2024: A Year of Growth, Adventure, and Community at Base Camp Wine & Co.
A Year of Evolution
If you're a regular visitor to Base Camp Wine & Co., you've witnessed our constant evolution. Each visit brings something new as we've worked to shape the space into our vision: a welcoming hub for wine enthusiasts, curious beginners, and everyone in between. This year has been about finding our groove and putting our stamp on what Base Camp is and will become – a space where community, education, and exceptional wine experiences intersect.
Inaugural Wine Camp: An Adventure Through France
One of our proudest achievements this year was launching our first-ever Wine Camp – an intimate journey through France's most celebrated wine regions. Together with eight intrepid wine lovers, we explored the historic vineyards of Burgundy, discovered the charm of Beaujolais, savored the bold flavors of the Southern Rhone, basked in the sunshine of Provence, and toasted with bubbles in Champagne. This immersive experience embodied everything we believe in: learning, community, and the joy of discovering wine in its natural habitat.
Elevating Local Dining
Our pop-up dinner series, featuring the exceptional talents of Chefs CJ and Alex, has raised the bar for wine-paired dining experiences in our area. These evenings have become more than just dinner – they're celebrations of culinary creativity and wine appreciation that bring our community together in new and exciting ways.
Growing Our Expertise
We're firm believers that great wine merchants should never stop learning. This year, we completed our WSET 2 certification, and LO embarked on an exciting new chapter by starting her Masters in Wine and Beverage Management at the Culinary Institute of America. This program, which includes two intensive residencies in Napa Valley, is already enriching the knowledge and experiences we can share with our community.
Looking Ahead: 2025 Adventures
As we look to the new year, we're bubbling with excitement about what's to come:
Wine Camp Goes Local and Global
- We're heading to the Pacific Northwest for Wine Camp Part Two, exploring the world-class wines of Walla Walla and Willamette Valley
- Our second annual International Wine Camp is in the works (location to be announced – stay tuned!)
Enhanced Tasting Experiences
- Introducing "The Blind Taste Experience" – a unique opportunity to explore and expand your palate through side-by-side varietal tastings
- Launching private wine tastings and exclusive shopping experiences for intimate groups
- Continuing our popular complimentary wine tastings and sold-out pop-up dinner series
Community Engagement
Now that we've survived our whirlwind first year and emerged from the fog of new business ownership, we're excited to become even more active in our community. We've learned so much about what makes Base Camp special – it's not just about the wine, it's about the connections we build and the experiences we share.
A Toast to You
None of this would be possible without our amazing community of wine lovers. You've supported us through our growing pains, celebrated our successes, and helped shape Base Camp Wine & Co. into what it is today. Whether you're a weekly regular or an occasional visitor, you're part of our wine family, and we're grateful for each one of you.
Here's to another year of discovery, friendship, and fantastic wine. We can't wait to share 2025 with you!
Cheers,
The Base Camp Wine & Co. Team
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