Raise your glasses, fellow aficionados of the fine spirits! National Irish Coffee Day is upon us, and it's time to dive into the rich history of this delightful concoction that warms both the soul and the senses. Legend has it that back in the 1940s, on a cold wet winter night a group of weary travelers stumbled into the restaurant at an Irish airport for a much-needed drink. There chef Joe Sheridan had the idea of combining Irish whiskey, hot coffee, and a dollop of whipped cream to create the perfect pick-me-up. Thus, the Irish Coffee was born, and its reputation soared across the Atlantic faster than you can say "sláinte."

Fast forward to its stateside debut, and this spirited elixir found its way to our shores thanks to the charming efforts of a travel writer named Stanton Delaplane. When Delaplane experienced the magic at Ireland's Shannon Airport he decided that the U.S. needed a taste of this liquid gold and shared his vision with the owner of The Buena Vista in San Francisco. The rest, as they say, is history, and now we have the pleasure of celebrating National Irish Coffee Day with gusto!

Join in the festivities, whip up your own version at home with the recipe below.

Authentic Irish Coffee

2 tsp brown sugar

1 c freshly brewed hot coffee

1 ½ oz Irish whiskey

Heavy cream slightly whipped

Fill a glass coffee mug with very hot water and let sit for a few minutes to warm the mug being sure to dump the water out before assembling your cocktail. While your mug is warming prepare your whipped cream. In this case you will want the cream to be more like a thick frothy foam rather than stiff peaks. Once your cream is ready and your coffee is brewed it’s time to make your cocktail. Spoon the brown sugar into the nicely warmed mug, followed by piping hot coffee. Stir the mixture until sugar is dissolved. Next add a generous shot of your favorite Irish whiskey, and finally top it off with a cloud of whipped cream. The trick is to slowly pour the cream into the glass using the back of a spoon to float the cream on top of the coffee. Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa or cinnamon for that extra flair.

Here's to a day filled with warmth, laughter, and a touch of Irish charm – cheers to National Irish Coffee Day!

Puppy Kissing Booth at Dutton Estate Winery's Pinot for Paws

Ok, back to wine…

If you are in the Sonoma County area this weekend and looking for a Paw-some wine tasting experience, then head over to Dutton Wine Estate for Pinot for Paws where you can sip, savor, and support the Sonoma County Humane Society. Simply book any tasting experience for this Saturday or Sunday and you can sip on fabulous Dutton Estate wines while snuggling up to adorable puppies at the Puppy Kissing Booth (Saturday only) and loving on therapy animals. A donation of pet food, blankets, leashes, or other pet supplies to help furry friends in need is greatly appreciated. Happening this weekend January 27^th – 28^th.

Not sure which tasting to choose? I recommend their seasonal S’mores & Cozy Wine Tasting. Available for a limited time during the winter months, venture into a marshmallow world paired up with exquisite wines while toasting marshmallows on your very own mini fire pit. Cozy up by our fireplaces in our charming tasting room or celebrate a break from the rain by basking in our vineyard garden on a sunny afternoon.

Mustard season has begun

Speaking of sunshine, the weather is flirting with a sunny 70-degree Sunday this weekend in the Napa & Sonoma regions. All the recent rain has blessed the vineyards with an early bloom of wild mustard. The best photos are on days when the sun beams break through illuminating the fields of mustard making the blossoms practically glow against the backdrop of dormant vines and layered shades of gray clouds.

Well, now you know I’ll be slipping on my rubber boots and frolicking through the vibrant vineyards this weekend.

Cheers to living life beautifully!