Thanksgiving is full of meal planning – roasting the turkey, baking pies, making the stuffing, assembling salads. And the list goes on. Often the “wine planning” can be pushed to the back burner, which means there’s a bit of a scramble as the arrival of guests loom. Choosing wine for Thanksgiving can be challenging, so wanted to share some ideas. Whether you serve Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon or even Rosé, the most important part is to enjoy the meal with friends and family.

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For me, personalized and handmade gift tags enhance the wrapping and make the gifts more enticing. We thought it would be fun to share one of my gift tag templates that you can print and use this Holiday Season and throughout the year. They are great for any gift and wine too. These are some of my favorite watercolors. Enjoy!

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For many years, the front door of Mary and Dick’s Berkeley home has graced the cover of our Holiday gift offering. When Scott suggested that I update the cover by creating a new illustration, the subject of gathering around the table for Christmas dinner came to mind. Dinner with family and friends is always a highlight to our Holiday Season. 

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Every season here in Alexander Valley is special, and this time of year is no exception. Right now when I walk with my friend in the early mornings, I realize Spring is here. The air is fresh and crisp. The sunrises are often brilliant pink turning to orange and then yellow with wispy clouds. The sounds of birds chirping as we make our way through our small town. At Hafner Vineyard, I enjoy photographing Springtime because the vineyard and hillside are covered in my favorite color…vibrant green! The most dramatic photos are when the young leaves have just pushed from their buds and catch the rays of sun.

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A few weeks ago as I walked through the vineyard with our dog, Annie, my eye caught sight of a lone Eschscholzia californica, a California poppy. It caught me by surprise, because poppies typically start blooming here in the Spring. It was a bit tattered by the rain, but it stood out amongst grasses with its vibrant orange hue. When I returned home, inspired by its defiance of Winter, I decided to paint a botanical rendering of it.

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