It’s that time of year when I share a collection of some of my favorite things.  These are all things that make life just a little more fun and that I think you would love too. This year I am thrilled to share with you some of my favorite holiday traditions, festive upcoming events, as well as a few things that I have discovered along my adventures in wine country. 

Jingle Mingle at the Copper Room with Scott and Jana Harvey

If you have a hankering for an old fashioned Christmas, then the town of Sutter Creek is for you. Come celebrate the holiday season at the recently renovated Copper Room Wine and Whiskey Lounge underneath the Hotel Sutter.  Scott and Jana Harvey will be with us sharing their wines as you sip and nosh, and make merry this December.

Cellar Scout Membership

Discover memorable experiences and off the beaten path tasting rooms. Cellar Scout is a craft beverage membership program designed to connect adventure-minded consumers with unique tasting room destinations.  Members receive exclusive pricing and offers at 50+ tasting rooms and special events across the US.

Use the link provided for exclusive holiday pricing on 2023 memberships.

Pendleton 5th Avenue Glacier Park Merino Wool Throw

Give the gift of cozy warmth with this luxurious update of a most recognizable classic.  This merino wool throw is unbelievably soft and warm and the large size is perfect for a winter nap or snuggling up by the fire pit. The colorful stripes provide a fresh burst of color year-round and anywhere you might take this soon to be favorite “blankey”.

Luxurious Napa Valley Stay at Private Vineyard Estate

Surprise a loved one with a very special two night stay in at The Inn at Salvestrin with a Dr. Crane Wine & Cheese Pairing Experience for two!  Originally built in 1879 by Dr. George Belden Crane, a pioneer of Napa Valley viticulture, the residence was acquired by John and Emma Salvestrin in 1932 and served as their family home for three generations. The home has been beautifully restored and now operates as the Inn at Salvestrin.  Salvestrin is one of my top wine experiences not just for the wine, although their wines are truly incredible and definitely worthy of a visit.  I adore Salvestrin for its intimate charm. This is one of the few Napa Valley tasting rooms that still feels genuinely welcoming and pleasantly undiscovered.  Tucked among the vineyards at this private estate, you will feel a million miles away, yet just a short walk to downtown St. Helena for shopping and dining.

Make your getaway even better by adding a Day Pass at Health Spa Napa Valley just a short walk from the Inn.  A resort day pass provides access to all the amenities including the fitness center and luxury locker rooms.  After wine tasting, rejuvenate with a massage or spend the afternoon soaking up the sun on the pool deck with poolside food service. During peak season and weekends the line at Gott’s Roadside can be an hour or more.  Be a pro and skip the line while relaxing poolside while you sip rosé and have your Gott’s order hand delivered to you. You can thank me later.

Metropolitan Bar Cart

A blast from the past, bar carts are having quite a moment.  Not only will you instantly elevate your entertaining game, but you’ll also keep counters clutter free.  A well-designed bar cart can add a touch of elegance to your everyday and be exceptionally functional when gathering with friends and loved ones.  I particularly like the Metropolitan bar cart in gold.  This cart offers multiple shelves at different heights so you can easily display (and store) bottles of varying sizes along with ice buckets, glassware, to have at the ready.  This stunning cart has wheels so you can easily move it about as needed and the mirror glass top adds a touch of glam.

Champagne & Oysters at Big Sur Vineyards

Make it a December to remember with an evening under the stars at Big Sur Vineyards in Carmel Valley, CA.  Celebrate the season with friends sipping bubbly and enjoying freshly shucked oysters. 

La Rochere Bee Champagne Flutes

Fun, whimsical and oh so durable!  My husband gave these to me as a birthday present years ago and I use them every chance I get.  The iconic bee design is cheerful and always a conversation starter and I adore their durability too. I toss these into a beach bag or picnic basket without worry.  We love these so much, that we recently acquired a set of short tumblers that are perfect for casually sipping rose on a sunny afternoon.

Schramsberg Trio

Explore Schramsberg Vineyard's classic collection of sparkling wines with this trio of bubbly. This is the prefect set for celebrating milestones, birthdays, special occasions, or because it’s Thursday.

Mendocino Sparkling Wine Celebration

Join Destination Hopland for a sparkling new year at the Mendocino Sparkling Wine Celebration. This inaugural event will be held in the impressive wine caves at Saracina Winery.  Explore world-class bubblies from the regions sparkling wine producers paired with fabulous fresh shucked Hog Island Oysters.

Ralph Lauren Hudson Plaid Double Old-Fashioned Set

It cannot be wine all the time. Sometimes a whiskey or a Manhattan by the fire is all that will do.  My father-in-law was always adamant about drinking in style. It is just more civilized as he would say. Even though there is no definitive evidence that proves whiskey tastes better in crystal, we can agree that it certainly looks better.

Crystal glasses offer a crystal-clear view of your whiskey so you can admire the color as well as the status of your ice cube.  Cut crystal further enhances your whiskey experience by capturing and reflecting surrounding light through beautiful prisms.  Christmas lights and the glow of the fire will shine through like flickering glitter.  Plus, they tend to be more sturdy than standard glassware making them less likely to chip when clinking glasses.

‘Tis the season for plaid and Ralph Lauren has managed to expertly cut their classic Hudson pattern into these stunning glasses.  Complete the collection with the matching decanter for maximum presentation points.

Trinchero Sweets and Drinks Trio

For those who love a great cocktail. As well all know, no great story ever stared with a salad! So, mix up something spectacular this season like Manhattan’s by the fire, a martini happy hour, or Negroni’s and a game of cards with friends new and old. 

Coro Mole Salami

Love at first bite!  The unique blend of cinnamon, cocoa, and chipotle creates a surprising explosion of flavor and is sure to become a staple for your charcuterie boards.  You can explore this exotic delight in the limited-edition sample pack or go all in with a 2lb deli stick.

NYE Dinner & Dance Party at Meritatge Resort

A truly spectacular New Year’s Eve experience!  Join Trinitas Cellars for a candlelight dinner in the grand Estate Cave. Then get ready to ring in the new year with the sounds of Pop Fiction, balloon drop, and toast of bubbly at midnight. This annual tradition sells out quickly and highlights the resort’s culinary team’s expansive talents, paired with Trinitas wine.

Truffle Carpaccio by Truffle Shuffle

If you like truffles, then you’re going to L-O-V-E the truffle carpaccio from Truffle Shuffle. Italian black truffles are harvested at their peak, sliced razor thin, and preserved in extra virgin olive oil.  Use these in pasta dishes, risotto, scalloped potatoes, or any dish that would be out of this world with the addition of truffles.  When the last slice has been plucked from the jar DON’T TOSS IT! Keep the truffle infused oil to drizzle over popcorn, pizza, eggs, soups, and more. 

Not sure how to use truffles? No problem!  Truffle Shuffle offers virtual cooking classes complete with all the ingredients shipped directly to you.  Their team of chefs are like kitchen elves sent to teach you culinary magic.  Cooking classes are a fantastic way to host a dinner party with a few friends.  You’ll have a blast as you nosh on appetizers while you peel, chop, and prep your Mise en Place. Then follow along in real-time interacting with the chef and others online as you are guided step by step to create an impressive main course.

I recently participated in a cooking class hosted by Trinitas Cellars. We made a dreamy Truffle Pumpkin Risotto that I cannot wait to make again.  While I am no stranger to the kitchen, the Truffle Shuffle chef shared a few techniques that have transformed my risotto preparation ever since. It was a great experience, everything needed for the recipe including wine pairings were shipped to my door. Plus, I was able to connect through the video feed with one of my best friends who lives 900 miles away for some long overdue catching up and laughter. 

Yountville International Short Film Festival

I have a deep love for the art of film and have been a loyal supporter of this event since it’s inaugural debut six years ago. This is a true celebration of cinema with a curated collection of over 100 world-class short films, immersive film + wine experiences, top Napa Valley wineries, and culinary events. Come clink glasses with us in February!

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