The perfect gift for any hostess, co-worker or your boyfriend’s grandmother is hands down the Nest Fragrances Birchwood Pine Scented Candle. When it’s lit the candle fills the room beautifully and instantly with the hint of holiday you need. The gold detailing on the glass is dazzling when it is lit and will go well in anyone’s home. There are a range of sizes, gift sets and diffusers to choose from but I recommend the classic size for $40.

If we had to guess, there is one person on your list you would absolutely love to surprise this year with “the best gift ever!!!” Well, we found it: The Serena and Lily Public Bike with Riviera Basket. For weekends at the beach or those who dare to bike to work this is an absolute must have. It would be especially fun to ride around wine country “vineyard hopping” or fill the basket with your favorite bottle of wine and glasses and head to the beach for sunset.

Sometimes the most amazing gifts are not the ones that break the bank but the ones that are personal. Showing your loved ones how much thought and time went into a gift can be very special. Put together a case of personalized wine bottles featuring an image from each month of 2016 per bottle. The gift will be so appreciated and very well enjoyed. Or shop the Windsor Vineyard custom Holiday Labels! Creating the gift is just as fun as giving it.

For any, and we repeat any, women in your life The Thisbee Scarf from Club Monaco is a great gift. It’s not just a winter scarf but also a wrap and the perfect travel buddy; she can throw this on with any coat or stuff it in a carry on to keep warm on a long flight. There are three colors to choose from and they can all be worn as neutrals.

It is almost 2017 which means pretty much everyone we know is a “techie.” That being said, who on your list doesn’t have phone in hand 24/7? Getting a new phone case is like getting a makeover and the perfect fresh start to a new year. I am personally hoping for the Richmond & Finch White Marble iPhone 7 Case. For a wide selection of phone case goodness try the Shopbop collection.

Boyfriends, brothers, and dads alike would all be thrilled to receive a Hudson Sutler Weekender Duffel. The American-designed bags are the perfect size for a weekend away or even a trip to the gym. They fit way more than you think and are too cool to pass up. For a personal touch don’t forget to add his monogram! If your guy is a wine drinker go for The Cooler Bag.

The book the world was waiting for has finally been released: Where to Eat Pizza. Over 1,000 pizza experts give away their secrets to finding the best slices around the world. The book acts as a sacred guide to parlors, restaurants, cafes, and more. There are at least 10 people in our office who would more than appreciate pouring a glass of red and diving into this book, how about you?

Who on your list are you most excited to buy for?

Personalize this label>>

Personalize this label>>

Personalize this label>>

Not only do these custom labeled wines make adorable gifts, but you can feel good about your purchase as we’ve teamed up with Guiding Eyes for the Blind to spread good ‘cheers’ this year. Guiding Eyes for the Blind is a non-profit organization that provides superbly bred and trained guide dogs to men & women who are blind or visually impaired. When you purchase a bottle with one of the Santa Hat label designs, a portion of proceeds will go to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, now through December 12th, 2016. Learn more about Guiding Eyes for the Blind>>.

3 Ways to #PetYourWine

1. The Party Animal

Throw a pet themed holiday party and invite all your animal lover friends and their pets. Pour wines with quirky holiday pet puns and make special pet-friendly treats for both your human and non-human guests.

2. Spread the (puppy) Love

Can’t be with them for the holidays this year? Let them know you and your fur-baby are thinking of them with a bottle or two of your own puppy Pinot Noir. Add a message from you and the family or simply sign with love from your pet.

3. The More (wine) the Merrier

Technically it’s not drinking alone if your dog or cat is with you – and now your feline friend can join in with a serving of CharDOGnnay or Pinot MEOW, non-alcoholic beverages for your cat or dog from Appollo Peak. Now you can pop a bottle of your favorite custom labeled kitty cuvee while they enjoy a drink alongside of you.

Post your label on social and tag @WindsorVineyards using the #PetYourWine hash tag. We’ll share our favorite posts with our followers!

Today we’re checking in from the “extreme Sonoma Coast” to find out.

Our vineyards are practically a stone’s throw from the ocean. During the summer and harvest months it’s not uncommon for the fog to stick around in a thick blanket until about noon. When the sun breaks through it becomes breezy keeping it from getting too hot on even the warmest days.

This is the kind of weather that earlier ripening grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay simply love – enough warmth and sun to ripen, but not too much heat that character, nuance, subtlety and flavor are sacrificed. These are the kind of conditions that enable our winemakers to craft wines that excite and engage the whole palate.

Wines we love from the Sonoma Coast

Windsor Vineyards Rose, Sonoma County, $16>>

Sonoma Coast Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Laguna Vista Vineyards, $24

Viansa Sonoma Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley, $24

This year harvest started early, and we’re pleased to report it’s ended in a timely fashion as well – each of our vineyard lots was fermented and tucked-in to age by the middle of October. For now, these fledgling 2016 wines will age and integrate under the watchful eye of our artisan winemakers until they’re ready to be released. That’s all well and good, but we just can’t wait to taste the results for ourselves, so we’ve made this list of wines to take for a test spin in the meantime… enjoy.

As the weather changes we put away summer dresses in favor of sweaters and boots. We think of cozying up by a fire and hearty winter fare. The days grow shorter and Mother Nature seems to signal that it’s time to hunker down and enjoy some time indoors.

We love this time of year for the root vegetables, rich stocks, and hearty flavors. It’s time to make coq au vin, beef stew, and braised lentils – something you can start the night before, or put in a slow cooker and enjoy with a crusty baguette dashing in the door from a long day. Up the ante with a pairing of crisp Chardonnay or always food-friendly Pinot Noir.

‘Tis the season, also, to relish those bolder wines that have been too heavy during the hot summer months. For the first time in a while dense, jammy Zinfandel – with its supple weightiness and brooding dark fruit sounds soooooo good. A rich Cabernet Sauvignon or bold Red Blend suddenly sounds perfect – the firm grip, black pepper spice and velvety texture will play nicely with those richer dishes of fall we so crave.

Try pairing a hearty like the Purple Cowboy Trail Boss Cabernet or Windsor Vineyards Three Vines Red Blend, from the North Coast with a spicy Texas-style slow-cooker chili. The smooth tannins and dense fruit of these two wines are a great match for the flavors and help balance the spice.

A night by the fire, all cozy and warm has the makings of a perfect fall evening. How do I improve on near perfection – with two things – a selection of cheeses and a bottle of wine. If the mood is romantic and flirty try serving a spread of cheeses and opt for a bottle of bubbly – like a Blanc de Blanc to enliven the evening. If you’re looking at relaxation and comfort, a buttery bleu cheese and a bottle of silky, voluptuous and palate pleasing Sonoma County Merlot is just the ticket.

Picking a wine, and pairing it with the occasion, season or cuisine is all about pleasure. So pop the top and make your moment – whatever that means to you.

$27 per 750 mL bottle

Shop Now>>

$32 per 750 mL bottle

Shop Now>>

$32 per 750 mL bottle

Shop Now>>

An annual Sonoma County tradition, the Harvest Fair is one of the most prestigious competitions in wine country, where everyone from amateur to professional winemakers and wineries get to showcase the fruits of their harvest.

If you’re visiting Sonoma or Napa in late September or early October, stop by the fair and get a taste of what living in Sonoma is really like with wine, craft beer & cider tastings, local gourmet food purveyors, and artisan goods made right here in Sonoma County.

2016 Harvest Fair: September 30 – October 2

Learn more and buy tickets: http://www.harvestfair.org/

1.  Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

Send a not-so-secret message and gift this playful label to the person you most want to meet under the mistletoe this season

Personalize this label>>

Show on Vintner’s Select 3-bottle gift set, $59

2. Add some festive flare to your Thanksgiving table

Hosting Thanksgiving this year and looking to impress? Up the ante with a custom wine to match your fall decor.

Personalize these labels>>

Shown on Windsor Holiday Pairing 2-Bottle Set, $44

3. Spread good ‘cheers!’ this season

Have slew of holiday parties and gatherings to attend this year? We recommend stocking your cellar with a wine featuring a simple ‘Cheers!’ custom label message, and hand out one-by-one as gifts for the host or the last minute gift.

Personalize this label>>

Shown on Distinctive Reds 6-Bottle Collection, $100

4. Show some holiday spirit

If you love the holidays as much as we do, you’ll want to show it! Showcase your holiday spirit with fun, quirky label like these JOY & MERRY labels.

Personalize the JOY label>> | Personalize the MERRY Label>>

Shown on ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) 6-bottle Collection, $79.95

5. Share a toast near or far

If you can’t be with them this year, let them know you’re there in spirit with a personalized wine wishing a happy holiday.

Gifting tip: Add a personal message or card letting them why you think you’ll enjoy the wine or include your favorite recipe pairing

Personalize this label>>

Shown on Windsor Pinot Grigio, $18

Create your own custom label for the holidays? Share it with us on social by tagging @WindsorVineyards and use the the hashtag #WindsorVineyards or upload your photo to our customer gallery.

Or at least that’s what we believe! Get your D.I.Y. on with with our ALL-NEW Color-In Custom Labels and Drink & Draw Party Packs, perfect for parties, gifts, craft night & more. Can’t you just picture it? It’s your turn to host craft night, you’re surrounded by your favorite crafty ladies, and you pull out these little babies:

If they are anything like the girls in our office, they will burst into a slurry of ‘I LOVE these’ and ‘WHERE did you find these?! I need them!’ which, of course are always the biggest compliments one can receive when showing of something new.

Drink & Draw 3-Bottle Party Pack, $49

Perfect for a small gathering, or makes a great gift for the crafty lady in your life. Includes one bottle each of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, & Pinot Noir

Get it now>>

Drink & Draw 6-Bottle Party Pack, $89

Great for a girls night in or craft night with your favorite ladies. Includes two bottles each of Merlot, Rosé & Sauvignon Blanc

Get it now>>

So, what’s next now that you’ve got the goods? Read on for our top tips for hosting your D.I.Y. drink & draw party.

5 Tips for Throwing Your Own
DIY Drink & Draw Party

1. Stock up on markers!

When it comes to coloring, can never have too many options! We recommend a fine tip permanent marker to color in the fine details

2. Make sure to have extra bottles

Everyone colors at a differentpace, and it’s likely you’ll have a few friends who are extra speedy. Make sure to have an extra bottle for each guest, in case someone finishes early or wants to color in another.

3. Don’t forget the snacks

This is probably the most important rule. What’s a party without some snacks?!

Personally we love a dessert party that includes a variety of sweets from cookies to cakes and everything in between served with a off-dry Moscato or Riesling.

4. It’s OK to show-off

You worked hard on coloring in every detail of that bottle – and we want to see it! Share a picture of your colored-in wine label & party and tag @WindsorVineyards or use #makeityourown. We’ll share our favorite works of art!

5. Make it even more personal

Take your party to the next leve with a truly custom coloring label! Pick your favorite label below and add your own custom message and save to your Windsor Vineyards account. You can add your custom coloring label to ANY Windsor wine in the shopping cart!

Personalize this label>>

Personalize this label>>

Personalize this label>>

Find more D.I.Y. inspiration and craft night ideas from our friends at Brit + Co.

Personalizing your party has never been so easy with the help from our friends at evite! We’ve teamed up with evite on 4 ALL-NEW custom label templates and matching invitation to take your summer celebrations & soirees to the next level.

For the Birthday Girl

Raise a glass to the birthday girl with crisp blue water-color inspired labels & invitations.

Carry through the theme of the label and invitation and decorate the party location with strands of Edison lights along with blue & silver balloons and a tassel garland or flag banner featuring a ‘happy birthday’ or ‘celebrate’ message.

Have a friend who’s a little more classical in style? Personalize this floral framed invitation and custom wine label.

Accentuate the floral them with bouquets of fresh flowers as table center pieces along with periwinkle table cloths and a pop of color with pink or cerulean blue plates.

For the Bride to Be

Celebrate the happy couple with a fun & festive Eat, Drink & Be Married label & invitation

Surprise the happy couple with a couple of bottles of Windsor bubbly featuring a custom label to commemorate their special day! Better yet, get them a Brut & Flutes gift set, $49, to share their first toast to gether.

Celebrate the bride-to be with a vibrant coral invitation and matching custom label

Take the celebration to the next level with matching mini bottles of matching Merlot, Cabernet or Chardonnay as party favors for the guests.

Have more ideas on how you personalize your parties? Share them in the comments section below!

Mix things up

Personally, our go-to during warm weather is an ice-cold refreshing beverage. Our favorite during summer? Sangria, of course! So grab your favorite friends and spend an afternoon on the patio or poolside with a pitcher of our favorite sangria mix.

Stone Fruit Sangria

What you need:
– 1 bottle Windsor Rosé, $16
– 1 each: apricot, nectarine, peach and plum
– 4 cups chilled ginger ale

What to do:
Remove pit and slice fruit into wedges. Combine fruit and Rosé in large pitcher or bowl and chill for an hour. Add ice and ginger ale before serving.

Master the No-Cook Meal

Seriously, this has got to be our favorite summer tip. Sure the A/C can do a lot to help cool off your house (if you have one!), so don’t continue to heat up the house cooking a meal on the stove top or oven. Instead, try a quick & easy meal like a salad or gazpacho. Pair it with a food-friendly, balanced Sangiovese, $16.

Summertime Gazpacho

What you need:
– 6 medium-sized tomatoes
– 1/2 large cucumber
– 1 sweet bell pepper (pick a color, any color)
– 2 cloves garlic, smashed
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– 2 Tbsp. sherry vinegar
– 1 cup water
– salt (to taste)

What to do:
Peel cucumber then cut cucumber, bell pepper and tomatoes into chunks. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until coarsely puréed. Refrigerate until chilled.

Chill in no time (almost).

Have an impromptu soiree or get-together and don’t have any wine chilled? No worries! Use this quick trick to chill your favorite white wine in less than 15 minutes. Be warned though, the most important part of this tip is the timer!

Quick trick to chill wine

What you need:

– Your favorite Windsor wine to drink chilled
– 1 tea towel
– Timer (Seriously, trust us – you don’t want a wine slush J)
– Freezer

What to do:
Wet tea towel under faucet and wring out excess water. Wrap around bottle of wine and place in freezer. Set timer for 12 minutes and voilá… a perfectly chilled bottle of wine in almost no time.

Share your ideas for beating the heat in the comments below!