Social Blunders

Today is really the first time being a non-drinker has hurt me at all. As I said before, I'm getting a new boss. The old boss is having a sort of farewell bash tonight is France with the rest of his Staff, most of whom are becoming good friends of mine. The problem is that they are going to a vineyard, doing wine tasting, and having a meal including "fine wine from the region". They are arranging cars to bring them back from the party because everyone expects to be drunk. The situation isn't very tempting to me and doesn't entice me to drink, but it's obviously a bad situation for a non-drinker. I made my excuses and declined the invitation. I thought that this would not be controversial, but today I've noticed it irritated many people- including the old boss. I'm going to take this in stride. It bothers me to disappoint friends and co-workers, but I just need to let this go. It is an awful situation for me and it's best that I sit it out. If this is the worst consequence I face from not drinking, I think I'll be just fine.