Happy new year! (Is it still ok to say that? I meant to write this two weeks ago but here we are).

On the winter solstice my family and I do a manifestation for the upcoming year. You write down 12 things you want to happen next year, and each night until January 1st you burn one of the papers without looking at what it says. Then, on new years day you are left with a single manifestation. The idea is that the dreams you burn are ones the universe is going to take care of for you. But the paper you are left with is what the universe is telling you what you need to really focus on to make happen for yourself.

Originally I was a bit dubious of this practice, but the past few years I have always ended up with the manifestation that I needed most (like getting my anxiety under control) despite not being the most exciting or fun (like going on an adventurous trip, or making more time for arts and crafts). This year my final manifestation was “make indoVINO more community focused”.

My favorite part about wine is its ability to bring people together. It can keep families or old friends lingering around the table for longer. It can be the liquid enhancement that helps new friendships grow stronger. It connects the stories of farmers and grape harvesters around the world to restaurants, wine shops, and dinner tables. It has the power to make people gather and stay for longer. So with indoVINO, I realized I really have the ‘vehicle’ to build a community with my wine.

The moments I am most proud of with this project are the ones where I have brought people together. This past spring we had a ‘Vino y Tarot’ event where I teamed up with a friend, Liliana, who reads tarot cards. We paired each of my wines with a different card based on what it represents. We then spent the afternoon doing readings, giggling, drinking wine, munching on cheese. Friendships were formed, we all learned something new, people opened up. It was a lovely afternoon and left me with a sparkly feeling (that wasn’t just the effect of the wine I consumed…).

Another highlight was teaming up with Lil Sippies, a Denver duo (Hailey and Matt) that know how to throw a party. They focus on pairing rare wines with rare vinyls while uplifting local restaurants, producers, artists, and chefs. We had an event at Fort Greene in Denver with some groovy tunes, amazing Vietnamese food, and a chance to share both my Colorado and Spanish wine with the Denver community. As the night lingered on, the table outside where I was stationed turned into a calm refuge away from the DJ booth, allowing for conversations between friends and strangers, making connections both professional and personal, and enjoying the summer night fueled by the last of the wine remaining. And of course, friends reaching out to share they enjoyed some indoVINO with family over the holidays filled my heart to be included in such special times.

So in 2026 it is my goal to make these feelings happen more often. To bring more people together. Truly turn indoVINO into a community, not just a product. The most straightforward path is, of course, doing more in person events, tastings, and going to wine fairs. But I also realize that a huge part of this community is spread out across the world, and won’t be able to attend the tastings I can put on in Colorado and Spain (but if you’re reading this and looking for any excuse to visit, DO IT). So I am also eager to dive into how I can develop this community in other ways. Maybe that’s including recipes in my wine shipments to pair with your wine, writing more blogs, posting more updates, sharing more of my story. Maybe this is finally the year I take social media seriously. And also use this as an excuse to visit more places, share more wine. So if anyone has any ideas on how I can grow this community wider and stronger, please let me know!

Below are some highlights from the year:

Vino y Tarot, NOW in Gredos wine fair, Lil Sippies in Denver, dinners with friends, and pouring my wine for the Crested Butte Land Trust!