In Praise of the Designated Driver

It’s the “Holidays” with a capital “H” – the time of year, more than any other, where cheery, popular people in perfect clothing toast each other with wine, champagne, mixed drinks or beer every second or third television commercial. Morning show hosts have wine on the podium; reality TV cooking shows showcase recipes with wine. Soda in a Glass

The (patently false) message that “you need alcohol to have fun during the holidays” is inescapable. And as a winery, of course we’d like you to be at home or a party toasting each other with some Sparkling Rosé, Joe Cool’s Red or Farm White, or any of our 14 wines. We love hearing we’re the “hero” of a dinner, a cocktail, a pairing.

But in our humble opinion, there’s an equally important, unsung hero we’d like to make sure gets some love: the Designated Driver.

This is a person who holds life at such a high esteem that they would rather be entirely sober on Christmas, New Year’s or a random Friday evening gathering (which can be amusing, ask anyone who works behind the counter in the Tasting Room) rather than worry someone they like or love could drive impaired. They volunteer to drink coffee, soda or other non-alcoholic drink so others don’t need worry.

So, in praise of the Designated Driver, we offer a few ways you can make their life brighter:

Hand over your keys or asked to be picked up and dropped off.
Make sure your DD has good non-alcoholic beverages and food choices throughout the evening – and pick up that check.
Promise to respect your DD’s judgement. If you ask someone to take the reins, you need to listen when they suggest enough-is-enough. Otherwise you may wind up having their car interior cleaned – or risk your friendship should you say or do something ungracious while under the influence.
Brag on them a little – tell your other friends how much you appreciate the DD’s efforts.
Offer to be the DD on the next adventure. Sharing the responsibility makes it all the better.
Remember to say thank you with a hug, a small gift, a car wash or breakfast the next day.

According to the Foundation for Advanced Alcohol Responsibility, deaths from alcohol-related car accidents has dropped nearly 50% in the last 30 years. But that does not mean it’s no longer an issue. Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for nearly 30% of the total vehicle traffic fatalities nationwide in 2017.

Help bring that number down further. Choose to have a DD.

We thank every DD who steps up to the plate this holiday season and in any season. You are appreciated!