Every once in a while you meet someone who becomes incredibly special to you and your life. In January 2011, shortly after Nectar opened, a tall skinny, good looking kid came in and asked how he could help with Spokane Wine Magazine. He worked at Arbor Crest, Lindaman’s, and was very passionate about wine. I immediately got a good vibe about him and the fact that two very respected businesses hired him, said everything to me. After a brief conversation, I said, “how would you like a job at Nectar?” The rest is history!

We sure are going to miss you Benny.

Ben Hilzinger may not have been the first person I hired, but he is the original WINE SLINGER. Ben is the rare combination of cool, calm, personable, outgoing, smart, talented, and trust worthy. Quickly, Ben took on all the duties at Nectar and became someone I could trust to represent me, my dream and my passion. As I’ve grown my other business and been absent working with personal things, Ben has become Nectar to many people. We wish you the absolute best in your new journey.

Friday, May 17 is Ben’s last day working at Nectar. Make sure you come down to enjoy his wine knowledge and dimples with a glass of wine before then. Please be sure to join us on Friday, May 24 as we celebrate his new journey with a going away party. Ben, and his girlfriend Rachel, are headed off to Seattle to explore the big city and all the big dreams that exist there. I have no doubt that Ben will continue to be successful. Someday, our Ben Hilzinger will be a winemaker and you won’t just be drinking wine he is pouring, you’ll be drinking the result of his dreams.

On a personal note, Ben is not just an employee, he is a friend. In fact, I would say that he has become my very best friend. We have shared many great conversations about life, philosophy and girls over glasses of wine, beer, and Fireball. Ben has seen me struggle with the ebb and flow of being a small business owner and has been there to offer a compassionate ear and wisdom beyond his years about my many relationship struggles. Probably more than all of you, I will miss Ben the most. He has become my partner in crime and a friend that I love. If Nectar would end today, it would have all been worth it to work with and get to know such an amazing person. Ben, thanks for the many late nights watching SNL after we closed the place down. Thank you for working with a crazy new entrepreneur. Thank you for being a friend along the way. Thank you for being a HUGE part of why Nectar is the business that it is.

Best of success to you, Benny (and Rachel too). I love you, and so do all of the many fans and customers of Nectar Tasting Room.

Follow Ben’s journey on Twitter @benhilzinger