This is how we finished up the year:
On October 24, 2013, we brought in fruit from Santa Barbara Highlands, Grenache.
On October 26, 2013, Augie and I held our Group Hug Party, which is our annual wine club pick-up party. We combined this party with our 20 Years of Hugs Celebration. It was so special to see so many people gathered together, in addition to our Group Hug members, enjoying the weather, music, food, Hug wine and each others company. Augie will typically open our older vintages for these events, and of course this was no exception. Two wines that were unanimous hits; an older 2005 Casa Mireles (my family name) Rose and 2003 Bassetti Vineyard Syrah.
Acquaintances, old & new Group Hug members, friends of many years like Michelle Rasch, Joe & Teresa Hurliman, Paul Wilkins, Prian’s, Parker’s, Fiscalini’s and Bassetti’s. all “Giving Their Tongues Hugs.” Many of these person have been influential in the development of Hug Cellars.
On October 31, we brought in the last of our fruit to finish off the 2013 Hug Harvest. We brought in Bassetti Syrah, Cedar Lane Syrah and Santa Barbara Highland Mourvèdre. To finish off 2013, we have two upcoming pourings, The Garagiste Festival on November 9, 2013. And API Pouring in Santa Paula on November 14, 2013. Hopefully you will have the opportunity to “Give your Tongue A Hug,” at either of these events.
Or if you’d rather join us to New York, we will be at the following venues:
On Thursday November 21st, at 7:00 P.M. Augie and I will be at Chadwick’s, American Chop House and Bar for a Winemaker Dinner
Chadwicks is located at 49 Front St. Rockville Centre LI . just north of the RVC train station.
On Friday, November 22 at 7:00 PM Augie and I will be at Marble Modern American Steakhouse for a Winemaker Dinner. Marble is located at 230 Jericho Turnpike, Floral Park, LI.
On Friday, November 22 at 2:00-6:00 PM Augie will be pouring a selection of Hug Cellars wines at Pequa Spirits, 5151 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park, LI.
On Saturday, November 23 at 2:00-6:00 PM Augie will be pouring a selection of Hug Cellars wines at Wine Society, 41 Northern Blvd., Greenvale, LI.
Come by and say hello, we look forward to meeting you.
As I finish this, we’ve already returned from New York. New York was exhilarating to say the least. Made new friends and in a small way I like to akin myself to Johnny Appleseed “planting seeds” of Hug.
Winding down for the year, the wines sleep and Augie and I party. Well not necessarily Salsa dancing, but this is our time to travel and savor life at a tad slower pace. Till we start the process all over again……that I yearn for. I have tried to analyze this Love and Passion I have toward the whole winemaking and wine experience. In its most visceral level, it is “Going Back to my Roots.” Of feeling and sharing moments when I am most connected to nature. And, in the process of feeling, seeing, tasting, hearing and smelling ……..I become more connected to my senses and Nature. And every time I return to my roots, I am reminded of the lessons that made me who I am and who I strive to be.
Many Blessing and Hugs to All in 2014.
Raquel Hug
Hug Cellars 