The Madson Monthly - Jan 2025
January at the Winery: A Fresh Start to 2025
The chill of January has settled in, and as we step into a new year, there’s a sense of calm and quiet anticipation in the air. The days are still short, and the world outside is in its winter slumber, but here at the winery, we’ve been finding beauty in the stillness. January is always a time of reflection, a moment to look back on the year that’s passed and take stock of where we are before the rush of the seasons ahead.
In the cellar, the work has been steady but slower-paced, which gives us the space to focus on the details. Bottling season is in full swing, and while it’s often seen as a quieter part of the process, it’s still full of meaning. Each bottle we seal represents not just our hard work, but the time, care, and energy that have gone into every step along the way. We’re already looking ahead, excited to see what the next few months will bring, and as always, there’s something satisfying about watching this part of the journey come to fruition.
Meanwhile, the vineyard has been quiet, too. The vines are resting, the earth is still, but we’ve been keeping a close eye on them. Soon enough, it will be time to start pruning, selecting the strongest canes to make way for the growing season ahead. There’s a kind of peace that comes with this time—an understanding that nature moves at its own pace and that we’re simply here to help guide it when the time is right. It’s a time of waiting, but also of preparing for the busy work that will come when the first buds appear.
Outside the vineyard, the winter waves have been rolling in. For a few of us, this means grabbing a board when we can, chasing the surf on a crisp winter morning. It’s a rare moment of freedom—just the ocean and the thrill of a good wave—before coming back to the work that always awaits us at the winery. There’s something about those moments in the water that refreshes the spirit and resets the mind, giving us the clarity and energy to dive back into the work that we love.
Back at the winery, we’ve found other ways to connect with each other and keep the spirit of fun alive. A few team dinners have become the perfect way to unwind after a long week, often featuring a blind wine tasting challenge. It’s all in good fun, of course—just a chance to laugh, share stories, and test our palates a little bit. It’s a small ritual that reminds us of why we do what we do, and how lucky we are to be able to share these moments together.
This month, we also made a little addition to the winery—a piano! It’s a simple change, but it feels like it adds something new to the space. We’ve always loved the quiet hum of conversation and the occasional clink of glasses, but there’s something about the sound of live music that feels right in the atmosphere we’ve created here. We’re already dreaming of future jazz nights, and can’t wait to see where this new addition takes us.
As the month wraps up and we look ahead to February, we’re filled with excitement for what’s next. There’s more work to be done in the cellar, but there’s also time for new traditions to take root. Our Friday pizza pop-ups with Lido Pizza are returning, and we’re already looking forward to the evenings spent together, eating good food and enjoying each other’s company.
Looking back at the month, it feels like we’ve taken a deep breath, readying ourselves for the year ahead. There’s a quiet sense of gratitude in the air—grateful for the work, grateful for the community we’ve built, and grateful for the simple moments that remind us of why we’re here.
Here’s to the year ahead, and to the stories yet to be written. We’re so glad to have you with us on this journey.!