Exploring Wine Country with Cadillac
Last year I made a decision to leave a role in Fashion PR that I adored and challenge myself continue building a personal brand I had always dreamed of. Since then, I have earned a position with one of the preeminent hotel brands in the world, been featured in a couple magazines and invited to share my career experiences as a keynote speaker. It seems serendipitous to partner with Cadillac – whose tagline is Dare Greatly – almost a year later. While I have never had a fascination with cars I do know that if Cadillac asks if you want to test drive a new model you don’t say no.
Having found my niche in the luxury industry through past roles with Oscar de la Renta, Luly Yang and now Fairmont Hotels, I can report that the 2016 CTS-V embodies Cadillac’s role as a luxury innovator. It’s truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing. While the exterior is elegantly designed some of my favorite cutting-edge features include the ability to integrate my iPhone with CarPlay, connect to Wifi and ventilated seats worth of a first class flight. This is a vehicle that makes an entrance and I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it.
Now, I did not know it was capable of 640 horsepower (which is more than a Ferrari by the way) so let’s just say that took some getting use to. I got the hang of the maneuverability quickly and used the opportunity to relax while exploring some of Washington State’s best wineries.
I drove to my hometown of Yakima, Washington on the first leg of my trip where I visited Silverlake Winery, Cultura Wine and Gilbert Cellars. Back in Seattle, I picked up my friends Brenna (chicstreetstyle.me) and Zach (@_insidelookingout) and headed over to Chateau St. Michelle in Woodinville. For the occasion I paired a fitted suit jacket designed by Luly Yang with an H&M t-shirt that read “I Got 99 Problems.” (And the wine was definitely not one of them.)
Thank you Cadillac for partnering with me on this adventure! It certainly won’t be the last time I decide to Dare Greatly.
I Dare You
The 2016 CTS-V is the second fastest sedan in the world with 640hp and the ability to achieve 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 second. Believe me, I tried it.
Perfect Pair
My favorite find was Cultura Wine’s 2012 Sun Ridge Vineyard Merlot. Just don’t enjoy while driving please.
Ah Thats Good
“Men are like wine – some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age.” ~ Pope John XXIII