Did someone say put out the good crystal stemware? Chamisal Vineyards is now offering elegant event spaces available for holiday parties all winter long, so keep 'em in the running for that wedding reception or work holiday soiree. The historic Chamisal property, claimed to be "the first vineyard planted in the Edna Valley," offers two spaces for sipping the area's famed pinot and chardonnay. Take your pick of the estate patio overlooking vines or the private cellar, perfect for intimate winemaker dinners (go to chamisalvineyards.com for info) ... Damn, guys! The overachievers at Wine Enthusiast blind tasted nearly 23,000 wines from 17 countries before naming Cambria's Stolo Family Vineyards 2014 Estate Syrah No. 27 on the Top 100 Wines of 2017 list. The Stolo syrah is ranked higher than any other syrah on the list! So, maybe go try that syrah? Maybe gift it to your most wine savvy loved ones this year? Just an idea. For info, go to stolofamilyvineyards.com. Δ

Hayley Thomas Cain played her first local musical performance at The Merrimaker, where drinks are strong and the locals are soft-hearted. She can be reached at [email protected].