May I hold your leather tassels? When I learned that my dear friend Jim Caudill (a.k.a. “Big Jim”) had passed this weekend, I was crushed.

In honor of Jim, this FUNDRAISER is in his memory: The money raised will ensure his wife Char Banach and the beautiful Sonoma County property they call home, Windborne Farm, and the horses and animals there are well looked after for many years to come.

Jim was the definition of a PR guru, a great friend, a fantastic wine judge, a horse whisperer, and a great husband to his wonderful wife Char.  When we talked a few weeks ago, he told me he had cancer and was going to start treatment. Therefore, I was very optimistic. But alas he never made it that far. His passing is a sad loss to the California wine community and Sonoma County as a whole. I miss this man already and hope he’s drinking the finest beverages, riding wild horses, and feeling much healthier in his new environment. Here on earth, I will lead many toasts to conjure his spirit and remind him we are always thinking about the impact he made on so many lives. #RIPJimCaudill