The Madson Monthly - Feb 2025
February in the Cellar: A Time of Transition and Celebration
As February draws to a close, we reflect on a month of steady progress and unforgettable moments. The days have been slowly growing longer, and with each passing hour of sunlight, we can feel the cellar beginning to thaw out from the chilly grip of winter. Though the temperatures have been low, there’s a sense of quiet anticipation in the air. The cellar, though still cold, is a place of reflection during these months—a space where we pause to think about last year’s harvest, the work that lies ahead, and the excitement building for the seasons to come.
While it’s been a bit of a quieter time in the cellar itself, there’s no rest in the vineyards. Out there, the work has been focused on winter pruning, carefully tending to the vines and preparing them for what’s to come. The vineyard may seem still now, but beneath the surface, it’s a time of subtle preparation, ensuring that every vine is ready to produce its best fruit when harvest 2025 arrives. There’s a quiet rhythm to this work—each cut is made with purpose and foresight, ensuring a strong, healthy foundation for the growing season ahead. In this way, the vineyard feels like an extension of the cellar itself—waiting, but full of potential.
February also brought with it a special opportunity to connect with our community and share the magic of the cellar in a more intimate way. On Valentine’s Day, we hosted our Chef in the Cellar event, a celebration of fine food and exceptional wine. Chef Diego, alongside Cole and Ken, curated a menu designed to pair beautifully with our wines. The atmosphere in the cellar was warm and inviting, a perfect contrast to the crisp winter air outside. As guests enjoyed a night of culinary delights, laughter, and of course, our wines, it felt like the perfect way to celebrate love—whether for food, wine, or the people we share it with.
As the month ended, Cole and Ken ventured out of the cellar and into the broader world of winemaking at the World of Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara. This prestigious event is a gathering of some of the finest Pinot Noir producers, and it was an incredible opportunity for them to connect with other winemakers, share stories, and gain new insights into the world of Pinot Noir. It was a chance to see the bigger picture, to be inspired by others in the industry, and to bring back fresh ideas for our own work in the vineyard and cellar.
Now, as we look ahead to March and the coming months, we are filled with excitement and optimism. The work in the cellar and the vineyard is ongoing, each day bringing us closer to the next chapter of our winemaking journey. It’s a time of transition, of thawing, of renewal—and we can’t wait to share it all with you. From the slow, steady growth of our vines to the opportunities for celebration and connection, this year promises to be one full of possibility.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make our way through this beautiful season of change. We’re looking forward to what’s ahead, and we hope you’ll be there with us every step of the way.