Autumn 2025

The Magic of Slowing Down

by Andrew Browne

There’s something sacred about the holidays that goes beyond the obvious traditions and festivities. It’s the permission we give ourselves to slow down, to gather, to be present, and to be intentional in ways that the rest of the year somehow doesn’t quite allow.

We usually kick off our holiday season in November with a Christmas movie and cocoa night. Sometimes we make “magic popcorn,” which just means the kids get to pick a special candy to add to the popcorn. It sounds simple, but there’s real magic in these small rituals. We take drives to look at Christmas lights and always hunt for different festive local activities that tend to vary from year to year.

What I love most about this season is how naturally it invites us to slow down, reconnect with life, and find happiness by appreciating the simple and meaningful aspects of daily living. One of my favorite ways to extend the warmth and generosity of the holiday season is by sending a personal note or a thoughtful gift to an unsuspecting recipient. Extending well-deserved gratitude or simply checking in and saying hello are excellent reasons to reach out – and not just during the holidays! As the temperatures chill and the nights get longer, consider pouring yourself your favorite glass of whiskey or wine, settling into a comfy chair, and penning off a note or two.

I encourage you to embrace that gentle living philosophy in the coming months. The holidays give us a beautiful excuse to do what we should be doing all year: being present, being grateful, and being intentional about the people and moments that matter most.

Gift » Bubbles, Spirits, and Post-Party Provisions‍ ‍

by Courtney Browne

There’s nothing I love more than seeing Browne Family’s gift sets finding their way to so many tables and celebrations, which is why I gift them, too! Our Making Spirits Bright collection has earned its spot as a top seller for two straight years, and the reason is clear: the set of Vanilla Bean, Single Malt, and the newly released Warm Spice means everyone can enjoy their favorites.

The holidays and milestone moments always call for a bit of sparkle, and our méthode champenoise Medallion Georgia Brut is a staple for celebrations and cheerful welcomes. This year, we’re offering it in a set alongside its Brut Rosé counterpart and a set of champagne flutes. These gift sets and many others are launching in our tasting rooms beginning November 1st, and Wine Club members get discounted pricing!

But the perfect holiday table is about more than spirits and bubbles; it’s about finding wines that pair beautifully with an array of festive dishes. Lately, I’ve seen hosts asking for a lighter, fruit-forward red that can complement everything from turkey and ham to root vegetables. That’s why I love recommending our Mural Collection GSM — its medium body and vibrant acidity make it a versatile crowd-pleaser.

One of my favorite party gifts this time of year is a “morning after” basket for the hosts so they don’t have to think about breakfast for the kids. We include coffee and cocoa with festive mugs, premade breakfast treats like muffins, cinnamon rolls, or breads, or pancake and waffle mix with a small waffle maker.

The idea is simple: give the gift of not having to think about the next morning when everyone’s tired and the house is a little chaotic–even more so if they’ve enjoyed our wine and spirits the night before! It’s one of those thoughtful touches that people remember long after the holidays are over.

Drink » Browne Family Spirits Oaxacan Corn & Special G 100

by Andrew Browne

Aaron Kleinhelter has outdone himself with these two limited releases. They’re bold, they’re unique, and they’re the kind of spirits that make you slow down and actually pay attention to what you’re drinking, which feels very much in the spirit of the season.

Both will only be available to Spirit Club members, so if you’re interested, join today.

Oaxacan Corn Bourbon Whiskey has deep roots in Mexican tradition. This small-batch bourbon is made with a unique blend of locally sourced river spelt, Purple Egyptian barley, and an heirloom varietal of Oaxacan green corn that has been prized for its unique nutty and sweet flavors. This two-year bourbon has been cask-aged and bottled at 95 proof, offering a pleasantly light and crisp body complemented by aromatics of cinnamon, younger oak, sweet, tamed caramels, and spices. It’s our tribute to cultural roots and local craftsmanship.

Special G 100 Rye Malt Whiskey is made with 100% malted rye, locally sourced and crafted from Linc Foods Malthouse in Spokane Valley. “Special G” is a unique small-batch experimental malt that provides bold aromas of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and smoldering fire. This full-bodied whiskey has been aged for two years and bottled at 100 proof. It reflects our commitment to local sourcing and Northwest character, from grain to glass.

Taste » Holiday Baked Brie with Cranberry & Rosemary

by Courtney Browne

We mix up our holiday menus every year and don’t always do “traditional” holiday foods. However, we always make room for a simple appetizer for easy Christmas and New Year’s Eve serving. This baked brie fits the bill perfectly. For Thanksgiving, you can easily use the savory variation: caramelized onions, a sprinkle of thyme, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)

1 wheel of brie (about 8 oz)

½ cup cranberry sauce (or fig jam, or honey)

1 sprig fresh rosemary (plus extra for garnish)

¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

1 egg (for egg wash)

Crackers, baguette slices, or apple slices for serving

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Roll out the puff pastry slightly and place the brie wheel in the center.

Top brie with cranberry sauce, rosemary, and nuts (if using).

Fold pastry edges up and over the brie to fully enclose it. Pinch or twist to seal.

Beat the egg and brush over the pastry for a golden crust.

Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving (so the cheese isn’t lava hot).

Garnish with extra rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.

Read » The Monocle Book of Gentle Living

by Andrew Browne

One of my favorite books to return to around the holidays, The Monocle Book of Gentle Living focuses on the principles of slowing down and finding happiness by appreciating the simple and meaningful aspects of daily living.

Author Tyler Brûlé emphasizes mindfulness, kindness, and generosity in everyday life, including hospitality and forgiveness as essential qualities.

The practical lifestyle tips are refreshing: sending handwritten notes, learning new skills, engaging in clubs or communities, and slowing down on digital media consumption. It highlights the importance of meaningful social connections, including simple acts like smiling at neighbors, hosting friends, and supporting local businesses and food producers who care about their craft.

It’s a gentle manifesto for modern living that balances the pace of life with kindness, creativity, and thoughtful presence. A perfect companion to the season.

Visit » The Nutcracker

by Andrew Browne

We’re proud to have been a partner of Pacific Northwest Ballet, an integral part of the Seattle arts community, for more than five years.

If you’ve been among the 100,000 annual visitors attending PNB’s 100+ performances, you may have spotted our wines and spirits, whether at pre-show donor lounge receptions, the First Look Gala, the annual spring fundraiser, or even on the shelves of your local grocery store alongside PNB displays.

During the holiday season, nothing is more magical than the return of The Nutcracker. What struck me most when my family and I saw The Nutcracker a few holiday seasons ago was how the ballet gave my family and me a shared sense of wonder. My son couldn’t stop talking about the toy soldiers, while my oldest daughter adored the Sugar Plum Fairy. I loved the way the orchestra swept us up in Tchaikovsky’s score. It was one of those rare live experiences that pulls the entire family into the same feelings of joy and awe, and a little bit of holiday nostalgia for Courtney and me. Whether attending PNB’s or a production local to you, make The Nutcracker a must for 2025.

Meet » AmiGo

by Courtney Browne

Amid the chaos of the holidays, I understand why many may want to find a way to slow down in a relaxing, quiet corner of the world.

I’ve started using AmiGo, where real people, tastemakers, and editors provide a way for users to find, save, and share travel spots. What I love about it is that it feels curated and personal rather than overwhelming like some of the bigger travel platforms.

AmiGo’s city database is curated to include most of the top tourist destinations around the world, but it’s the personal recommendations that make it special. It feels like getting travel tips from a well-traveled friend rather than sorting through endless reviews.

It’s invite-only, or you can join the waitlist to start exploring. Perfect for planning those post-holiday getaways when you need to escape and recharge.