Awesome Mama: Wendy Stone

My mission in life is to live every moment to the fullest; seeking adventure, dreaming, and making those dreams a reality. All of this in hopes of creating a life for my children where they seek adventure, follow their dreams, and reach higher goals than I could ever dare to imagine. How many times have you had an idea or dream only to dismiss it because you don’t have enough time, energy, money, etc. Something inside me changed when I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2012. I was shaken to my very core and I wasn’t about to miss out on one moment, or dream, life had to offer.  One of my dreams became a reality in 2013 when we (the Ribary, Wesorick, and Stone families) decided to launch Pearl and Stone Wine Co. 

This dream was born from the art of teaching, the joy of lifelong learning, and the love of wine. We are a partnership of three families, deeply rooted in the Snoqualmie Valley and brought together by a friendship between three teachers and our families, me being one. As we all shared in the joys of raising families, we also shared many a bottle of wine while we laughed, cried, learned, and dreamed together. Wanting to be a part of the amazing Washington wine industry, and its guiding spirit of collaboration and unity, we tossed around many different ideas until someone finally suggested, “Why don’t we just start a winery?” So that’s what we did! It still feels like a dream and I can’t even tell you how many times I asked, is this REALLY going to happen? 

This August we released our first wines, and it was at that release party when I finally realized our dream had become a reality. Looking out over our guests, seeing several hundred people talking and laughing while enjoying OUR wine, was an indescribable moment of a dream fulfilled. For me, wine has been a part of every celebration, special occasion, and even there for life’s lowest moments. Each bottle shared is a memory created, or marked. When that wine is enjoyed again, those moments are relived and memories refreshed. Now, Pearl and Stone Wine Co. can be there to help mark those moments in others’ lives.

It wasn’t life before children that has influenced the mom I am today, but rather my my experiences as a mom that have shaped me more than anything.  I’ve always wanted to be a mom, and we started our family early in life. For many years, I was so focused on the two things that seemed to define me, #1 Mom and #2 Teacher, that I lost sight of all the other things that make me, “me.” I am a better mother, wife, teacher, and winery partner because I allowed myself to dream with my friends and worked together to make our dream a reality. 

My daughter once said to me, “Mom, I feel like I have three homes; home, your school, and the winery.” Our children have been witnesses throughout this whole process. They are also learning through our experiences and the examples that we are setting. I want them to see how much work and commitment it takes to make your dreams come true. There is no knight in shining armor presenting your dreams on a silver platter; only hard work, commitment, and even some sacrifice … but dreams really can come true. 

As teachers we have made a commitment to lifelong learning. What better way to set an example of continued education for our children, than learning, not only the winemaking process, but also a completely different profession in running a new business in addition to everyone’s “day” jobs. We have certainly learned many life lessons along the way! 

Dreams are dreams, but winemaking is a craft that quickly teaches you to respect Mother Nature, who likes to show us that she’s in charge! However, this is part of what makes wine so special; it is not a recipe that can be repeated over and over, year after year. It is a challenging process that constantly reminds us to make the most of the hand we’re dealt, and to never stop learning. A valuable lesson for all walks of life.  

Winemaking is an art that requires patience beyond anything known to mankind.  We get one chance each year to take what Mother Nature gives us and make something unique to that year; something that fits our style and philosophy of well-balanced wines that reflect the place they’re from, and produce them at a fair and affordable price.  

We could not have made these wines without the unbelievable generosity and guidance of the Washington wine industry, and its guiding spirit of collaboration and unity. Our partners in this industry have helped us in ways we could not have imagined, and we hope to have the opportunity to pay it forward as we grow.  

Ultimately, we do this for the pure joy of it.  The joy of taking an agricultural product that reflects that unique place it was grown, and turning it into a delicious product that brings people together to laugh and create memories. 

It’s taken me a long time to discover the importance of making time to take care of myself, but it is a lesson I am not losing sight of again. Taking care of myself is the only way I am able to be present for my family, and enjoy all of the adventurous “moments” life has to offer. I do this by making health my own personal goal. I make time to work out each week with some friends. I am also very conscious of the foods that nourish my family and me. If we don’t have “wellness” we can’t be ready for the adventures life has in store for us. I feel stronger, and energized by these simple things … it’s what keeps me going.

You can support Pearl and Stone Wine Co. by letting our wine mark your occasions and sharing our story with your friends. We find our wines pair best with family and friends. Please open often as you gather over any occasion and enjoy our “hand-crafted craftiness.” Follow us on Facebook and sign up for email updates on our website: www.pearlandstonewine.com Here you can also purchase our wines, and find the many other local businesses that support us by carrying our wines. 

Find out about our other MOMS ON A MISSION:

HEATHER MATTHEWS is on a mission to make a difference in her community by raising money and awareness for the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank.

KAYSEE HYATT is on a mission to build community awareness for pediatric stroke and hope for impacted children and families.
 

JULIE PARKER is on a mission to complete a marathon in every state by the time she turns 50 years old. 50 by 50.
 

JAMIE MENOLD is on a mission to raise awareness of and funds for pediatric cancer research.

KRISTEN BRANTNER is on a mission to make a difference in the future of rare disease and created a local non-profit called RAREevents.

CHRISTIE MALCHOW is on a mission to make sure the city hears the voices of young families and is running for Sammamish City Council.