As I sit down to write this note, we are in the final stages of wrapping up the 2021 harvest. The last varieties are fermenting, the harvest equipment is being put away until next year, and we are all exhaling with relief that another successful vintage has been brought into the winery. Harvest was fast and furious this year, as many varieties were ready to be picked at the same time. Thankfully, we are blessed with an amazing vineyard and winery crew that was able to meet those needs and bring in the very best quality fruit that we could! We can’t wait to see what the 2021 vintage will become.

Once harvest is complete, though, it always seems that the rest of the year only gets busier. In our family, celebrations not only include the major holidays, but also all our immediate family’s birthdays. The load can be heavy, but I am realizing it is largely a weight I put on myself. Maybe you do the same. Holidays become about the perfect gifts, perfect meal, perfect table, etc. We make lists and hurry about to complete them in hopes of hitting these standards. However, after the season we have been through, I want to be more focused on connection than perfection. I want to be grateful for those moments without too much concern for the details. So, I invite you to join me this season in focusing on what is important. Simplify your list. Spend more time with friends and family. Keep it simple by ordering take-out and pouring good wine. Don’t over-complicate it, enjoy it.

We have been blessed this year by so many opportunities to connect with you and provide a space (and some wine) for you to connect with others. We are grateful for you, our extended family! So, we raise a glass to you and wish you a joy-filled, uncomplicated holiday season!