Hello Friends,

The end of the year is always a time to pause and reflect. 2021 was filled with highs and lows. There was a lot of goodness, and some tough times too.

Just a year ago at this time, we were about to launch a strict 12-day quarantine in order to spend time with immunocompromised family members. We called it Quarantine Christmas and did what we could to make it as fun for the kids as possible… but let’s just say that this year we are overjoyed that we’ll be able to spend Christmas with our extended family. Not only are we adults vaccinated, but Jane (9) and John Henry (almost 12) received their second doses on 11/29. It’s a big load off our minds. At the same time, locally we’ve been blessed with well above average rainfall over the last couple months that has refreshed the landscape and our spirits. While we’re still in a historic drought, we’re happy to start the year off with rain.

As for Gros Ventre, business is thriving. We’re honored that The French Laundry in Napa is pouring our 2019 Campbell Ranch Pinot noir (part of your club shipment) by the glass, paired with Wolfe Ranch White Quail. Our relationship with TFL started during our first vintage, when Chris dropped off a bottle of our 2009 Cerise Pinot noir at the restaurant with no introduction. We’ve been on their list ever since. Years later, it’s enormously gratifying to be featured as a pairing. It’s great exposure for our small brand, and means reaching hundreds of new people in a historic venue. Back here in Healdsburg, 3-Michelin star-rated SingleThread is featuring several vintages of our library Pinot noir as part of their tasting menu this month, paired with Duclair duck, savoy cabbage, farrow verde, and huckleberry. SingleThread is quickly becoming an institution here in Sonoma County, not only because of the incredible experience they offer, but because of the wonderful work they do in our community. It is beyond inspiring to know that this talented group is pouring and describing our older vintages every night, and that our humble wines are being savored and enjoyed by visitors from all over the world. Pinch us.

But most special to us are our customers. We count many of you as friends and to those who we haven’t yet met – we look forward to the day we can gather in person. We are planning a spring gathering at the winery where we hope to see as many of you as possible – look for details soon!

At the winery, our in-person tasting experiences just keep getting better. We now offer food pairings and have an extended staff to make more appointments available. Come see us soon! (appointments available on our website)

You’ll notice our newsletter is shorter this time around. We’re taking a little holiday break from our longer format, but will be back with more content in the spring.

Over the holidays, we hope you open some of your special vintages of Gros Ventre. It always warms our heart to hear of celebrations where our wines are at the table. Feel free to take a photo and tag us on Instagram at @grosventrewines so we can see what you’re drinking.

We wish you the best, and a very happy new year!

Cheers,

The Pittengers