January is synonymous with resolutions—a time when many of us aim to improve our health, well-being, and quality of life. While some resolutions focus on fitness and diet, I hope I am not the only one whose New Year’s resolution revolves around seeking more experiences with friends and family. Sure, fitness and diet are important, but so is quality time spent with loved ones . . . perhaps even more so? I am already planning two trips this year to two wine regions with friends. Not only am I looking forward to discovering new wines and getting to know new producers, but I am also looking forward to enjoying these discoveries with people I feel close to and with people I want to know better. Sharing a glass of wine with others has been proven many times over to be an excellent way to connect. Savoring wine is not just about indulgence, it’s also about the joy of community and creating memorable moments. It’s about feeling connected, sharing experiences, and creating lasting memories.
And on the subject of connecting over a glass of wine, I’d like to suggest a great way to do that in our tasting room in Glen Ellen. Laurel Glen Vineyard is launching a new tasting experience this month called The Evolution of Cabernet: a tasting showcasing 30 years of our Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. We’ve been producing elegant, beautifully balanced Cabernet Sauvignon since 1981, and the older vintages in our extensive wine library consistently surprise us with their youthfulness. We’ve decided there is no better way to appreciate the unique qualities of our organically farmed Sonoma Mountain Estate vineyard than to experience its evolution in the glass. The tasting consists of 5 wines from vintages of the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s and is paired with a selection of complex bites prepared by Chef Fiorella Butron. The cost is $125 per person (20% discount for Wine Club members), and reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance through [email protected].
And finally, on to wine and food, one of my favorite topics! I’m sure you’re aware of the many ways wine can enhance a meal: it can stimulate your appetite, ‘reset’ your taste buds, help you savor every bite, and encourage you to slow down and enjoy your meal and your company. Wine can transform a simple meal into a dining experience. At Laurel Glen Vineyard, we value good food as much as we do good wine. That’s why we’re excited to announce our enhanced partnership in 2025 with our longtime recipe developer, Shaun Myrick. Shaun will be creating a wine-friendly recipe for us every month, designed to accommodate most dietary restrictions without compromising on flavor. Look for his 1st installment, coming soon to a new recipe tab on our website.
