Adam McHugh

Adam McHugh is a writer and speaker, as well as a Certified Specialist of Wine and sommelier. He is the author of two books, The Listening Life: Embracing Attentiveness in a World of Distraction, and Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture. A former chaplain and grief counselor in hospice, he now leads wine tours in the Santa Ynez Valley of California. He is currently writing a memoir that tells the story of how he got from hospice to wine, that will be released in 2020.

Did the retreat meet your expectations?

It was a delicious time of solitude and writing. I tucked myself away in the apartment most of the time, and the wet spring weather made that even easier. The Moshin staff were friendly and helpful, though admittedly I did not spend much time in the tasting room. In the evenings I meandered through Healdsburg and on the way home I stopped by several local wineries.

What was the most unexpected part of your stay?

The rain in early April. It felt like the Universe wanted me to stay inside and write for a few days, and I heeded the call. 

What was the most enjoyable aspect of your retreat?

My evening adventures in Healdsburg. I ate at several great restaurants and took long walks, which for me are a significant part of the writing process. 

Did the vineyard setting inspire you and/or your writing? In what ways?

My current writing project is on my life in the wine industry, and so the vineyards of the Russian River were a perfect match for my project.  

What did you work on during the retreat?

A new book called Blood from a Stone, which is a memoir telling the story of my career shift from hospice chaplain in Pasadena to wine tour guide in Santa Ynez. That's why I knew I had to apply to a retreat called Writing Between the Vines!

No one can write 24 hours a day. What other activities did you do during the retreat—any napping, hiking, or exploring the local area?

I focused on Healdsburg and the wineries of the Russian River. I also walked down to the river a couple of times from the winery. I generally wrote from 8am-3pm and then explored, or slept, the rest of the time. 

Did you participate in any activities or events arranged by the host winery?

The first night we had a reading, and I had the opportunity to read a chapter from Blood from a Stone. It was a nice reception and small but eager crowd. 

Can you sum up your experience in ten words or less?

A rainy writing hibernation, with Pinot Noir.