LIFE BY THE GLASS SPRING 2026
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
• 2025 Harvest Update from Cara Morrison
• Seasonal Recipes Pairings
• Upcoming Events
• Gems of the Southwest Cruise
• Vineyard Spotlight: The Cutrer
• Explore New Experiences at The Duckhorn Collection
Harvest Update
WITH CARA MORRISON
The 2025 growing season opened with generous winter rain that refreshed our soils and set the foundation for an exceptional year. A mild spring and steady, temperate summer encouraged even, unhurried ripening, allowing the fruit to gain concentration while preserving its natural vibrancy. August and September brought cool, foggy mornings with occasional heat spells that nudged the grapes to ideal maturity.
Already, the wines reflect the harmony of this thoughtful, balanced season: Our Chardonnay offers poise and radiant freshness; Pinot Noir shows plush tannins layered with dark berry richness; and Sauvignon Blanc is lively with bright citrus and crisp acidity. Overall, 2025 has delivered beautifully expressive fruit –wines we’re thrilled to share with you, crafted for enjoyment now and for years to come.
Buttery Blackened Salmon
PAIR WITH 2024 RUSSIAN RIVER RANCHES CHARDONNAY
INGREDIENTS
4 (6-oz) salmon fillets, well chilled
1½ Tbsp blackened seasoning
¼ cup butter, divided
1 tsp brown sugar
PREPARATION
Pat cold salmon dry with paper towels. Sprinkle seasoning on flesh side of salmon, pressing to adhere.
Preheat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Cook salmon in 2 Tbsp butter in hot skillet, seasoned side down, 3 minutes. Carefully turn each fillet, and cook 5 to 6 minutes longer or until fish flakes with a fork. Season with salt and pepper.
Melt 2 Tbsp butter with brown sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves; drizzle over salmon.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Serves 4
Creamy Chicken Gnocchi
PAIR WITH 2022 FOUNDERS RESERVE PINOT NOIR
INGREDIENTS
¼ cup butter
2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 (16-oz) pkg gnocchi
2 cups chicken broth
1 (7.5-oz) container garlic and herb whipped cheese
1 (5-oz) container spinach
PREPARATION
Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, if desired. Cook chicken, in batches, until browned. Remove from skillet. Add gnocchi, and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until toasted. Remove from skillet.
Add broth; bring to a boil and cook until reduced by half. Add chicken; simmer 5 minutes. Add cheese, stirring until blended. Gradually add spinach until wilted. Stir in gnocchi.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Serves 6
Gems of Southeast Europe
APRIL 26 – MAY 3, 2027 | 7-NIGHT
RIVER CRUISE | AMABELLA
Budapest, Mohacs, Pecs, Vukovar, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Iron Gates, Vidin, Rousse, Veliko Tarnovo, Bucharest, Giurgiu
Your Journey Along the Lower Danube River
HOSTED BY CARA MORRISON, DIRECTOR OF WINEMAKING SONOMA CUTRER
Sail with us along the lower Danube River –through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania – for a Sonoma-Cutrer member journey hosted by winemaker Cara Morrison. Together, we’ll explore the region’s centuriesold vineyard hillsides, tasting wines shaped by history and place. Along the way, you’ll enjoy guided experiences and specially curated pairings on board – an unforgettable way to savor the moment and connect with fellow members.
For more information, contact:
EXPEDIA CRUISES, NORTH BAY
Vineyard Spotlight
THE CUTRER VINEYARD
Set in the heart of the Russian River Valley, The Cutrer Vineyard unfolds across gently rolling hills shaped by its geological history – once an ocean floor and later influenced by nearby volcanic activity. Today, this history lives on in the soils, with conditions that encourage the vines to work harder, producing smaller clusters of fruit with greater concentration and character.
Spanning 270 acres, the vineyard is divided into several distinct blocks, each shaped by subtle differences in slope, exposure and micro-climate. Closely spaced vines benefit from heat retained in the land beneath them, helping fruit ripen evenly while maintaining freshness and balance. This diversity gives our winemaking team an ideal canvas from which to craft distinct expressions of Chardonnay.
Select parcels from The Cutrer Vineyard form the foundation of The Cutrer Chardonnay, with additional fruit contributing to Russian River Ranches and Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Together, these wines reflect the depth of the vineyard and the thoughtful craftsmanship behind them, capturing the essence of place in every glass.
An Invitation Extended to You
As a Sonoma-Cutrer member, you enjoy access to experiences across The Duckhorn Collection. We’re pleased to extend an invitation to a signature Duckhorn Vineyards celebration – offering you a chance to explore the shared heritage that connects us.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE!
JOIN US!
May 2 11th Annual Derby Party at The Duckhorn Collection
THE DUCKHORN COLLECTION