invite you to choose one small ritual this week to mark the transition—maybe lighting a candle at dusk, journaling for ten minutes, or cooking a simple seasonal meal. What’s one way you’ll pause and reset? Hit reply and share—I’d love to hear.

With love and gratitude,

Heather Founder & Curator, The Bonne Vivant

Stories that Nourish. Moments that Matter.

© 2025 The Bonne Vivant