In today’s cultural business, the role of patrons cannot be overstated. Yet financial support is only a part of the story. What truly matters is how we honour the individual who chooses to stand beside your project.

Today, I had a remarkable conversation with an extraordinary lady. She didn’t merely wish to contribute—she wanted her gesture to be acknowledged on a deeper level: not as a number, but as a sign of respect and partnership.

It made me reflect:

Successful patronage is, above all, a personal and refined art.

It is the art of speaking without words, of feeling without explanations.

That is why I proposed something special for her — a distinguished title:

“Honorary Patron of the First Edition” — with a personalised message of gratitude, a dedicated page in the book, and an exclusive copy set aside in her name.

Such gestures are not about marketing. Nor are they about money.

They are about creating value that cannot be bought.

About building trust and deep cultural connections.

And that, I believe, is a lesson for anyone working with intellectual works:

Your gratitude must be worthy, if your support is to be real.

P.S.

Interestingly, the lady who held the book today asked me:

— “Is this a novel about wine?”

I replied:

— “No. But wine is in it — as a symbol. As the art of celebrating good news.”

She smiled:

— “Now that’s true wine-thinking.”

And that’s how the connection arises — between word and wine, between meaning and taste.

For what is a rare wine, if not a distilled story, lived with dignity?