A Toast to Hospitality: Pouring My Russian River Pinot at Gramercy Tavern

Last night, I had the honor of pouring my wines for the team at Gramercy Tavern, a Michelin Star Restaurant in New York City that has been serving our wines for over a decade.

For a winemaker, there are few experiences more gratifying than sharing varietals and vintages with professionals who understand the nuances of food, service, and hospitality at the highest level. And Gramercy Tavern — one of the most celebrated restaurants in America — sets the gold standard.

During our tasting, we focused on our 2021 Three Sons Pinot Noir, from the Russian River Valley. Only 381 cases were produced of this garnet-colored cuvée.

This California Pinot opens with aromas of bright red cherry and dry leaves, evolving into notes of white pepper and clove. On the palate, it moves with clarity — a true beginning, middle, and end — revealing layers of red fruit, underbrush, and baking spice. A lingering finish of clove and cinnamon invites sip after sip.

It’s a versatile, elegant wine that pairs beautifully, as we discovered, with Gramercy Tavern’s Tavern Burger, served with potato chips, smoked onion aglio, cheese, and bacon. A match made in culinary heaven.

Gramercy Tavern is not just another fine restaurant. Opened in 1994 by legendary restaurateur Danny Meyer, it resides in a historic landmark building just north of Union Square. Over the years, it has earned nine James Beard Awards, including Outstanding Restaurant and Outstanding Chef in America. It received three stars from the New York Times in both 2007 and 2016, a Michelin Star in 2006 (which it still retains), and the Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator from 2006 through 2019. It has also ranked as the number one most popular restaurant in New York City, according to Zagat, multiple times: 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, and 2015.

This is a team that takes hospitality seriously. Before every service, the staff meets to discuss the latest dishes, wines, and cocktails. That’s why having the opportunity to walk the floor, introduce myself, and personally share the current release of the Three Sons Pinot Noir with them was such an honor. The questions they asked, their insights, and the thoughtful attention they brought to each sip spoke volumes about their commitment to excellence.

Sonoma Valley, California Wines Poured

Gramercy Tavern currently pours four wines from Halleck Vineyard, each selected to complement their ever-evolving menu:

• Little Sister Sauvignon Blanc – North Coast, Sonoma Valley, California
• Baletto Vineyards Chardonnay – Russian River Valley, Sonoma Valley
• The Farm Vineyard Pinot Noir – Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Valley, California
• Three Sons Pinot Noir – Russian River Valley, Sonoma Valley, California

Together, we’ve partnered on over thirteen wine tasting dinners, with menus paired exclusively to Halleck Vineyard wines. It’s a rare and deeply valued relationship.

I want to thank General Manager Asher Russem, Manager Kristen Murray, and Manager Camille Williams for the warm welcome and for making the tasting such a success. Afterward, we took a celebratory stroll through Gramercy Park, reflecting on the beauty of shared experience, good wine, and the bonds that hospitality can create.

Next up: a private tasting at the National Arts Club, just across the park, where I’ll have the pleasure of continuing the conversation and introducing another group to our wines from Sonoma County, Russian River Valley, and beyond.

Here’s to the joy of discovery — in the glass, at the table, and in the company of passionate people.