Hello Friends,
As summer winds down and the first hints of fall arrive, we are filled with excitement at the estate. Harvest has begun, giving us our first glimpse of what promises to be a remarkable vintage. This is always one of the most thrilling times of the year as we look ahead with anticipation and celebration.
With your upcoming club release, we are delighted to share three new releases: the 2022 Growers Series Blanc de Blancs, the 2022 Proprietary Syrah, and 2022 Proprietary Nebbiolo. These are some of our favorite varieties to craft, and they are the perfect wines to enjoy as we transition into the new season.
Below, you will hear directly from Winemaker Jeff Plant with an update from the vineyard and the start of harvest. You will also find new recipes from Estate Chef Fernando Arias and Pastry Chef Kathryn Gunderson, designed to highlight the vibrant flavors of the Tomato Za’tar Spice Mix included in your shipment.
We hope you will join us for our Meet the Makers event on September 20th, a rare opportunity to spend time with the artisans behind our wines, olive oils, and culinary program.
Thank you for being such an important part of our community. As we look ahead, we are filled with gratitude and optimism for the harvest underway, the season to come, and the memories we will continue to create together.
Ryan MacDonnell Bracher & Miles MacDonnell
Second-Generation Owners
Summer 2025
WINEMAKER UPDATE
Harvest is underway, and we couldn’t be more excited. We brought in our Chardonnay for sparkling wine earlier this month, and we were thrilled with the chemistry — everything came in right on target. Just yesterday, we began harvesting Sauvignon Blanc, and the fruit is looking fantastic.
This growing season has been especially promising. A mild summer with consistently cool nights has created ideal conditions for flavor development, and crop loads are looking strong in both Rutherford and Oakville. Our final canopy and fruit-thinning passes are complete, and the vines are in excellent shape heading into harvest. Balanced canopies and smaller-than-average berries are giving us high expectations for concentration, color, and depth.
Meanwhile in the cellar, we just wrapped up the summer rackings of the 2024 vintage, and the wines are already showing incredible structure and density. It is shaping up to be a collector’s vintage — one that could rival or even surpass 2023 in some of our top lots.
The energy this time of year is contagious, and we’re all hands on deck as the season continues to unfold. We’re feeling optimistic, inspired, and incredibly proud of what’s growing out here.
Jeff Plant
Estate Winemaker
SUMMER RECIPES
From Estate Chef Fernando Arias & Pastry Chef Kathryn Gunderson
Tomato Za’tar Spice Mix
Included in your club shipment
Inspired by the vibrant flavors of peak summer produce, our Tomato Za’tar Spice Mix is handcrafted from sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, rosemary, and sesame seeds. Savory, aromatic, and perfectly balanced, it’s the ideal way to add depth and brightness to your favorite seasonal dishes.
Try it tossed with roasted cauliflower, carrots, or crispy potatoes. It’s also delicious over baked chicken, grilled lamb, or a juicy pork loin hot off the grill.
Recipes
Braised Lamb Shoulder with Tomato Za’tar
Braised Lamb Shoulder with Tomato Za’tar
A rich, slow-cooked favorite from Chef Fernando’s kitchen, this dish is deeply savory with warming aromatics and a hint of spice from our estate-made Tomato Za’tar Spice Mix. Perfect for cool summer evenings or early fall gatherings, it’s a celebration of bold flavor and comforting texture.
Ingredients
1 lamb shoulder
½ bottle dry red wine
4 sprigs rosemary
1 head garlic, halved horizontally
½ tbsp juniper berries
1 packet Round Pond Tomato Za’tar Spice Mix
2 tbsp salt
2 tbsp canola oil
Directions
- Preheat oven to 225°F.
- Season lamb shoulder with salt and let rest for 1 hour. Pat dry before searing.
- In a heavy-bottomed pan (cast iron preferred), heat canola oil over high heat. Sear lamb on all sides until golden brown.
- Place the lamb in a deep baking dish and add the remaining ingredients. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake at 225°F for 4 to 6 hours, or until fork-tender.
- Remove the lamb from the dish. Strain the braising liquid and reduce it in a small pot to create a rich sauce.
- Serve the lamb warm with the reduced sauce spooned over the top.
Tomato Za'tar Ranch
Tomato Za’tar Ranch
This zesty, herb-packed ranch dressing gets a savory twist from our estate-made Tomato Za’tar Spice Mix and a bright lift from our Sauvignon Blanc vinegar. Creamy, tangy, and full of fresh flavor, it’s perfect for summer salads, grilled vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for everything from roasted potatoes to crispy chicken.
Ingredients
2 egg yolks
2 cloves garlic
¼ cup minced white onion
½ cup sour cream
½ cup chopped chive
½ cup Round Pond Sauvignon Blanc Vinegar
1 pint canola oil
2 tbsp Round Pond Chive Infused Olive Oil
1 tbsp ground black pepper
1 packet Round Pond Tomato Za’tar Spice Mix
Directions
- In a blender, combine egg yolks, garlic, and vinegar. Blend until smooth and frothy.
- With the blender running on medium, slowly drizzle in the canola oil and Chive Oil to emulsify.
- Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl. Add the sour cream, onion, chive, black pepper, and Tomato Za’tar Spice Mix. Stir until fully combined.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Hummus with Tomato Za'tar
Hummus with Tomato Za’tar
Creamy, bright, and full of savory depth, this estate-style hummus is elevated with our Tomato Za’tar Spice Mix and a blend of our garlic and Spanish olive oils. A simple but flavorful staple that’s perfect as a dip, spread, or appetizer alongside fresh veggies and warm pita.
Ingredients
1 pint cooked garbanzo beans
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 tbsp Round Pond Estate Garlic Olive Oil
1 tbsp Round Pond Spanish Olive Oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 packet Round Pond Tomato Za’tar Spice Mix
Directions
- In a food processor, combine the garbanzo beans, garlic, olive oils, lemon zest and juice, and half of the Tomato Za’tar Spice Mix. Blend until smooth.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle the remaining spice mix over the top.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to enjoy.
For more recipes and serving tips check out our blog, aRound the estate!
New Blog Post
The Garden That Defines Our Cuisine
At Round Pond Estate, our 12-acre culinary garden is more than a source of fresh ingredients. It’s the heart of our farm-to-table culinary program and a daily source of inspiration for our chefs. Every herb snipped, berry picked, and flower harvested finds its way into the hands of our culinary team, who transform this seasonal abundance into exceptional food and wine experiences for our guests.
Led by Estate Chef Fernando Arias and Pastry Chef Kathryn Gunderson, our kitchen team crafts thoughtful, elevated dishes rooted in the rhythm of the garden. From sun-ripened tomatoes and tender greens to fragrant herbs and orchard fruit, nearly 80% of the ingredients used in our Il Pranzo four-course tasting experience are grown right here on the estate. The remaining few are carefully sourced to complement the garden’s bounty, primarily cheeses, meats, and specialty pantry items. Menus evolve with the seasons, allowing guests to experience the garden’s offerings at their peak throughout the year.
Kathryn’s desserts often highlight seasonal favorites like garden strawberries, peaches, or watermelon, while Fernando builds his menus around what’s flourishing in the soil at the time. The result is a dining experience that feels vibrant, personal, and closely connected to the land, with each menu thoughtfully tailored to the moment…
YOUR SUMMER CLUB SHIPMENT
SUMMER WINE SELECTIONS
Each shipment is unique, click below to learn more about all of the August wines.
2022 Blanc de Blancs
100% Chardonnay | Russian River Valley
Newly disgorged and brimming with energy, our 2022 Growers Series Blanc de Blancs turns any late-summer moment into a celebration. Delicate, lacy bubbles lift hints of pear and lemon zest while bright acidity keeps each sip crisp — whether you’re clinking glasses over a seaside picnic, welcoming friends to an al fresco brunch, or kicking off oyster night at home.
2022 Proprietary Red
35% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Petit Verdot, 12% Cabernet Franc | Rutherford
The 2022 Proprietary Red, a vibrant blend led by Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, showcases the expressive character of our Rutherford estate. Juicy blackberry and raspberry mingle with floral hints of lavender, supported by smooth tannins and bright acidity. Versatile and crowd-pleasing, it’s perfect for grilled fare, summer stews, or charcuterie boards enjoyed outdoors.
2023 Proprietary White
50% Semillon, 50% Viognier | Rutherford
The 2023 Proprietary White is a blend of Viognier and Sémillon that glides from floral perfume to juicy stone-fruit richness. With gentle acidity and a hint of brioche, it’s ideal for poolside afternoons, sunset dinners on the patio, or easygoing picnics as warm days linger.
2022 ProprietarySuper Tuscan
55% Sangiovese, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford
The 2022 Proprietary Super Tuscan is a lively fusion of estate-grown Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, delivering lifted aromatics and bold fruit with a refined edge. Ripe cherry, raspberry, and rose petal mingle with hints of blackberry and vanilla. Silky textured with bright acidity, it’s ideal alongside summer pastas, grilled pork tenderloin, or wood-fired pizzas.
2022 Louis Bovet ReserveCabernet Sauvignon
100% Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford
Crafted from select parcels in our Rutherford vineyard, this award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon is ideal for celebrating summer’s most memorable moments. Its rich dark fruit, subtle spice, and silky tannins elevate al fresco dinner parties, intimate gatherings under the stars, or special occasions shared with great company.
2022 Proprietary Nebbiolo
100% Nebbiolo | Rutherford
Inky and full-bodied, this bold wine showcases concentrated notes of blackberry, plum, and roasted coffee. Firm tannins and vibrant acidity bring structure and lift, while the long, rich finish makes it ideal for savoring slowly. Enjoy alongside grilled short ribs, roasted eggplant, or evenings around the fire as summer nights grow longer.
2022 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec | Napa Valley
The 2022 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon sets the stage for warm summer evenings spent dining outdoors or hosting friends around the table. With inviting layers of dark berries, earthy hints, and velvety tannins, this wine expresses the unique character of our Rutherford and Oakville vineyards. It’s a versatile partner for grilled favorites, roasted vegetables, or savory lamb dishes.
2022 Proprietary Syrah
100% Syrah | Rutherford
Winemaker Jeff Plant is particularly excited about this Syrah, noting how beautifully it’s showing this season. Bursting with floral aromatics, ripe berries, and a touch of black pepper, it delivers Rhône-style depth with soft, lingering tannins. Pair it with grilled lamb, smoky barbecue, or your next summer gathering where the grill takes center stage.
2022 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
55% Sangiovese, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford
(Hidden) The 2022 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon sets the stage for warm summer evenings spent dining outdoors or hosting friends around the table. With inviting layers of dark berries, earthy hints, and velvety tannins, this wine expresses the unique character of our Rutherford and Oakville vineyards. It’s a versatile partner for grilled favorites, roasted vegetables, or savory lamb dishes.
2022 HonourenCabernet Sauvignon
100% Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is juicy and supple with ripe tannins that carry the vibrant fruit through a rich, weighty finish. This wine is not only the perfect companion for hearty meals, but also a meaningful addition to those shared with family, as each bottle contributes to a heartfelt cause.
50% of the proceeds are donated to organizations dedicated to the fight against Alzheimer’s.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Meet the Makers
Saturday, September 20th | 3:00–5:00 pm
Step behind the scenes at Round Pond Estate and discover the artistry that goes into every bottle and bite. Join us for an exclusive open house-style event where you can meet the talented artisans shaping the estate’s acclaimed wines, olive oils, and culinary experiences.
Log in with your membership account for club pricing.
SET SAIL WITH US!
Join us on a Mediterranean cruise supporting Alzheimer’s research
Only 10 Rooms Remaining
June 6–13, 2026 | Special pricing through September 30th, 2025
Set sail with us in June 2026 aboard Oceania’s newest ship, Allura, for an extraordinary Mediterranean wine cruise from the Eternal City of Rome to the picturesque port of Trieste. Enjoy world-class wines, breathtaking destinations, and exclusive experiences — all while making a difference. A portion of all room sales will be donated to organizations fighting Alzheimer’s, helping to support vital research and advocacy.
Featured Hosts
Join Christina Marsalek, Round Pond’s Director of Guest Experiences, and Jay Allen, country artist and Alzheimer’s advocate, for an unforgettable journey. Christina brings her passion for wine, while Jay will deliver an exclusive private concert.
What Awaits You:
- A private concert with country music star and Alzheimer’s fundraising partner Jay Allen.
- Exclusive Round Pond Estate wine experiences, including tastings, paired dinners, and a dedicated Alzheimer’s Fundraising Dinner.
- Visits to stunning ports in Italy, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia.
- Gourmet dining, free shipboard gratuities, unlimited Wi-Fi, and more.