As we were traveling throughout Burgundy and Rhone wine country recently, I was struck by how much tradition plays a role in their life, not surprising in that so many of the vineyards have been passed down for multiple generations.  For example, Chateau Beaurenard in the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation, now run by the Coulon brothers Daniel and Frederick, has been in the family for seven generations dating back to the late 1600’s.  E Guigal still has artifacts from two centuries ago in their vineyards, recalling Roman times, and a wine cave hanging sculpture that dates back well over a thousand years.  All of this got me to thinking about the role of tradition and what some might consider to be its nemesis, innovation.

Now I have to admit, I have a soft sentimental spot for tradition.  When younger and asked what I would wish for if I had a time machine, I would response that I wanted to meet the great settlers, leaders and innovators who set the foundation of what we have today.   On a fundamental basis, tradition allows us to reconnect to our past, to those people, processes and events without which we probably wouldn’t be what we are today.  If not for the colonists, willing to chance a break from England, I suspect that our destiny might have altered.  Personally, I use the Thanksgiving holiday and Independence Day to reconnect me to those who sacrificed themselves so that I can live the way I do today.  I’m sure that many of you use Veterans Day in the same manner.  It’s a subtle reminder of what we have today, the results of hard work, dedication to principles and risk taking.   Tradition also lends us a sense of security, something to adhere to when doubts tremor our foundation.  How many times have you heard your parents say, “this is how we’ve always done it.”  If it got them to where they are today and safely, why not continue?  As my father used to say, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Tradition can also offer up some valuable lessons, not only about the past, but about where we might venture by acting as a spring board for change.  While traditions have worked so well and been practiced for generations, perhaps there is room for improvement through innovation…………………….…….Ah yes innovation.