Our ‘Next Vintage’
Hello fellow adventurers!
We’re Doug & Lacie, a husband and wife duo passionate about winemaking, education and experiences approachable and enjoyable for everyone. This spring, we finalized the sale of our second wine shop and are now pursuing some new goals; we’re currently working at a winery in the Carneros region of Napa, learning each step of the harvest from July through November. We'll be sharing our experiences along the way.
After the sale of our second wine shop business, we found ourselves at a crossroads, pondering what the next chapter of our lives would look like. It was a moment of reflection and inspiration that led us to take a leap of faith. In addition to leading tastings, teaching a course at a community college (starting February 2026), and consulting for some incredible wineries, July through December, we’ll be diving headfirst into the full 2025 harvest season. Under the tutelage of seasoned viniculturists, we’ll assist in crafting wine and embracing every aspect of this incredible process.
Why take chances? Why venture into something new, especially later in life? These are questions we've asked ourselves and we believe the answers are woven into the fabric of our past experiences. Life is a series of opportunities and choices, and we’ve come to understand that it’s never too late to pursue your passions. Every new venture brings with it a chance for growth, learning, and discovery.
For us, the farming aspect and winemaking has always been a passion, one that we’ve nurtured through our years in the wine industry and through our wine education and certifications. Fostering relationships with those unsung heroes behind the scenes of what ends up in the bottle is near and dear to us. While selling our wine shops were bittersweet, it opened a door to new possibilities. We realized that we could take our love for wine to the next level by fully immersing ourselves in the art and craft of winemaking. The thought of being part of the harvest, working in the cellar, and witnessing the transformation from fruit to wine has ignited a spark in us.
Taking risks can be daunting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. We’ve learned that stepping out of our comfort zone often leads to the most fulfilling experiences. Each day in Napa brings fresh challenges, from harvesting grapes to learning the intricacies of fermentation, blending, aging, etc. We’re excited to share our journey with you, the highs and lows, the lessons learned, and the joy of creating something from the terroir.
As we get going on this adventure, we invite you to join us every step of the way. We’ll share insights, photos and videos related to the winemaking process, the people, the beauty of Napa Valley, and the wonderful community we are becoming a part of. Our hope is that our story inspires you to embrace your own dreams, no matter where you are in life.
Remember, it’s never too late to start something new. Whether it’s a career change, a new hobby, or a completely different path, the time to take that leap is when it feels right. For us, life is meant to be lived fully and we’re excited to explore this new chapter together, one grape at a time.
While we don’t know fully how these blogs and pages will evolve, we hope you’ll take some time to ask questions and become a part of our winemaking journey.
Cheers to new beginnings!
