Every family has their beloved holiday traditions, and the Sonoma-Cutrer family is no exception. Here in the heart of the Russian River Valley, the holidays are a time to gather and give thanks.

The season officially kicks off with a long-standing Thanksgiving tradition as everyone gathers to eat delicious food and celebrate the year’s biggest accomplishments. This year, the Sonoma-Cutrer family toasted the launch of Founder’s Reserve Legacy, the second offering in the limited-release Winemaker’s Series.

It’s a time for camaraderie and conversation, as colleagues sip Sonoma-Cutrer wine and share favorite recipes. In addition to the chef-prepared turkey and dressing, employees bring a family favorite side dish to share — and leaving a bit overstuffed is to be expected.

Come December, it’s time to trim the holiday tree. During the annual event, employees gather to share holiday cheer and help put the finishing touches on the tree — often with handcrafted ornaments that feature a Sonoma-Cutrer theme. It’s also the season for another tradition at the winery: the annual holiday open house.

The fireplace glows as traditionally dressed carolers fill the air with holiday songs and guests enjoy sips of soup, savory bites and sweets paired with Sonoma-Cutrer wines. While this year’s open house was on hiatus due to renovations at the winery, new traditions will join longstanding ones next December as the brand new tasting room will be open for special holiday tastings.

The season of giving thanks is also a time to give back at Sonoma-Cutrer. Community outreach efforts include food and clothing drives for local shelters, and many employees volunteer to serve holiday dinners at shelters throughout the season. Sonoma-Cutrer sponsors a tree in Windsor’s Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove to benefit the Windsor Educational Foundation.

With the holiday season well underway, the Sonoma-Cutrer family has had a chance to reflect on the many blessings of the previous year. The approaching New Year offers a chance to toast the good times, reflect on the challenges and look forward to another amazing year with a winery family that shares a passion and dedication to crafting the finest wine.