And other lessons I learned about the winter holidays. It’s so much better to be an adult. Wine gift giving made easy. Do you remember when you found out there isn’t a Santa Claus? It’s a light bulb memory for me. I was drinking ice tea with my father. He was barely 27 years old at the time. I was eight. The Beatles were playing in the background. I was on the heels of the worst Christmas ever. I opened my presents on the sly Christmas tree and knew everything I was going to open. It created the worst Christmas ever. Or so I thought.
Feeling very grown up sipping black iced tea (ewwww), I was confident enough to start discussing Christmas in the middle of summer with my father (I should’ve known that in itself was an omen). Waxing poetic on what I thought would be great gifts for me, I stood there dropping hints as subtly as a torpedo ready to detonate. Hand on my hip, all weight on my left leg I spoke with confidence. “And wouldn’t it be amazing if Santa got the message”. As I waited for my father’s response, my weight shifting from one foot to the next. My eyes wide open in hope and expectation, he sighed. “Kelly, you do know there is no Santa Claus don’t you?”. My eyes got bigger, maybe even watered a bit. I waited. The Beatles are singing “All You Need is Love” the music blaring. My Dad starts dancing in the kitchen. Shaking my head, I looked at him. Pleading silently, “Please let him take it back. Please make it not be true.” That was the day I got sick on basic black iced tea. Never able to drink it again. The memory and experience stayed with me. That hot summer day, listening to The Beatles was truly the worst Christmas memory ever.
It doesn’t matter what your memory of finding out there was no Santa. The reality is we are constantly playing him in so many aspects of our lives. The goal, to create that magical feeling of love within the element of surprise and fascination. I’m much older now, but I still get excited by great gifts and love to share them with people I care about.
I’ve carefully vetted these gifts and have truly gotten something out of each and every one of them. I hope you do the same. And hurry the hell up if you are still shopping! Time is short.
Decanting while you relax in a beautifully modern way. Perfect for a wine gifting, the Aura wine glasses. No more endless swirling! Pour a glass of your favorite red and use the spill-resistant glasses to aerate your wine in the glass. No messy pours to clean and single serve is the perfect way to decant for 1 or two people. Comes with a black holder for each glass. Available here: Aura Glass on Amazon Prime for speedy delivery.
Party Sips! The Coravin Wine Preserver is a premium wine gift. Being a video producer and wine writer, I find it difficult to always get the most out of a wine the first time I taste. I love the luxury of being able to return to a bottle without it being compromised. Coravin has provided me this joy. Easy to use (read the directions) and efficient for those who prefer to sip at their leisure. You can even bounce between a few bottles open at once. It’s a wine gift they won’t forget. Get it here.
Travel Wine Bags – Months ago I received a starter pack from Bee Smart Travel. Honestly, I wasn’t sure these travel wine bags would be worth it. It’s a pretty basic design. Plastic on the exterior, velcro on the bottle to seal it and protect if it leaks in your luggage with a double roll-up closure. So I tested it over the past six months. Two trips to France, one trip to Spain and another to Italy. Each and every time they performed well. No leaks. No compromised bottles and the price is right. At just $19.97 this wine gift is a traveler’s delight! Get it here or on Amazon.
The Ultimate Wine Lovers Wine Gift. Insights on Paso Robles.
How do you get to know a region well? Through the stories about winemakers and vintners. Learning why someone got into the business of wine is fascinating. A discovery of their winemaking process, what makes them tick, makes the wine taste even better! This coffee table sized book on Paso Robles is a stunning pictorial on the region. It provides insights on the tastemakers and makes the perfect wine gift for those who love the insights behind the label. Eloquently written by Paul Hodgins and photographed by Julia Pérez, it’s a visually compelling piece on this important wine region. Get it on Amazon.
Celebrating 40 years of amazing vintages, a Napa Valley favorite of mine is Raymond Vineyards. To mark this milestone they’ve created the best of the best. It celebrates five generations of winemakers since 1969. The elegant Cabernet Sauvignon exemplifies the hard work and tradition the Raymond family has embraced for decades. Aged in 100% new oak for 19-months this opulent red delivers on taste. Scintillating mouth feel, mocha, rich red fruit and a finish that leaves you wanting more. Ready for gift giving at $40.00. Find it here.
Because sipping wine should always be convenient. Govino wine glasses are reusable and holiday themed. We love to use these when playing bocce because you don’t have to worry about spills or breaks. It also fits your hand as good as a glove. They compliment picnics, evenings at friends or your holiday get together. Get them here.
Traveling to Sonoma & Napa Valley has never been so easy when you have the right guide. Fodor’s does it again with their Napa & Sonoma guide. Venture into the smaller towns in the area including St. Helena, Healdsburg and Yountville and find out why this region is one of the most magnificent wine regions in the world. From the path less traveled to insiders information on restaurants and wineries you need to visit Napa and Sonoma. Get it here.
Whether it’s hostess gifts, New Year’s gifts or holiday gifts, each of these has a unique place in the eyes of the gifted. Now be the Santa in your world!
Alice Tetienne of Champagne Henriot Organic is important, but not necessarily the best. It is but one part of the equation. We have to be
Barodlino has a rich history in both wine and culture. There is no better Rosé that takes the beauty of the region and expresses it than Chiaretto Rosé.
Could it be that this region, today known as the Fastest Growing Wine Region in the United States is the world’s next Napa Valley? This is Idaho Wine Country.
All I want to do... is have some fun @tressabores #NapaValley check them out. Absolutely outstanding down to earth vibe and wine that`s better for you and planet earth. Sustainable, organic & truly killer wine! #certifiedsustainable #certifiedorganic
I know no joy as great as a moment of rushing into a new love, no ecstasy like that of a new love.
~ Anais Nin
The words say it all. Magnificent drink. If you can get it. @turleywine 2015 Napa Valley Library Block Petite Syrah
Dark, brooding with a side of magnificent freshness.
And now back to Paris for a formidably fabulous Friday! Michelin-star restaurant- check! Fabulous dark and exquisite library for enjoying cocktails, a breathtaking entrance of a French hideaway from years ago...
Stunning Michelin star restaurant and beautiful bibliothèque with Parisian friends.
Bookmark this spot! I don’t often share where I dine unless I am out of the country, but because so many people ask 💋🍷💋#TheWineSiren I am going to change that. Take my favorite brunch and Fried Chicken spot! @southsidenapa offers not only some of the freshest most inviting dishes in Napa, they also have a wide array of coffee, tea, wine and bubbles to pair your dishes with.
Its one of the few #petfriendly places with great food and an inviting team. Lots of talent here in the food arena and the outdoor seating area is equipped with swinging chairs, a fire pit and comfortable seating inside and out.
Fried Chicken you ask? Yes! Pairs perfectly with your Napa Valley Sparkling and #Champagne.The best in Napa Valley. Make sure and call ahead, they often sell out.
Hours are 8am-2pm
Breakfast served all day and an expanded lunch menu.
With over 30 years of sustainability under their belt, Domaine Carneros has a big headstart in the way of sustainability. They built the first significant solar installation, recognized as the largest in the world at the time. Far beyond complacent, Domaine Carneros continues to push the limits and try new techniques and strategies to improve their abilities.
Domaine Carneros
An incredible indulgence and the ultimate experience.
It’s in my neighborhood. Two miles away door to door. Why do I find myself returning again and again? Because this is one of the most stunning destinations in Carneros and Napa Valley. Stunning in both taste and views.
The skies, the ultimate blue, the vineyard hills throughout the landscape. It’s a breathtaking pinch yourself situation no matter how often you visit.
The team is so welcoming and the sparkling wine is world class and made sustainably. If you’re ready to step up your sparkling wine game this is where you need to be.
The wines tasted:
2016 Estate Brut Cuvée (late disgorge) ripe pear, white flowers, creamy, beautiful structure.
2019 Brut Rosé Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, incredible well poised, citrus, red berries, almonds and floral notes
2015 Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs Tête de Cuvée The dream. A signature must taste from the most prized blocks of Chardonnay. Evocative of citrus curd, pie crust, a nuance of ginger and tart lemon. I could drink this all day every day!
2017 Ultra Brut Tropical fruit, lime, lemon zest, crisp, lovely palate and exquisite finish.
The ultimate indulgence, featuring three of Tsar Nicoulai’s finest caviars:
Classic, Select, and Golden Reserve
Served with potato chips, toast points, and Cowgirl Creamery crème fraîche.
Make your reservation today!
Domainecarneros.com and ask for the caviar experience!
#TheWineSiren #DomaineCarneros #CertifiedSustainable #NapaValley #WinePairing #SparklingWine
Incredible experience and it keeps on getting better every time I visit. Have you been to @goosecrosscellars ?
Fantastic red white and Rosé wine. There is absolutely something for everyone. Including clothes for the shoppers amongst us.
#rosé #roséallday #napavalley #winetasting #winelife #summervibes #bestday #goosecrosscellars #visitnapavalley
Learn about new products, wine travel tips and the latest on wine, food and fab.
Learn about new products, wine travel tips and the latest on wine, food and fab.
