Hello Friends,
As spring begins to unfold here in Napa Valley, we’ve been thinking about our members across the country — some of you enjoying the first warm days of the season, while others are still bundled up through snow and winter weather. Wherever this newsletter finds you, we hope you’re staying warm, dry, and enjoying a good bottle along the way.
This club shipment is one we’re especially excited to share. Alongside a number of new releases, it includes several wines we haven’t bottled in a number of years, including Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. These small lots are incredibly limited, and we’re grateful that our members receive first and exclusive access to wines like these.
Below, Winemaker Jeff Plant shares an update from the vineyard as we prepare for the growing season ahead. You’ll also find new recipes from Estate Chef Fernando Arias designed to highlight the Chili Salt included in your shipment.
For the first time, Estate Sommelier Scott Tracy and Membership Manager Christina Marsalek sat down to taste through two of the wines featured in this release in a special video created just for our members — a chance to join us, sit down, and explore the wines together.
Thank you, as always, for being part of the Round Pond community. Your support allows us to continue caring for this land and crafting wines we’re proud to share with you.
With gratitude,
Ryan MacDonnell Bracher & Miles MacDonnell
Second-Generation Owners
Winter 2026
WINEMAKER UPDATE
Winter has given us a strong start to the season. As of early February, we’ve received about 15 inches of rainfall — nearly two-thirds of our annual average — meaningfully recharging our soils and setting a solid foundation for the 2026 growing season. A dry stretch through January allowed our team to move efficiently through pruning, slightly ahead of schedule. Working in dry conditions helps reduce infection risk and ensures each cut is made thoughtfully, positioning the vines for balanced growth as we move toward budbreak.
Our sheep also spent several weeks moving through the vineyard rows in January, doing excellent work grazing down the winter cover crop ahead of the pruning crew. Their grazing naturally fertilizes the soil while reducing tractor passes and labor demands, supporting both soil health and our broader sustainability efforts. In several blocks, grass cover crops are also improving soil structure by encouraging deeper water infiltration and absorbing excess nitrogen to help keep the vines in balance.
The vineyard is already beginning to stir — on March 4 we observed the first buds forming on our Chardonnay vines, and we expect to see budbreak by the end of the week!
In the cellar, we’ve just completed the first rackings of the 2025 reds. Seeing the wines come together after malolactic fermentation confirmed our early impressions: 2025 is shaping up to be another stellar vintage. At the same time, we are finalizing blends for the 2024 wines that will be bottled this spring, and the quality has been remarkable — wines with impressive intensity and concentration balanced by the finesse of a superb growing season.
Jeff Plant
Estate Winemaker
WINTER RECIPES
From Estate Chef Fernando Arias & Pastry Chef Kathryn Gunderson
Lemon Chili Salt
Included in your club shipment
Crafted to bring brightness and a touch of heat to your kitchen, our Lemon Chili Salt is a lively blend of citrus zest, savory salt, and warm chili spice. Vibrant, balanced, and endlessly versatile, it adds a fresh burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with everything from simple snacks to full meals.
Try it sprinkled over freshly fried tortilla chips, used to season the rim of a spicy margarita, or paired with a slice of orange alongside a pour of mezcal. It’s also wonderful on grilled shrimp, roasted vegetables, fresh avocado, or simply finished over tacos, corn on the cob, or citrusy salads for an extra kick of flavor.
Recipes
Grilled Oysters with Lemon Chili Butter
Grilled Oysters with Lemon Chili Butter
A bright and savory dish from Chef Fernando’s kitchen, these grilled oysters are rich, briny, and finished with a burst of citrus and spice. Our Lemon Chili Salt melts into a simple butter topping, adding lively heat and fresh lemon notes that complement the oysters beautifully — perfect for spring gatherings or an easy appetizer fresh off the grill.
Ingredients
2 dozen fresh oysters, on the half shell
1 cup butter, softened
1 package Round Pond Lemon Chili Salt
½ cup grated Parmesan
Fresh chives, finely chopped
Round Pond Meyer Lemon Olive Oil
Directions
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and Lemon Chili Salt. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the butter mixture onto each oyster.
- Arrange the oysters on the grill and cook until the butter is melted and bubbling, about 3–5 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving platter and finish with grated Parmesan, fresh chives, and a drizzle of Meyer Lemon Olive Oil. Serve immediately while hot.
Spicy Calamari
Spicy Calamari
This fried calamari is golden, tender, and finished with our Lemon Chili Salt to add just the right balance of heat and tang. This dish a perfect companion for a glass of wine and a relaxed gathering around the table.
Ingredients
2 lb squid (tubes and tentacles), well dried
1 quart buttermilk
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 quarts canola oil
1 packet Round Pond Lemon Chili Salt
Zest of 2 Meyer lemons
Directions
- In a medium bowl, submerge the squid in buttermilk.
- Working a few pieces at a time, remove the squid from the buttermilk and dredge in flour to coat. Place on a wire rack until ready to fry.
- In a large pot, heat the canola oil to 350°F.
- Carefully fry the breaded squid until golden brown. Remove from the oil and place on a wire rack to drain.
- While still hot, sprinkle with Lemon Chili Salt and Meyer lemon zest. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Chili-Lemon Salt Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Chili-Lemon Salt Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Hearty and satisfying, this baked pasta brings together creamy ricotta, bright citrus, and a gentle kick of spice. Our Lemon Chili Salt adds vibrant flavor to the filling, while a drizzle of estate olive oil and fresh oregano finish the dish with a fragrant lift — a comforting meal that pairs beautifully with a glass of Super Tuscan.
Ingredients
20 jumbo pasta shells
1½ cups whole-milk ricotta
½ cup grated mozzarella
¼ cup grated Parmesan
1 packet Round Pond Lemon Chili Salt
1 egg
2 cups simple marinara sauce
Round Pond Meyer Lemon or Chili Olive Oil
Fresh oregano for garnish
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells until just tender, then drain.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and Lemon Chili Salt to make the filling.
- Arrange the cooked shells in a baking dish and spoon the ricotta mixture into each shell. Top with marinara sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and finish with a drizzle of Meyer Lemon or Chili Olive Oil and fresh oregano. Serve warm.
For more recipes and serving tips check out our blog, aRound the estate!
Inside the Winter 2026 Club Release
A Tasting with Scott & Christina
Estate Sommelier Scott Tracy and Membership Manager Christina Marsalek sit down to taste through two wines featured in our Winter 2026 Club Release — the 2024 Proprietary White Blend and the 2023 Proprietary Cabernet Franc. Join them for a relaxed conversation about the wines, the vintage, and what makes this shipment such an exciting one for our members.
YOUR WINTER CLUB SHIPMENT
WINTER WINE SELECTIONS
Each shipment is unique, click below to learn more about all of the February wines.
2024 Proprietary Rosato di Nebbiolo
This Rosato di Nebbiolo welcomes the transition into spring with a fresh, approachable style. Its vibrant hue and lively character pairs naturally with aperitifs, shared snacks, and relaxed moments shared with friends.
2022 Proprietary Right Bank Blend
Layered and inviting, this blend feels at home during the colder months. It’s well suited to rich, comforting dishes and evenings filled with conversation.
2024 Proprietary White
This lovely white blend moves effortlessly from afternoon pours to early evening meals. Bright and approachable, it’s well suited to light cooking, simple spreads, and time well spent together.
2022 Proprietary Red
Designed with versatility in mind, this blend fits naturally into everything from relaxed weeknight meals to larger get-togethers. It’s a reliable choice when good food and good company take center stage.
2023 Proprietary Malbec
With layers of juicy dark fruit, a supple texture, and a long, satisfying finish, this Malbec is a wonderful companion for hearty dinners and evenings shared with friends by the fire.
2022 Proprietary Petit Verdot
Rich and expressive, this Petit Verdot brings depth and character to the table. Its bold flavors and lingering finish make it an ideal companion for cool-weather meals, from slow-braised short ribs to winter roasts.
2023 Proprietary Merlot
We’re excited to share our first Merlot release since the 2019 vintage, a wine that captures the depth and generosity of a standout growing year. Open it for comforting meals and unhurried evenings.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Member-Exclusive
Spring Release
Saturday, May 9th | 2:00–4:00 pm
Soak in springtime in Napa in the garden while enjoying live music and our newly released member-exclusive wines! Join us to pick up your spring club shipment, mingle with other members, and enjoy your favorite Round Pond wines with delectable small bites from our Estate Chef.
Log in with your membership account to purchase tickets.
SET SAIL WITH US!
Join us on a Mediterranean cruise supporting Alzheimer’s research
Join the Waitlist
June 6–13, 2026
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.