There are so many things to love about Spring and so many events packed into the month of March to kick things off. Let's get blooming!

First Day of Spring!

Friday, March 20th is the first day of Spring!  Spring is a time of awakening and renewal.  You need to look no further than the hills surrounding our beautiful valley to know that Spring is just around the corner.  Covered in lush green grasses and the first peak of orange from the poppies blooming, they are a sight for sore eyes after what feels like the longest winter and I know my mood is certainly improving by just taking a walk or drive to soak in the scenery.  With all of this in mind, March seems like the perfect month to celebrate Women's history and the first major event to kick off our Springtime celebrations!

Women's History Month

Wome's history week actually started in 1978 in Santa Rosa, CA.  It was officially recognized in 1980 and finally changed to the entire month of March in 1987.  Women's History Month celebrates and honors, what else, women's contributions in American history.  Here at The Good Life we recognize the talented women we work with year round in the wine, beer and food industry.  Visit the shop (in person or on line) this month and you will see their hardwork and artistry highlighted on their products as well as a Meet Your Maker event on Sunday, March 29th from 1pm - 4pm with Karen Steinwachs of Seagrape wines.

This month brings three big events to kick off the Spring season, two in one day!  International Women's Day and Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, March 8th.  Don't forget to set your clocks ahead!  Yes, we lose an hour but gain more of this glorious sunshine and our patio is the perfect place to sit and soak it all in.

Saint Patrick's Day

Tuesday, March 17th, grab all the green attire you can find and head on down to The Good Life for a grand celebration.  As Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, we have a great selection of Irish style beers from talented California brewers arriving now.  Stop in and enjoy one of our Red Ales, Stouts and Porters from breweries such as Artifex, Laughing Monk and many others and for our SYV residents, we have a very special "Irish Neighbors Night potluck from 6pm - 9pm. 

While we dont usually think of wine when we think of Saint Patricks Day we do think about traditional Irish foods and while beer and whiskey may be the beverages that first come to mind, they arent for everyone.  We have some great wines in house that will pair perfectly with your traditional Irish feast!

Seagrape Sauvignon Blanc, Los Olivos $32

Sauvignon Blanc goes perfectly with Corned Beef.  Look for one that has a bit more weight with some nice acidity and an herbaceous quality which makes a nice counterpart to the herbs and pickling spices used in the curing process of corned beef as well as the cabbage that usually acompanies it.

Luna Hart Gruner Veltliner, Santa Rita Hills $47

Pair this with a creamy potato leek soup or Irish Colcannon.  The Gruner cuts through the creamy, weightiness of the soup and compliments the vegetative quality of the leeks.  The Sauvignon Blanc would work really well here too.

Perluca Sangiovese, Los Olivos $40

Lively acidity, moderate tannins and savory notes of Sangiovese balance the richness of a traditional Shepherd's Pie.  You can also punch things up a notch (especially if you are making a Cottage Pie instead) and go for bold Syrah.  We suggest the Kimsey Estate Syrah, Ballard Canyon $100, which will perfectly match the savory notes as well as bringing in a bit of dark berry and spice.

Ad Ripa Cabernet Sauvignon, Happy Canyon $45

While bold, this wine is lush and velvety on the palate and is a perfect pairing to an Irish Beef Stew.  My mouth is watering just thinking about this one!

There are so many reasons to love the month of March and we hope that you will get out and come celebrate every one of them here with us!