Greetings from beautiful Napa Valley! As I write this, the vines have gone quiet, the cellar is calm, and the air smells faintly of oak barrels and cinnamon. The holidays are one of my favorite times of year, offering a season to slow down, reflect, and gather around the table with friends and family over good food and great wine. This year was one for the books at Markham Vineyards, and I couldn’t be prouder of what our team accomplished together.
A Year to Remember
2025 marked my 33rd year with Markham and my 25th vintage as winemaker, an anniversary that makes this season of celebration even more meaningful. Looking back, the year was all about teamwork: pulling together, playing to each other’s strengths, and finding new ways to make every bottle and every guest experience something special. There were so many highlights, but I’ll never forget the excitement of being invited to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, where our 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon took home top honors and later sold for an incredible $225,000 at auction thanks to a bidding group that included none other than Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson! I even leaned into the Houston theme with a fringed cowboy shirt. It was such a blast and such an honor.
Cheers to Great Wines & Wonderful Accolades
I’m so proud of how our wines shone this year and the accolades they’ve received. The 2022 Blue Boots Red Blend, named for the trusty blue cowboy boots I wear during harvest, was a “Publisher’s Pick” in The Tasting Panel, earning 97 points, our 2021 Rockerbox Cabernet received 96 points from Decanter, with the 2023 The Altruist Red Blend earning 93 points from JamesSuckling.com. Across our portfolio, from our Napa Valley wines to our Icon offerings, we received some of our finest scores ever. These accolades are a source of inspiration for our entire team, and proof that hard work, passion, and patience pay off.
Harvest 2025: A Vintage Full of Heart
Harvest is my happy place, and this year reminded me why. After a cool, gentle spring and a long, sunny summer, the grapes ripened beautifully. We started with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay in late August, moved into Merlot by mid-September, and wrapped with Cabernet Sauvignon in early October. The wines already show incredible balance, depth, and energy, and I have a feeling 2025 will be a vintage we’ll talk about for years.
A Joyful Year of Events & Community
From our Blue Boots Brunches to our fantastic Third Thursdays program, 2025 was full of memorable events, live music, and great wine. I loved seeing our local community come together on warm summer evenings, tasting, dancing, and even shopping from our local artisans, with our Third Thursdays evolving into their own little Napa tradition! These gatherings mean a lot to me and are a reminder that wine is meant to be shared with joy among friends. To all the club members and guests who joined us this year, thank you! Your enthusiasm, stories, and loyalty are what make Markham feel like one big family.
New Ways to Experience Markham
In 2025, we also introduced several new tasting experiences in our historic St. Helena Tasting Room, including The Cabernet Connoisseur’s Experience, Discovery of Napa, and Exploration of Markham. Each one was created collaboratively by our team, especially Sean, our tasting room manager, to showcase the diversity of what we do, from estate-grown classics to small-lot and library selections. These tastings are all about discovery, storytelling, and giving guests a deeper connection to our wines and history.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the New Year beckons, there’s so much to look forward to. The 2023 vintage, which we bottled earlier this year, is beautiful beyond belief. The first few of our 2023s are already available, including our Napa Valley Merlot and The Altruist, and they are a spectacular preview of what’s to come. Looking ahead, we’ll also be releasing our debut of The Philanthropist, a new wine that will join The Character as part of our Icon Tier. Made from the four best barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon from our Yountville Ranch, it’s a true “Wow!” wine that I can’t wait for you to experience. 2026 will also see a continuation of some of our most-loved events, including Third Thursdays and a Blue Boots-themed celebration, so keep an eye out for details. I can promise great wine, good food, and plenty of fun.
May Your Holidays Be Filled with Joy
If you ask my neighbors, they’ll tell you that I am passionate about holiday decorations. Last year I had four Christmas trees, and I’m not ruling out five this year! It’s my way of making my home a joyful and welcoming holiday destination. In that spirit, from all of us at Markham, I want to wish you a joyful and love-filled holiday season. Stay warm, hug your loved ones, and raise a glass to all that’s been accomplished in 2025. And, of course, if you’re still searching for perfect holiday gifts, look no further than our Holiday Wine Shop, where you can find something for every wine lover on your list.
Happy holidays,
Kimberlee Nicholls