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Hi Wine Friends,
I can’t believe it’s already the last newsletter of 2024! Where did this year go? As I reflect back on the last 12 months, I wanted to take a moment to share some of my favorite memories and experiences with you. I tend to move so fast from one thing to the next (a habit I’m trying to break) that it’s easy to skip over all the blessings and beauty that each year brings. One trick I use now is an end-of-year audit to pause, reflect, and relive the best moments of the year. If you have an hour or two, I highly recommend it!
So without further ado, here are my Top 10 Moments of 2024...
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Sipping in Santorini
Back in May, I had the chance to visit Greece, exploring Santorini, Naxos, and Paros. The wine in Santorini truly exceeded expectations, and I developed a newfound passion for Assyrtiko, which I now consider one of the world’s great white wines. Spending the day with Stella Hatzidakis (daughter of the late, great Haridimos Hatzidakis) and tasting over a dozen variations of Assyrtiko was a highlight that changed my perspective on Greek wines forever.
Making Wine with Hundred Suns
Grant and Renee Coulter of Hundred Suns Winery agreeing to do a collab Pinot Noir with Arden has been one of the best gifts of the year. We’ve made several trips to their McMinnville winery, where we've blind tasted Pinot Noirs from around the world, worked the sorting table, and even done some old-fashioned pigeage (stomping grapes). Each visit has been a learning opportunity, and I can’t wait for you all to try our special Pinot soon!
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Celebrating the Final International Pinot Noir Celebration
The last IPNC was a bittersweet but memorable moment. The event has been a staple of the global wine scene for years, and while it’s sad to see it end in its current form, I’m hopeful it will evolve into something new. Arden had the honor of cooking the Lunch on the Lawn, and we capped off the day at the Salmon Bake, sharing a table with friends like Grant and Renee Coulter, Josh and Caroline Bergstrom, and Team Arden. While it was definitely a night of indulgence, it was worth every sip.
Launching Wine Club
This memory is also bittersweet, as I just recently made the (very tough) decision to not continue Wine Club into the new year. But for the eight months it existed, I had so much fun creating lesson plans, picking out wines and then sharing them with you over zoom. I felt like I was back in the pandemic but in a good way 😊 I hope to bring back some form of wine club in the future but, for now, I will cherish the memories we made this year!
Meeting the Barolo ‘Beetches’
In September, I booked a last-minute trip to Piedmont to attend Slow Food and, in doing so, had the chance to meet the founder of the movement–the legendary Carlo Petrini. The real magic, however, was visiting Barolo during harvest and seeing the next generation of women in action. The ‘Barolo Boys’ of the 1980s may have made their mark, but it’s their daughters—the Barolo Bitches as they have dubbed themselves—who are taking the region to new heights. Hanging out with sisters Francesca and Victoria Argamante of Podere Ruggeri Corsini (along with their badass mother) was such an inspiring experience.
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Being Included in Wine Enthusiast’s 50 Best Wine Restaurants List
This was a pinch-me moment that the universe just dropped into my lap. When I received the news that Arden was included in Wine Enthusiast’s 50 Best Wine Restaurants list, I was truly floored. Alongside amazing restaurants like Single Thread, Canlis and Bouchon, this recognition felt like a huge win for our whole team. It’s a reminder that all the hard work we put into creating a wine program with care and intention is paying off.
Taking Arden to Sonoma
It took us six years to get Arden on the road, but boy was it worth the wait! Visiting Sonoma with chef Erik, his wonderful partner Maio, general manager Tom, and wine director Wesley was a true highlight of the year. From staying at Scribe Winery’s magical Hacienda to collaborating with Valley for a memorable dinner, every moment was a reminder of how much I love what we do. We also visited some incredible wineries like Matthiason, Bedrock, and Harlan, and had epic meals along the way. More of these trips in 2025, please!
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Launching Her Way Podcast
When Todos Media offered me the chance to create a wine podcast, I couldn’t have been more excited, and I’m so grateful to them for supporting my decision to amplify the voices of women in the wine industry. The podcast has already given me the chance to interview so many amazing women, with even more to come. I can’t wait to keep these conversations going and to see where this project evolves. Let’s just say there are some very exciting things in the works 😉
Writing This Newsletter!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how much joy and fulfillment this platform has brought me. I feared, when I committed to writing a newsletter every week of 2024, that it would start to feel like a chore. But here we are, at Week 52, and I’m going strong! Writing this has reignited my passion for storytelling, and I’m so thankful to all of you for reading, engaging, and sharing this journey with me.
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As I wrap up the year, I’m sending my heartfelt thanks to all of you for your support. I truly couldn’t have made it here without your encouragement, questions, and enthusiasm for all things wine. I’m so grateful for this community we’ve built together, and I can’t wait to continue learning, exploring, and sipping with you all in 2025! I always want to know what sort of content you enjoy most so if you have requests for newsletter topics please let me know!
Signing off for the holidays...
I’m headed to France for two weeks of intensive tasting in Burgundy, Champagne, and the Jura (tough work, I know, but someone has to do it…) and will be back with a full recap on January 18th. Until then, stay tuned to Instagram for all the French food and wine content, and I’ll be back to share details when I return.
Wishing you all a joyful New Year filled with wine, love, and adventure.
Cheers to 2025!
Kelsey
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