Wish you a Merry Wine Christmas!

As Christmas draws near, I want to take a moment to write about this incredible year and express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and passion for the world of wine and Tuscany.

It’s been a year filled with unforgettable experiences, discoveries, and, most importantly, meaningful connections that have enriched my community.

Just for example, a powerful moment of this year happened during my current tour in the USA. While traveling and presenting Tuscan wines to many wine lovers across the Chicago, Desert Moines, Lincoln, Omaha, I had the opportunity to witness something truly inspiring in Chicago: a naturalization ceremony. There, 144 people from around the world were becoming American citizens.

The ceremony itself was an emotional and deeply moving experience. ?As I sat in the audience, I watched as each person, filled with hope and pride, took an oath that symbolized a new chapter in their lives. I have to admit, I had tears in my eyes!

During the speech, Senator Richard Durbin stood up and pointed to a child sitting in the front row.

He exclaimed:

“This kid could be a future senator, or even a future President of the United States!”

These words captured the essence of what that moment meant: the power of opportunity, the strength of unity, and the belief that anything is possible.

What made the experience even more special was the setting. The location hosting the ceremony, the Museum of Science and Industry, had created a Christmas tree for each country represented by the new citizens, adding a festive touch to the moment. Of course, I couldn’t resist taking a picture next to the Italian tree, where, to my delight, food had been placed on the side, a fun and very Italian addition!

It struck me how, in many ways, wine carries a similar message.

As I’ve been on this American tour, sharing my love for Tuscan wines, I’ve realized that what I’m truly sharing isn’t just about technical sheets or analytical data.

It’s about the experience of connection.

Wine, like the naturalization ceremony, brings people together: across cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. It’s a universal language that celebrates moments of joy, love, and shared stories.?

In fact, one of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been the incredible people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. At a recent wine tasting event in Des Moines, I had the honor of spending quality time with a group of?amazing gentlemen, who, beyond being fraternity brothers, went above and beyond to help me with the event’s organization.

Their warmth, enthusiasm, and support made the experience truly unique, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their help. It’s these kinds of connections - people who share the same love and passion for what I do - that truly make this journey unforgettable.

This powerful experiences reminded me of what I believe about wine: it’s about dreaming big, building connections, and creating new opportunities.

This Christmas, I will celebrate with the warmth of my family, opening a bottle of Brunello di Montalcino (well.. probably 2!), perhaps the wine that has most taught me to Dream Big. Brunello di Montalcino has always represented something larger than life to me: it is the symbol of patience, passion, and the belief that good things take time.

So, as we approach 2025, my wish for all of you is as simple as this:

Keep dreaming big!

Whether in life, in wine, or in whatever path you choose, opportunities are endless, and connection is at the heart of everything we do.?

May this festive season be filled with love, warmth, and, of course, a glass of wine that brings us all together!

Cheers!

?? Claudia