Adventures in Winemaking
I’ve always believed the best stories are told through experiences that engage the senses—and what better medium than wine? In that spirit, I jumped at the chance to create something recently for the members of my club, The Reserve at Lake Keowee. It was an effort made even more special by creating it with my dear friends, fourth generation Napa winemaker extraordinaire, Rob Mondavi Jr. and his wife Lydia.
Our goal was to create a portfolio of wines that was exclusively offered to members and embodied the spirit of the community and the land that I fell in love with 13 years ago. Because so much of the experience of The Reserve is set on Lake Keowee, we began with two summertime favorites, meant to be enjoyed year-round: Rosé and Chardonnay. Note that both pair exceptionally well with a 90’s country playlist.
But what happens when two creatives—one with a paintbrush and the other with a legacy of winemaking—team up? Magic in a bottle. Mondavi, who believes passionately in organic farming and sustainable practices, brought his deep expertise to the table (and vineyard). And me? I brought an eye for design, a little paint, and my most shining attribute, a love of vino.
THE ROSÉ
This rosé isn’t just a wine; it’s a moment
A beautiful pale pink/peach color that is as easily enjoyed on a dock by itself or paired with dinner, regardless or style. It greets you with the sparkle of grapefruit, then unfolds into hints of Meyer lemon and finishes with a whisper of fresh apricot. It’s crisp, vibrant, and dare we say, a little flirty.
THE CHARDONNAY
Your chic but approachable friend who knows how to make every occasion feel special
Notes of apple tarte tatin, tangerine zest, and Bartlett pear mingle with the cozy flavors of honey crisp apples and a touch of toffee. It’s layered, luxurious, and begs the age old question: May I have another?
THE LABEL DESIGN
When it came to designing the labels, I knew they had to be more than just pretty—they had to tell a story. Inspired by the stunning natural beauty of The Reserve at Lake Keowee, I poured my love of color and texture into painting two original works for the bottles. Each brushstroke reflects the vibrancy and elegance of the wines inside. I had some fun by mixing in some actual wine with the paint. What started as watercolor became winecolor… it’s definitely a real thing. I also love how the flowers almost look like they’re dancing, because of course, good wine makes you want to dance. And as we all know, the better the wine, the better you can dance (I will not be told otherwise).
Rob and I got the chance to introduce the wines to our members at an incredible dinner, where he worked with The Reserve’s culinary team to pair them, along with a few of he and Lydia’s other fabulous wines, with a special tasting menu.
The entire process was an adventure filled with laughter, experimentation, and a shared passion for excellence. From Provence and Napa Valley to the shores of Lake Keowee, this collaboration celebrates the best of winemaking, art, and connection.
So, here’s to bold ideas, great wine, and unforgettable experiences. Cheers!
