June in McElmo Canyon is usually glorious and, with a bit of luck, the weather remembers its manners. On June 6th we shall celebrate the 31st anniversary of planting the vineyard’s first two acres — a small and rather hopeful beginning that somehow turned into all of this.

Our annual Garden Party remains one of the loveliest afternoons of the year. Nathan Schmidt will be playing music beneath the trees, there shall be delicious food, generous wine specials, and the sort of conversation and laughter that tends to drift long into the evening.

Festivities begin at 1:00pm, though experience suggests very few people ever leave at the appointed hour.

One small instruction: dress beautifully. Linen, sundresses, splendid hats, light jackets — all the things suited to a proper vineyard garden party. The afternoon is invariably more charming when everyone makes a bit of an effort.

And do bring friends. Vineyards, after all, were never meant to be enjoyed alone.