By the evening’s end, the white barn glowed with reflected light off the windows, the world now dark outside. The room filled with clinking glasses and good conversation. That moment, the meal shared, was one worth experiencing with all five senses, worth far more than just the pretty sight it created.

The days are short and dark, and the snow and cold stubbornly remain. It can be a difficult, in-between time. That’s part of why we believe it’s one of the best times to gather — warm up together, beat the winter chill with a hearty meal, and find the beauty of the season in the twinkle of a good friend’s eye over a final glass at the end of the night, the bright burst of winter citrus that sneaks some sunshine into the dark days.

The barn warmed with good company as the night turned dark around us, many people lingering in the golden light of the glossy wooden room long after the meal ended. Eventually, we all had to bundle up, snuff out the grills’ glowing embers, and make our way into the winter’s eve, warmed through from the inside out. It was just the kind of evening that fortifies us until the soft spring sunshine arrives.

By the time the sky darkened and dessert was served, the table was ringing with cheers and applause for an evening well-spent, the talented chef who brought everyone together for an unforgettable meal, and the artistry of the functional vessels in which it was served.

The sweeping view of the Columbia Gorge from the porch of one of the guest cabins, even swathed in a thin sheen of wildfire smoke, is one of the most beautiful landscapes one could ever hope to see. On this ranch, though, the views continue as they wrap around, transforming into rugged mountain ridges as Wind Mountain stands sentry over the vast landscape. It’s nothing short of spectacular, even without the sentimental attachment we carry.

In Burgundy, Paulée celebrations mark the end of the grape harvest, but why wait? Each Paulée is a chance to come together to celebrate the terroir of this special place, the unique conditions of this particular year, and the singular group gathered together to share their craft and the (literal) fruits of their labor. Winemakers bring their favorite bottles from previous vintages to share, passing around harvest tips while pouring glasses, and taking a minute in the midst of a very busy season to slow down and simply spend some time together.