NOV-DEC 2024 | THE HOLIDAY ISSUE

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4 BEDS | 5.5 BATHS | ± 5,375 SQ. FT.

$18,880,000

4 BEDS | 5.5 BATHS | ± 5,375 SQ. FT. $18,880,000

2215 Vistazo East is a magnificent newly constructed residence that combines exceptional craftsmanship with modern design and state-of-the-art finishes. Situated on an expansive one-acre lot in Tiburon’s Hill Haven, this home enjoys some of the best weather in the area and o ers panoramic views spanning from the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline to Angel Island and the East Bay.

2215 Vistazo East is a magnificent newly constructed residence that combines exceptional craftsmanship with modern design and state-of-the-art finishes. Situated on an expansive one-acre lot in Tiburon’s Hill Haven, this home enjoys some of the best weather in the area and o ers panoramic views spanning from the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline to Angel Island and the East Bay.

Designed by renowned Sausalito architect Scott Couture, this 4-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom home features an infinity-edged pool, multiple view decks, and a grand entry courtyard with a large reflecting fountain. The residence is introduced by a stately wall-towall 12-foot glass doors that disappear into the pockets and open onto the enormous deck adjacent the pool with the stunning panoramic views. The main living and dining areas flow seamlessly into a sleek kitchen with a dramatic center island, counter seating, and adjacent family room, all bathed in natural light with stunning views.

Designed by renowned Sausalito architect Scott Couture, this 4-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom home features an infinity-edged pool, multiple view decks, and a grand entry courtyard with a large reflecting fountain. The residence is introduced by a stately wall-towall 12-foot glass doors that disappear into the pockets and open onto the enormous deck adjacent the pool with the stunning panoramic views. The main living and dining areas flow seamlessly into a sleek kitchen with a dramatic center island, counter seating, and adjacent family room, all bathed in natural light with stunning views.

The main floor also includes a spacious primary suite with a fireplace, view deck, walk-in closet, and a spa-like bathroom featuring dual sinks, a glass-walled shower, towel warmer, and a designer bathtub overlooking the bay. The enormous deck o the living and dining rooms, along with the kitchen deck next to the pool, includes a lawn, outdoor kitchen, and firepit—perfect for outdoor entertaining while taking in the ever-changing views.

The main floor also includes a spacious primary suite with a fireplace, view deck, walk-in closet, and a spa-like bathroom featuring dual sinks, a glass-walled shower, towel warmer, and a designer bathtub overlooking the bay. The enormous deck o the living and dining rooms, along with the kitchen deck next to the pool, includes a lawn, outdoor kitchen, and firepit—perfect for outdoor entertaining while taking in the ever-changing views.

Descending a grand staircase, the lower level features an expansive sitting room with view decks on two sides, three generously sized en-suite bedrooms, a hallway with tall ceilings and a large desk, and a well-appointed laundry room. Additional highlights include beautiful oak wood flooring throughout, solar heating, a 3-car garage, and expansive glass doors in every room to capture the sweeping bay views. This remarkable residence seamlessly blends its breathtaking surroundings with luxurious indoor and outdoor living spaces, making it truly one of a kind.

Descending a grand staircase, the lower level features an expansive sitting room with view decks on two sides, three generously sized en-suite bedrooms, a hallway with tall ceilings and a large desk, and a well-appointed laundry room. Additional highlights include beautiful oak wood flooring throughout, solar heating, a 3-car garage, and expansive glass doors in every room to capture the sweeping bay views. This remarkable residence seamlessly blends its breathtaking surroundings with luxurious indoor and outdoor living spaces, making it truly one of a kind.

California Lifestyle Collection

California Lifestyle Collection

3265 Soda Canyon Road Napa, California

5 Beds | 4 Baths | ±41.76 Acres | ±5,487 sq. ft. Residence Inviting Offers Over $10,000,000

Entering the stately iron gate and tall Italian cypress tree-lined driveway, you will find this enchanting private vineyard estate prominently sited on ±41.76 acres in the Atlas Peak wine region with 30± acres of high-quality vineyard with the best soil. Complexed wines grow on Soda Canyon peak, known for the best rocky soil with undulating elevations. The vineyard includes ±18.45 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, ±4.23 acres of Merlot, 2.88± acres of Malbec, 1.33± acres of Zinfandel, ±1.98 acres of Sauvignon Blanc, 0.87 acre of Tempranillo and ±1.42 acres ready for replant. This spacious ±5,487 square-foot residence with timeless wine country architecture features five bedrooms, four baths over three floors with large windows in each room facing the panoramic views of vineyard, hills, natural and beyond, and the bright sunlight shines through every room and brings the warmth and charm of wine country living. The open kitchen features the finest materials with a large granite countertop island with a dining bar. The formal dining area faces the magnificent view of the vineyards, a perfect place for hosting dinner events and gatherings. Enjoy a glass of wine

Designed by renowned architect Carr Jones, this unique storybook style 3-bedroom, 3-bath, ±3,919 sq. ft. home on a spacious ±30,000 sq. ft. lot on the San Francisco Bay, located at the prestigious last block of Belvedere Ave, offers magnificent views including the Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito and Mt. Tam. This iconic residence offers intricate craftsmanship and design including slate roof, incredible brick and stone work, a long winding driveway, wood beam ceilings, arched doorways, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, serene lush gardens and complete privacy. The home is within walking distance to downtown Tiburon’s boutiques, fine restaurants such as Malibu Farm, Le Petite Left Bank Bistro, Luna Blue and Michael Mina’s Bungalow Kitchen, Corinthian and San Francisco Yacht Clubs, and Ferry Services to San Francisco and Angel Island.

Details and photos on BelvedereWaterfront.com

in the living room, with fireplace and attached large deck showcasing the panoramic vineyard view and the dramatic vistas of the sunrise and sunset over vineyards. The Master bedroom located at the end of the hall on the second floor features a marble bathroom, walk-in closets, fireplace, and large windows facing the dramatic view of vineyards and beyond, bringing privacy, peace, and tranquility. The two guest bedrooms located at the other end of the hall on the second floor each feature a bathroom. Two more bedrooms on the third-floor feature vaulted ceilings and panoramic views of the hills and vineyard. There is a wine cellar, 2-car garage and a laundry room. There is also a separate red barn which serves as an office building for vineyard manager and staff. The home is equipped with AT&T Fiber high speed internet and security cameras in front and back of the house, as well as the basement. The grapes produced at this vineyard are sold to prime wineries in Napa Valley. 3265 Soda Canyon Road, Napa | 3265SodaCanyon.com

Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com

California Lifestyle

California Lifestyle Collection

Panoramic Views of Napa Valley

Spring Mountain Vineyard Estate

This gated, private, and picturesque Tuscan-style vineyard estate offers ±12,000 square feet of luxury living space on ±44.72 acres perched on its promontory with panoramic views of vineyards, lush gardens, Napa Valley, a lake-sized reservoir, and the ±800 acres of the iconic Spring Mountain Winery, which was where the famous 1980s wine dynasty TV series Falcon Crest was filmed. The custom-built primary residence and guest house boast highend finishes and soaring, high ceilings. Showcasing grand proportions and scale, this stately home features seven bedrooms, six and a half bathrooms, a wine cellar with a tasting room, a 3-car garage, and a grand motor court. An entertainer’s paradise, the estate offers a variety of entertaining areas on the spacious terrace, including a 70-foot swimming pool, outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, poolside dining bar, meandering gardens, koi ponds, and a helicopter landing spot. Award-winning vineyards and stone-terraced vegetable and flower gardens cover the sprawling grounds. The estate has its self-sustaining water source—a rarity in Napa Valley. The compound includes two legal parcels: 2900 Spring Mountain Road consists of the main house (±10,800 square feet), the poolside guest house (±600 square feet), a wine cellar with a tasting room, and gardens with a 120-square-foot greenhouse, a ±120-square-foot farming shed, and a chicken coop on a total of ±14.94 acres of land with ±1.81 acres vineyard planted, plus additional ±2.25 plantable acres. The adjacent parcel at 2910 Spring Mountain Road consists of ±29.78 acres of land with four acres of vineyards planted plus an additional approximately four plantable acres. The vineyard (±5.81 acres) has

3 Beds | 3 Baths | ±30,000 sq. ft. Lot | ±3,919 sq. ft. Residence Offered at $7,880,000

Designed by renowned architect Carr Jones, this unique storybook style 3-bedroom, 3-bath, ±3,919 sq. ft. home on a spacious ±30,000 sq. ft. lot on the San Francisco Bay, located at the prestigious last block of Belvedere Ave, offers magnificent views including the Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito and Mt. Tam. This iconic residence offers intricate craftsmanship and design including slate roof, incredible brick and stone work, a long winding driveway, wood beam ceilings, arched doorways, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, serene lush gardens and complete privacy. The home is within walking distance to downtown Tiburon’s boutiques, fine restaurants such as Malibu Farm, Le Petite Left Bank Bistro, Luna Blue and Michael Mina’s Bungalow Kitchen, Corinthian and San Francisco Yacht Clubs, and Ferry Services to San Francisco and Angel Island.

Details and photos on BelvedereWaterfront.com

very high-quality, closely spaced vines that produce high yields more consistent with that produced on ±14 acres. The sale of 2910 Spring Mountain also includes Juslyn Vineyards Wine business: approximately $7 million in inventory at retail prices (three vintages in bottles and casks), another approximate $1.8 million for the 2024 crop, wholesale distribution network, compliance licensing current in several legal shipping states, wine-direct, an integrated back-end customer relationship management system, vineyard equipment, goodwill (marketplace reputation, wine reviews, etc.), an existing relationship with custom crush winery Bin to Bottle that processes the grapes and manages day-to-day winemaking under the direction of an excellent winemaker, bonded warehouse and fulfillment center contracts, and potential legal tasting room as a micro-winery. The inclusion of the award-winning Juslyn Vineyards also comes with its current inventory of wine, which consistently scores 90 to 98 points by Robert Parker. This coveted Napa Valley vineyard estate produces some of the premier wines the region has to offer. This is an unprecedented opportunity to own a vineyard estate with breathtaking views, synonymous with the quintessential lifestyle, and experience world-class wine country living. The Spring Mountain location is within a few minutes drive to vibrant downtown St. Helena with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and dozens of wineries nearby.The property can be purchased as a package of 2900 and 2910 Spring Mountain Road for $31,500,000 or separately at $15,750,000 each.

Details and photos on SpringMountainEstateNapaValley.com

California Lifestyle Collection

California Lifestyle Collection

Belvedere Waterfront Storybook Residence with Magnificent Views Belvedere, California

4 Beds | 5 Baths | 2 Half-Baths | ±8,131 sq. ft. |

3 Beds | 3 Baths | ±30,000 sq. ft. Lot | ±3,919 sq. ft. Residence Offered at $7,880,000

Designed by renowned architect Carr Jones, this unique storybook style 3-bedroom, 3-bath, ±3,919 sq. ft. home on a spacious ±30,000 sq. ft. lot on the San Francisco Bay, located at the prestigious last block of Belvedere Ave, offers magnificent views including the Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito and Mt. Tam. This iconic residence offers intricate craftsmanship and design including slate roof, incredible brick and stone work, a long winding driveway, wood beam ceilings, arched doorways, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, serene lush gardens and complete privacy. The home is within walking distance to downtown Tiburon’s boutiques, fine restaurants such as Malibu Farm, Le Petite Left Bank Bistro, Luna Blue and Michael Mina’s Bungalow Kitchen, Corinthian and San Francisco Yacht Clubs, and Ferry Services to San Francisco and Angel Island.

Featured in Architectural Digest, this world class residence showcases panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, the San Francisco city skyline and Sausalito. A magnificent masterpiece in a dramatic setting, this property has a most prestigious location and is comprised of a ±8,131 square-foot home on a ±0.67 acre lot. It features 4 bedrooms, 5 full and 2 half-baths. This work of architectural art was designed by the world-renowned architect Charles Gwathmey and boasts spectacular outlooks from every corner of the expansive floor plan. The primarily vertical organization of this house takes advantage of its sloped site on the Southern coast of Belvedere Island. The street level contains a 3-car garage, an elevator descends to a courtyard where you will find a detached 1 bedroom, 1 bath guest house and a wine cellar. The main house is situated between two large retaining walls which follow the site’s natural contours and splay outwards toward the Bay. An interior circular staircase winds around an elevator and forms a cylindrical focal point. A barrel-vaulted ceiling articulates the living and dining room with magnificent views on the entry level with a large deck overlooking the Bay. Three spacious bedrooms each with deluxe bathroom

including a large study off the luxurious primary bedroom, a two-story entertainment room with floor-to-ceiling tall windows, and the lowest floor features a media room, a beautiful wet bar, a full bath with steam shower and a sauna, opens onto a spacious outdoor terrace through a wall-to-wall sliding doors where you will find an infinity edged pool and an outdoor entertainment kitchen on the San Francisco Bay. The interior floors are limestone and wide plank Bubinga wood, and cabinets are lightly stained maple. The exterior is clad in gray stained cedar and curved, standing seam, zinc roof. All exterior windows, doors, and decks are teak; all terraces are paved in beige or grayflamed limestone. The home is a state-of-the-art “Smart House” and within walking distance of the San Francisco Yacht Club, Corinthian Yacht Club, and downtown Tiburon where you will find Ferry services to San Francisco and Angel Island and dozens of fine restaurants, including Michael Mina’s Bungalow Kitchen, Malibu Farm, Sam’s Café, Servino’s, Caprice and Bistro Le Petitte Left Bank. See more at 445BelvedereAve.com

Details and photos on BelvedereWaterfront.com

Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Cell: 415.720.5915 | Olivia@SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080

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Luxury Lifestyle with Purpose

COVER STORY REST, RECHARGE, AND REJUVENATE IN PREPARATION FOR THE NEW YEAR.

56 HAUTE BEAUTY

Fashion house Dior invites guests to the grand Ball of Dreams.

12 HAUTE CALENDAR

Treasured traditions and newly imagined classics make this year’s holiday season one to remember.

16 COVER STORY

Haute Living, San Francisco brings you the best in travel and wellness to help you prepare for the new year.

37 HAUTE SHOPPING

After spending the day on the slopes, stay warm and fashionable for the after-ski party in these stylish pieces.

H AUTE WINE + SPIRITS

38 OTACA tequila embodies the finest Mexican craftsmanship and history in every sip.

42 Benoit Touquette’s journey from Lyon to Napa Valley exemplifies tradition, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in winemaking.

44 Nothing complements holiday fare better than wine. Our favorite selections will elevate your holiday celebrations.

48 HAUTE CUISINE

Chef Rogelio Garcia’s debut cookbook, Convivir , invites home cooks to experience the best of Mexican dining.

52 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Add these unusual and gorgeous gifts to your holiday gift list.

HAUTE FASHION

60 Experience elevated motorcycle chic with the Road to Solomeo collection.

62 Louis Vuitton celebrates 10 years of brilliant design with artistic director Nicholas Ghesquière.

68 HAUTE JOAILLERIE

Legendary jeweler Bvlgari launches a new jewelry collection inspired by Rome, the Eternal City.

70 HAUTE MOVES

What do Mohammed Ali and the 2025 Aston Martin DBX707 have in common? Tim Lappen explains.

HAUTE SCENE

72 Philanthropy, science, and entertainment combine at the 30th annual One Mind Music Festival for Brain Health.

73 The 11th WinePAWlooza supports Jameson Humane.

74 The Sonoma County Wine Celebration unveils a new format and raised nearly $1.6 million to fund community grants.

75 VIPs gather to celebrate the opening of Bella Union Winery, a beautiful union of people and place.

76 A stunning performance by Eileen Moon & Friends launches the Olivia Decker Power of Music’s fall concert season.

HAUTE CUISINE

ON THE COVER: Bora Bora’s iconic beauty shines through even as the island recovers from the aftermath of devastating wildfires.

Photo credit: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

H AUTE EVENT

78 Extraordinary orchestral music and operatic performances set the stage for San Francisco’s unforgettable Opera Ball.

82 The San Francisco Symphony opens their 113th season with the much-anticipated gala and memorable musical performances.

84 Find the ultimate in luxury and elite society at the Monaco Yacht Show and the 10th Grand Ball of Monaco supporting the Princess Grace Foundation.

92 The 47th Mill Valley Film Festival pays tribute to Jude Law and Amy Adams.

94 International superstar Sophia Loren celebrates her 90th birthday.

98 The 2024 San Francisco Fall Show and Opening Night Gala recall classic Hollywood glamour in support of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

100 Block your bivouac at Burning Man, a massive celebration of avante-garde art.

104 HAUTE RESIDENCE

Newly renovated and reconfigured for gracious waterfront living, 26 Peninsula Road on Tiburon Island offers the best of everything for parents and children.

HAUTE AMBASSADORS

108 Lydia recalls a famous editorial affirming the existence of Santa Claus and urges us to embrace that kind and giving spirit.

110 Aubrey shares his top five holiday gifts, all from Neiman Marcus.

114 Claudia recounts a glamorous evening celebrating the elegance and artistry of fashion designer Lily Samii.

116 A change in presidential administrations may have significant impact on future tax laws. Learn about them here.

118 HAUTE SEAT

Award-winning singer-songwriter Miist credits her amazing music to divine inspiration and is raising funds to cure the epidemic of loneliness.

120 IN MEMORIAM Mauro Aprile Zanetti reminisces on Jan Shrem.

HAUTE FASHION

HAUTE JOAILLERIE

HAUTE EVENT

EVENTS CALENDAR

CURRENT

THROUGH JAN. 12, 2025

de Young | Art and War in the Renaissance:

The Battle of Pavia Tapestries

Seven huge, newly preserved tapestries celebrate the decisive Battle of Pavia in 1525. On loan from Capodimonte Museum in Naples, Italy, this is the only West Coast stop on the U.S. tour. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., Golden Gate Park. famsf.org

THROUGH JAN. 26, 2025

Legion of Honor | Mary Cassatt at Work

The only American to join French Impressionists, Cassatt emerged as a key member of the movement. Alongside scenes of women at the opera, visiting friends, and taking tea, she produced images of “women’s work,” suggesting parallels between art making and caregiving. Lincoln Park, 100 34th Avenue. famsf.org

THROUGH FEB. 9, 2025

de Young | Tamara de Lempicka

Defining Art Deco with paintings capturing the glamorous vitality of postwar Paris and the cosmopolitan sheen of Hollywood, the first major museum retrospective of Lempicka in the U.S. explores her distinctive style and unconventional life through more than 100 works of art. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., Golden Gate Park. famsf.org

Our festive holiday season delivers beloved traditions. For 80 years, the Nutcracker ballet has charmed audiences since its American debut in San Francisco. Handel’s oratorio, Messiah, is a stunning, large-scale production featuring a rousing “Hallelujah” chorus. San Francisco Opera performs a vibrant Carmen, and San Francisco Symphony brings cinematic favorites to life. Hamilton returns to the Orpheum stage, and Grace Cathedral provides a majestic venue—plus so much more.

BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

NOV. 6

Festival Napa Valley | Boyd Meets Girl

The Olivia Decker Power of Music proudly presents the dynamic duo of Australian guitarist Rupert Boyd and American cellist Laura Metcalf performing an eclectic mix of classical and contemporary music. A thoughtful repertoire embraces Debussy and Bach, Radiohead and Beyoncé. Evening reception with light fare and wine. Sleeping Giant Winery, 2258 Las Amigas Rd., Napa. festivalnapavalley.org/calendar/boydmeets-girl

NOV. 6 - JAN. 20, 2025

Safeway Holiday Ice Rink

Outdoors in Union Square and presented by Kaiser Permanente, this cherished holiday tradition returns for its 17th season. The grand opening is Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. to welcome the city’s much anticipated winter attraction. Open daily 10 a.m. - 11 p.m., early close at 9:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. unionsquareicerink.com

NOV. 6 - DEC. 1

SF Broadway |

A new musical on national tour is the winner of five Tony Awards® including Best Musical. Kimberly is about to turn 16 and has recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. This is a “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show,” says The New Yorker. broadwaysf.com

NOV. 9 & 10

San Francisco Choral Society | A Rose Is All

My Song: Music of Mary

Concluding its 35th anniversary season, a program featuring John Rutter’s Magnificat, Giuseppe Verdi’s Laudi alla Vergine Maria, and more holiday classics. Trinity + St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 1620 Gough St. sfchoral.org

NOV. 13

Glide Annual Holiday Jam | The Love Agenda: A Tenderloin Legacy

This year’s theme weaves around each performing artist, highlighting the power of love as a movement toward justice. An evening of music, joy, and celebration honors co-founders, the late Reverend Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani. The Masonic, 1111 California St. glide.org/ holidayjam

NOV. 13 - DEC. 1

San Francisco Opera |

Jealousy and obsession lead to fatal consequences in Francesca Zambello’s production of Carmen by Georges Bizet in which matadors bump shoulders with factory workers in the heat of Seville. War Memorial Opera House, 401 Van Ness Ave. sfopera.com

NOV. 17

San Francisco Opera Chorus in Concert

Chorus Director John Keene leads members of the company’s full-time chorus, and Associate Chorus Master Fabrizio Corona accompanies at the piano in an afternoon of choral music. War Memorial Opera House, 401 Van Ness Ave. sfopera.com

NOV. 18

San Francisco Opera Guild | An Evening on the Stage

This year’s event salutes the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Emerita of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Mr. Paul Pelosi for their long-standing support of opera and music education in our community. Haute Living, San Francisco is proud to be a media partner in support of this fundraiser benefiting thousands of students through Northern California. War Memorial Opera House, 401 Van Ness Ave. sfopera.com/opera-guild/social-events

The original Broadway company of Kimberly Akimbo

NOV. 21

San Francisco Opera |

Welcome to Seville, where the air is hot and the music is hotter. Experience part of Bizet’s Carmen on stage; immerse yourself in the streets of Spain in a transformed setting at the Opera House in this one-night-only event. War Memorial Opera House, 401 Van Ness Ave. sfopera.com/seasons/ encounter

NOV. 22

Noise Pop Presents Emily King

Cross-genre artist Emily King is a four-time Grammy®-nominated songwriter/singer. Known for her unmistakably silky, lush vocals and joyous magnetic stage presence, performing live at Grace Cathedral. 1100 California St. gracecathedral.org

NOV. 23 - 24 AND DEC. 13

West Coast Craft

Shopping therapy, anyone? West Coast Craft features 275+ of the best artist and designer craftspeople. Indoors, free and open to the public. There’s more shopping outdoors in December. Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd. westcoastcraft. com

NOV. 23 - DEC. 22

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

For the 40th season, Victorian London comes to life in a world of dramatic street settings, music halls, theatres, pubs, dance parties, charming shops, and colorful costumed characters.

Open Saturdays and Sundays, plus Friday after Thanksgiving. Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City. dickensfair.com

NOV. 20 - DEC. 29

Club Fugazi |

A dazzling new edition of the critically acclaimed intimate circus experience from Bay Area natives and The 7 Fingers. A stunning performance of breathtaking aerial feats, jaw-dropping stunts, and heartwarming storytelling. Two late shows on New Year’s Eve. 678 Green St. clubfugazisf.com/ home-for-the-holidays

NOV. 21 - JAN. 18, 2025

San Francisco Playhouse |

This sweet musical confection is a Broadway favorite, featuring a tasty score by Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Sara Bareille and a freshly baked book by Jessie Nelson. 450 Post St. sfplayhouse.org

NOV. 26

Chase Center | Cindi Lauper

One night only: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour from the Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Awards-winning songwriter and performing artist with global record sales in excess of 50 million. 11 p.m. show. chasecenter.com

NOV. 26 - DEC. 24

American Conservatory Theater |

DECEMBER

DEC. 1-24

A.C.T. |

This cornerstone of the A.C.T. repertoire is a holiday tradition for Bay Area families. Charles Dickens’ classic features a large and lively cast, delightful music, gorgeous costumes, and those deliciously spooky ghosts. Toni Rembe Theater, 415 Geary St. act-sf.org

DEC. 3-29

Panto in the Presidio |

Panto for the whole family. An all-new production of childlike wonder in magical Neverland stars Peter, Wendy, Captain Hook, Tinkerbell, and the Lost Boys. Presidio Theatre, 99 Morago Ave. presidiotheatre.org

A joyous and puckishly funny, family-friendly adaptation of Charles Dickens’s beloved classic. Festive music, magical ghosts, an effervescent cast of kids. Toni Rembe Theatre, 415 Geary St. act-sf.org

NOV. 27 - JAN. 5, 2025

Broadway SF |

A revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation. Winner of 11 Tony Awards, Grammy, and Olivier Awards, plus the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and a special citation from Kennedy Center Honors. Limited six-week engagement. Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St. broadwaysf.com

NOV. 29-30 AND DEC. 19-21

San Francisco Symphony Film With Live Orchestra |

Embrace the magic of music and the movies. In November, the tale of Mozart’s music, loves, and rivalries won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor. In December, Santa Claus soars across the big screen. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org

DEC. 5-26

Broadway SF |

The festive tradition of the drag parody returns this holiday season. Four sassy drag performers take on the roles of Blanche, Sophia, Dorothy, and Rose in two special parody Christmas episodes of the hit television show. Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St. broadwaysf.com

DEC. 6 & 7

San Francisco Symphony | Handel’s

An instant classic after its 1742 premiere, a global holiday tradition ever since. Through a dramatic series of arias, recitatives, and choruses, George Frideric Handel offers a musical meditation on Christ’s birth, life, resurrection, and redemption. Stephen Stubbs leads the SF Symphony and Chorus in this perennial favorite. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org

DEC. 6-8

Broadway SF |

Everyone’s favorite ogre is back. Based on DreamWorks’ animated, Oscar®-winning smash hit with all-new choreography and orchestration, this reimagined production shares a special kind of love. Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St. broadwaysf. com

Jihyun Choi and Nathaniel Remez in Tomasson’s Nutcracker

SF Gay Mens Choir

The company of Hamilton

DEC. 6 - 29

San Francisco Ballet | Classicists know and love Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Children adore the magic Christmas tree, blizzard of waltzing snowflakes, and dancing bear. History buffs appreciate the 1915 setting against a backdrop of old San Francisco. Celebrate 20 years of Helgi Tómasson’s beloved holiday tradition. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfballet.org

DEC. 7

SFJAZZ | Big Band Holidays

The 15-piece big band sound of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is joined by the phenomenal Cameroonian American vocalist Ekep Nkwelle along with acclaimed young singer and pianist Robbie Lee. SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin St. sfjazz.org

DEC. 7

SFJAZZ |

A family matinee with Adam Shulman on the piano and special guests performing with the San Francisco Girls Chorus in Charles Schulz’s 1965 holiday classic. SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin St. sfjazz.org

DEC. 6, 7, 15, 21, AND 24

San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus | Holiday Spectacular

Festive cheer, stirring music, and plenty of humor for laughing out loud and singing along. This year’s theme embodies the spirit of community, love, and connection in every note. Performances in San Francisco, Rohnert Park, and Berkeley. sfgmc.org

DEC. 6

American Bach Soloists | A Baroque Christmas

In a majestic setting, a concert featuring a period-instrument orchestra performing Part I of Bach’s scintillating Christmas Oratorio and the Christmas portion of Handel’s timeless Messiah for all ages. Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St. gracecathedral.org

DEC. 12-15 AND 18-19

Transcendence Theatre Company |

Blending Broadway veterans with rising stars in a new production of musical hits and seasonal favorites, a special wintertime event for all ages. Two engagements, both with a VIP event option, at Marin Theatre in Mill Valley, followed by Sebastiani Theatre in Sonoma Plaza. transcendencetheatre.org

DEC. 13

American Bach Soloists | Handel’s

Featuring a stellar cast of vocal soloists, American Bach’s annual tradition of performing Handel’s Messiah in this historic setting perennially provides a treasured December holiday event to capacity audiences. Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St. gracecathedral.org

DEC. 13-23

A Chanticleer Christmas

Chanticleer’s 47th Bay Area season celebrates the most wonderful time of year in stunning venues. With performances in Petaluma, Oakland, Sacramento, Mill Valley, Santa Clara, Berkeley, San Francisco, and Carmel. From the candlelit chant procession to the triumphant gospel conclusion, beautiful music spans centuries, from classical to carols. chanticleer.org

DEC. 14-15 AND 21-23

Grace Cathedral’s Choir of Men and Boys | A Cathedral Christmas

Since 1947, the choir has celebrated the coming of Christmas, performing exquisite classic carols and sacred masterpieces. Ring in the season with this glorious, nationally recognized choir, accompanied by full orchestra and the 7,466-pipe organ. Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St. gracecathedral.org

DEC. 24-29

BroadwaySF |

The ghost-with-the-most returns to San Francisco. Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical is “screamingly good fun,” says Variety. Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St. broadwaysf.com

DEC. 31

SFJAZZ | Dirty Dozen Brass Band

Ring in the New Year in New Orleans style. “A national treasure steeped in both the past and the present” (The New York Times), they celebrate nearly 50 years as a New Orleans institution and welcome 2025 with a rollicking party like no other.”

SFJAZZ Center, 201 Franklin St. sfjazz.org

Haute Living, San Francisco offers a curated guide to the premier experiences in wellness, travel, and luxury accommodations to prepare you for your journey of self-refinement in 2025.

PHOTO: TERME DI SATURNIA

THIS ITALIAN SPA AND HOT SPRINGS RESORT MIGHT BE THE WORLD’S MOST CURATIVE SPA.

BY BECCA HENSLEY

MORE THAN 25 YEARS AGO, I FIRST DISCOVERED TERME DI Saturnia, a five-star resort and spa built around curative hot springs in the heart of Tuscany’s unspoiled Maremma. In the context of the retreat’s spring’s own age—a whopping 3,000 years or more—and the fact that the Etruscans and Romans both bathed here, that doesn’t seem like an eon. Yet, during that epoch, my children, who accompanied me when I visited the healing hideaway the first time, have grown into adults. Since that first visit, I’ve been to Italy multiple times, soaked in a slew of hot springs located all around the world, and enjoyed more spa treatments than I can count (thousands?) at esteemed spas. But all the while, this miraculous, salubrious spa hotel stayed in my heart

A place like no other, it sits amid Maremma’s brushy landscape, one some travelers compare to Texas for its cowboys, ranches, and horses—and the way it edges the sea. Like the rest of Tuscany, it also gleams with fields of sunflowers and broom in season, brandishes olive orchards, and zigzags with vineyards. A spa hotel since 1919, with many of the original pools and travertine walls intact, Terme di Saturnia has had many iterations, the latest being a complete, $10 million restoration and reimagination in 2020. Utterly modern yet fecund with soul and bliss, the spa hotel both reflects its past and embraces the present. Guests may simply soak like a bygone Etruscan, relish a range of classic therapies, or take advantage of prodigious medical spa modalities.

A gastronomic destination, bearer of an unequalled regional wine list, a place where guests can focus on fitness, mental health, and relaxation or check in for a doctor-supported detox, Terme di Saturnia customizes your visit based on your needs. Whether you want to relax and be pampered (as I did the first time I went after traveling across Europe with children) or come for a specific goal-oriented program, the luxurious resort rises to the occasion

ABOUT THE WATER

Despite all its plenitude of virtues, the real reason to choose Terme di Saturnia is the water. Created, according to legend, when the god Saturn smote a mighty bolt to earth because humans were too bellicose, the thermal spring has continuously flowed from the earth’s center, filtered by rocks and clay, to the resort’s center point. It remains a perpetual 99.5°F (37. 5°C), warm but not hot.

Flowing underground for 40 years before it gushes into Saturnia, the health-giving water carries a variety of minerals, including sulfur, calcium, and magnesium. Floating in it, a gelatinous, power-packed plankton hovers: its benefits are so helpful to skin health that its extracts are used for the Terme di Saturnia in-house products and treatments. Offering extreme wellness, the waters can reduce blood pressure, increase lung ventilation, act as a natural exfoliant for skin and antiseptic, provide anti-aging benefits throughout the body, boost immunity, and reduce stress. Choose from five outdoor thermal pools, whirlpools and contrast therapy courses. Just breathing the sulfurous vapors confers positive wellness benefits.

THE SPA

Fifty-three peaceful treatment rooms compose this sanctuary of well-being. With some of Italy’s top therapists and wellness experts at the helm, the SPA & Medical SPA reigns as one of the world’s most celebrated. Numerous treatments allow guests to pave their own way to better health, whether face and body treatments, energetic rituals, mud treatments, or modalities from balneotherapy to iridology or physiotherapy. Laser, fillers, skin peels, and more are also offered. Guests may sign up for three- or seven-day journeys to achieve certain goals from weight loss to de-stressing to peace of mind.

DINING

The Italians don’t suffer mediocre food—in fact, food, too, is medicine in Terme di Saturnia’s opinion. At the resort, eating well is part of the prescription. At the 1919 Restaurant, immerse yourself in Tuscan flavors and discover the bounty of local, seasonal ingredients and farm-to-table Mediterranean dishes, each complemented by world class wines from nearby vineyards. La Stellata lies amid the retreat’s golf course. It’s set in a country farmhouse with local dishes sure to please. Think: beef from the Maremma, charcuterie and cheese plates and olive oil made a heartbeat away. The Bar serves up libations of all types beside the pools—from herbal teas to smoothies.

THE ROOMS AND SUITES

Terme di Saturnia, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, offers 124 prettily appointed rooms and suites, each an elegant sanctum with pops of color that mirror the healing waters. Though you’ll spend time at the spa and in the water, choose the commodious Grand Suite for longer stays. The extra space and décor have penthouse vibes.

OTHER THINGS TO DO THERE

The resort offers yoga; Pilates; complimentary morning hikes and bike rides; a 24-hour, state-of-the-art gym; and an award-winning, 18-hole golf course designed by California architect Ronald Fream from Studio Golf Plan. With the prestigious GEO certification meant to preserve the terrain, the championship course gets kudos for playability and eco-conscious ethics.

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EMBRACE MAUI’S SPIRIT OF ALOHA: KNOWN AS THE “VALLEY ISLE,” MAUI IS OPEN AND WARMLY WELCOMING VISITORS.

BY JENNIFER BODEN

MAUI BECKONS TRAVELERS WITH ITS PRISTINE BEACHES, Road to Hana, lush ‘Īao Valley Monument, majestic Haleakalā sunrise and sunset, and winter spectacles of migrating humpback whales. Whether you’re seeking adventure, serene family activities, or a romantic getaway, Maui promises a spectacular playground for all.

SUPPORT MAUI-OWNED BUSINESSES

A shopper’s paradise, Maui offers more than just scenic vistas; it presents an opportunity to dive deep into its vibrant communities. Take a walk through the small towns of Maui and find the unique locally-owned shops that make each town so special. Make your way over to the historical towns of Makawao, Pā‘ia, and Wailuku to discover the hidden gems and one-of-a-kind boutiques. Each shop has its own story to tell. From luxury brands like Louis Vuitton to dining and entertainment options, visit Whalerʻs Village in Kāʻanapali and at The Shops at Wailea.

MAUI’S FIRE RECOVERY

Maui’s economy depends on a robust visitor industry with 85% of jobs relying on traveler spending. Tourism has improved since the August 2023 wildfires, and travelers from the Bay Area and the broader California/West Coast region have consistently been one of the top sources of visits to Maui. This trend is expected to continue.

“The best way to support Maui’s recovery is for travelers to visit. There continues to be plenty to see and do away from the fire-affected areas of Lahaina Town,” said Sherry Duong, executive director of the Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau.

Now, more than ever, both repeat and first-time travelers are encouraged to experience the beauty of the island. Their visit plays a crucial role in supporting local businesses and helping their community thrive once again. “Visitors’ presence not only boosts the economy but also helps the people of Maui on their path to renewal,” said Duong.

Aerial view of Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

PHOTO: FOUR SEASONS

OTHER POPULAR EXPERIENCES IN MAUI

Haleakalā National Park is the island’s highest peak and the largest dormant volcano in the world. The waters surrounding Maui are the stage for some of the best whale watching in the world. Each winter (December through May), thousands of humpback whales travel to Hawai‘i from colder waters to breed, calve, and nurse their young.

Towering emerald peaks guard the lush valley floor of ‘Īao Valley State Monument. This 10-mile-long park is home to one of Maui’s most recognizable landmarks, the 1,200-foot ‘Īao Needle.

Savor Maui: Discover local comfort foods, reopened island favorites, and authentic tastes from farm-to-table to gourmet dining that tell the story of Maui’s unique culture, heritage, and resilience.

Beautiful Beaches: With 120 miles of coastline, Maui boasts over 30 miles of beaches. On these world-famous shores, you’ll find white and black sand beaches, renowned windsurfing spots, and some of the best beaches in the world to simply swim, snorkel, and sunbathe.

Explore the Art of Maui: Stroll through Wailuku Town to witness the meaningful art installations across town. Created by local artists, each work of art shares a story of the culture and history of Wailuku. In Makawao you can visit a local art gallery or take an art class at Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center.

WHERE TO STAY

Maui’s landscape is a feast for the senses. During my recent visit, I stayed at two luxury hotels, Four Seasons Maui at Wailea (South Maui) and The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua (West Maui).

Known for its five beautiful, crescent-shaped beaches and stellar golf courses, Wailea is a luxurious resort community with staggering ocean views.

I had an extraordinary stay at the stunning, 15-acre Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. From the moment I arrived, their warm ohana welcomed me, making me feel right at home. I was particularly fortunate to stay on the Club Floor which offers a luxurious hotelwithin-a-hotel experience and nurturing atmosphere.

Guests on the Club Floor enjoy personalized service from private check-in to check-out, with a dedicated team of Club Concierges overseeing the 26 exquisite rooms and suites to ensure the ultimate Maui experience. Exclusive access to the Club Lounge offers guests four services per day: generous continental breakfast, afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres, and dessert, complemented by a premium bar and all-day snacks. “What truly makes the resort extraordinary is our incredible team who pour their hearts into crafting unforgettable experiences,” said Ben Shank, Four Seasons Resort Maui’s general manager.

“Our oceanfront resort offers something for everyone. Alongside breathtaking views and comfortable luxury accommodations, you’ll find unique cultural experiences that connect you to the spirit of Hawaii, rejuvenating wellness options and ocean activities.”

Four Seasons Resort Maui also offers a variety of stand-out dining options, including Spago, featuring Hawaiian and Californian fusion, DUO Steak and Seafood, and the newly updated Ferraro’s Restaurant & Bar.

The resort’s flagship dining concept, Ferraro’s, recently reopened after a stunning renovation. Designed to promote the spirit of la dolce vita, Ferraro’s showcases a modern coastal Italian menu served under the stars.

At Four Seasons Resort Maui, they are committed to environmental stewardship and critical sustainability initiatives and are proud to say that DUO, Ferraro’s, and the Lobby Lounge restaurants are all certified as Ocean Friendly Restaurants by the Surfrider Foundation.

Hāna Highway

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Club Floor suite

Longevity and wellness services include the Lomi Mohala massage, Celestial Black Diamond non-surgical lift facial, oxygen facial, acupuncture, and more.

Four Seasons Resort Maui also has a longstanding collaboration with Next|Health, offering unique longevity-centered, rejuvenating wellness options like OzoneTherapy, vitamin shots, and IV therapies.

WHAT’S NEW

This fall, the resort offers visitors a front row seat to epic whale watching from November to May 2025.

On a notable culinary front, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea will also open Komo, a new sushi restaurant debuting this December. Nestled beside the resort’s lobby lounge, Komo promises an intimate dining experience blending authentic Japanese cuisine with Hawaii’s stunning beauty. Under the leadership of chef Kiyokuni “Kiyo” Ikeda, renowned for his passion for crafting dining, Komo will enchant guests with harmonious flavors presented in the spirit of ho’okipa (Hawaiian hospitality).

This holiday season, the resort is excited to unveil magical new experiences for guests, including an immersive festive floral installation crafted by local artist Noah Harders; nightly Hanukkah celebrations; their popular nightly pastry pop-up, Sugar Shack; after-hour MoonShine dance parties at the adult pool; Santa’s arrival to Wailea Beach via outrigger canoe, a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration; and more.

THE RITZ-CARLTON MAUI, KAPALUA

Set on 54 acres, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua offers endless opportunities to embrace Maui’s beauty. Whether it’s morning yoga

sessions on a sun-drenched lawn or labyrinth meditation walks, each activity is designed to rejuvenate body and mind.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, nearby bays and white sand beaches invite exploration. Guests can also connect to nature through the hotel’s Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program.

“This program offers adults and children a chance to learn about Maui’s diverse ecosystems through guided hike, bike, and snorkel tours,” said Jon Gersonde, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.

From sunrise to sunset, golf enthusiasts can tee off on Kapalua’s two championship courses, the Bay Course and Plantation Course, home to the PGA TOUR’s opening tournament. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua also offers ocean view pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts with complimentary equipment for guests.

When it’s time to wind down from the day’s activities, book a spa treatment or take a dip in the pool surrounded by swaying palms, fragrant blooms, and ocean views. For extra comfort, and more shade, book an adults-only cabaña, complete with plush seating, soft towels, chilled refreshments, and personalized service.

Return to your room or suite and relax on a sun-soaked balcony or extended lanai with a private fire pit. Be sure to book the hotel’s Club Lounge if you’re looking for exclusive amenities and services.

“Our Club Lounge offers guests a dedicated concierge, five culinary presentations throughout the day, cocktails and beverages, an exclusive space to relax or work, and other services and amenities,” said Gersonde. “Whether enjoying breakfast from our

Ferraro’s Restaurant & Bar at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.

Aerial view of The RitzCarlton Maui, Kapalua

live-action chef station or enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail, the Club Lounge offers an elevated experience for our guests.”

Other culinary offerings include the Banyan Tree where guests can pair stunning tropical views with cuisine that celebrates land and sea. Enjoy a Mai Tai milkshake, fish tacos, or signature burger at the Burger Shack, a casual oceanfront restaurant and bar.

Craving sushi? Then look no further than their Alaloa Lounge for island rolls, specialty sashimi, cocktails, and intimate concerts. Alaloa Lounge is a hub for live music seven nights a week. On first Fridays, the venue hosts its Kapalua Concert Series featuring the top musicians in Hawaii. Recent performances of note have included Anuhea, Jason Arcilla, Tavana, and John Cruz.

The hotel proudly maintains the Honokahua Preservation Site, a recognized wahi pana (sacred site) adjacent to the resort. In addition, Hawaiian Cultural Advisor Clifford Nae’ole, has helped develop a robust activities calendar, introducing guests to Hawaiian culture. Guests may participate in a hula lesson, learn native cordage, and make their own lei poʻo (flower crown) with a local practitioner.

The hotel also shares a weekly Sense of Place presentation with guests and showcases authentic Hawaiian culture through the Tales of the Kapa Moe Lūʻau. Each night, a sunset ritual is offered to say farewell to the day with a Hawaiian chant.

Tales of the Kapa Moe Lūa’u at The RitzCarlton Maui, Kapalua

‘Īao Valley sunrise

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Club Lounge buffet

Live music at The RitzCarlton Maui, Kapalua Alaloa Lounge

REVITALIZE YOUR SPIRIT AT SENSEI PORCUPINE CREEK: THE IMPRESSION IS DEEP, SOULFUL, AND MORE THAN MEMORABLE.

BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

MY LAST VISIT TO SENSEI WAS A FEW YEARS AGO AT THE wellness retreat’s Lāna’i location. There, I learned the “Sensei Way,” a three-pathed focus of movement, nourishment, and rest through which I was able to successfully integrate positive change into my daily routine. But old habits die hard, and over time, insomnia, inertia, and dietary vices slowly crept back into my life. A necessary reset led me not across the Pacific, but to the brand’s Rancho Mirage outpost—Sensei Porcupine Creek—to get back on track.

It can never be said that Larry Ellison does not share his good fortune. The spectacular, 230-acre Sensei Porcupine Creek property (and its pristine golf course) was once Ellison’s private estate, enjoyed only by his personal guest list of professional athletes, celebrities, and dignitaries. With Sensei, Ellison invites the public into his former inner sanctum—one that continues to be filled with important works of art from his personal collection. Monumental sculpture by Keith Haring, Jaume Plensa, Robert

Indiana, and Yoshitomo Naro are on full, whimsical display; for art lovers, these pieces alone are worth a Sensei visit.

Ellison, technology pioneer and co-founder of Oracle, founded Sensei with world-leading physician and scientist Dr. David Agus. The loss of a close friend brought the two innovators together and motivated them by a shared purpose: to help people live longer, healthier lives. The Lāna’i location was the duo’s first deep dive into creating an ultra-luxurious well-being experience, and, boy, did they deliver. With this second outpost, the Sensei brand becomes more than a luxury wellness retreat; it’s a way of life— one whispered to eventually be replicated worldwide. And that’s a wonderful thing. The Sensei Way is too rich and fulfilling to be isolated to just two locations.

This, my second Sensei journey, began as usual with a comprehensive, pre-arrival questionnaire that gauged my health issues, my habits, and my goals. This was followed by a Zoom call with a specialist who planned my personalized

itinerary which included one-on-one strength-training within the fitness pavilion, a guided desert peak hike, aqua yoga, mindfulness sessions within the dedicated yoga pavilion, a decadent spa treatment, and plenty of rest and relaxation time which I opted to spend on a cushy, chaise lounge by the central swimming pool surrounded by secluded, terraced alcoves.

Sensei offers seven different well-being packages, ranging from two-night introductory programs to 30-day or longer sabbaticals. Dedicated golf and tennis sports performance programs are also offered. If you’re a player of either sport, Sensei features the best venues for each. For instance, Sensei’s tennis courts were modeled after those at the nearby Indian Wells Tennis Garden (another Ellison holding), host to the annual BNP Paribas Tennis Tournament.

But honestly, Sensei’s setting alone, steeped in lush tropical flora and fauna that seemingly create their own captivating ecosystem, is enough to initiate positive, personal change. Here exists a natural and powerful sense of serenity, aided by a caring, kind, and intuitive staff (each highly trained in their fields) who stand ready to meet every request.

The tranquil and intimate setting features a small number of guest rooms in the former estate house, as well as spacious casitas and private villas clustered throughout the property. My luxurious, Japanese-influenced estate room of a neutral palette featured a private patio, the soundtrack of which was a gentle waterfall just beyond. Sumptuous bedding, electronic Conrad shades, a mini bar stocked with gratis healthy snacks, and a spa-like bathroom were further enhanced by nightly turndown service and the offering of chocolate nibbles. And the lighting: nearly magical in its ability to flatter, the soft and clearly well-thought-out illumination can’t help but play a pivotal role in guest confidence, as it did for me.

Nutrition came in the form of Sensei by Nobu, the exclusive-toresort-guests restaurant at which repeat breakfast, lunch, and dinner

visits were anticipatory and not at all routine. A collaboration between world-renowned Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Dr. Agus, the concept marries Nobu’s acclaimed and innovative cuisine with Sensei’s evidence-led approach to nutrition. The ever-changing menu is crafted with fresh ingredients that stay true to how nature delivers them, with each meal designed to ignite the senses and provide optimal benefits. Guests may opt to dine in the outdoor gardens, casual sushi bar, or elegant dining room. (In-room dining is also offered.) The cuisine is creative, delicious, and well-portioned. Cheesecake Factory this is not, though there are a few decadent offerings such as a lobster roll with wasabi shiso aioli or housemade sriracha butter and lemon zest. But the small size eliminates regret. A morning standout is the breakfast bao: bao bun, eggs, bacon, sautéed greens, and house-made yellow sriracha. And for dinner, omakase at the sushi bar is a must. Note: Nobu fans will be pleased to find brand classics on the menu, such as black cod miso, and at the elegant bar, the Nobu Sidecar with Japanese whisky, yuzu, and Torres Magdala orange liqueur.

While guests are welcome to explore the Rancho Mirage and Greater Palm Springs area, there is really no reason to leave the Sensei property which is tucked away, incognito, in a neighborhood of classic Palm Springs mid-century modern homes. It’s a desert oasis like no other, and if you’re like me, you’ll want to spend every minute possible within this posh sanctuary.

Sensei is about wellness and renewal. It’s about personal growth. And it’s most definitely about rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. It’s not as if I did not already know that increased exercise, less screen time, and smaller pours of wine might result in better health and better sleep. It simply helps to be reminded. And when that reminder is delivered by a Sensei experience, the impression is deep, soulful, and more than memorable.

Estate Room

“Linda Whispering” by Jaume Plensa

ROCCO FORTE HOTELS: FIVE-STAR CELEBRATIONS OF EACH DESTINATION’S SOUL.

BY LAYNE RANDOLPH

WHEN IT COMES TO HOLIDAY TRAVEL, ROCCO FORTE HOTELS stands out with its extraordinary destinations that celebrate each place’s character, style, and history. The British hotel group offers more than luxury abodes across Europe; it delivers foreign culture with unparalleled panache. They’ve mastered the art of capturing each locale’s essence and marrying it with customized excellence in hospitality, fine dining, and the utmost of modern comforts.

Established by Sir Rocco Forte and his sister, Olga Polizzi, in 1996, Rocco Forte Hotels is a collection of 14 individual hotels, resorts, residences, and villas. Many of its lodgings are located in magnificent landmark buildings, and all are in exceptional locations.

“Guests don’t want to stay in an amorphous chain hotel and have exactly the same experience wherever they are in the world. They want to gain a sense of place, try local flavours when they dine and absorb the personality of the city where they’re staying. Authenticity and individuality are more important than ever.” - Sir Rocco Forte, RoccoForteHotels.com.

BROWN’S HOTEL, LONDON, ENGLAND

Located in Mayfair, this hotel is the oldest in London and one of Queen Victoria’s favorite places for afternoon tea. Each day, the hotel celebrates this tradition in its elegantly decorated English Tea Room, serving tea, scones with clotted cream, pastries, and finger sandwiches, allowing guests to partake in a quintessentially British custom. The hotel’s Donovan Bar is a cocktail lover’s paradise, with legendary mixologists Federico Pavan and Salvatore Calabrese

creating otherworldly libations, some highlighted in their book, Happily Ever After, which toasts their most iconic creations. As the saying goes, “location, location, location,” and Brown’s Hotel is conveniently situated within walking distance of Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, and exclusive boutiques. Notably, author Rudyard Kipling penned The Jungle Book while staying at Brown’s, and the Kipling Suite, where this writing occurred, is available to guests at a rate of £5,965 per night.

Brown’s Experience: Visit royal palaces and historical sites like the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, and Westminster Abbey, or, if appropriately timed, experience grand, royal events up close, like Royal Ascot, the Henley Royal Regatta (Henley-on-Thames), and Trooping the Colour (Horse Guards Parade). Upon request, Brown’s will arrange a private tour of the Tate Modern and a tour of London in a classic Mini Cooper.

HOTEL ASTORIA, ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

Set on Saint Isaac’s Square next to Saint Isaac’s Cathedral across from the historic Imperial German Embassy and within walking distance of the Hermitage, the Hotel Astoria was designed by RussianSwedish architect Fyodor Lidval in a style merging Art Nouveau and Neoclassical architecture. St. Petersburg was the seat of the Russian Empire for over two centuries, and the Astoria represents a piece of its tumultous past. It was built to host tourists visiting Russia for the Romanov celebration of 300 years of Russian imperial rule, and

Rasputin stayed there, reportedly with some of his married lovers. Like all Rocco Forte dining establishments, Astoria’s onsite restaurant offers typical options like Borsch and Russian Golubsty, using local ingredients and savoir-faire.

Astoria Experience: The Nutcracker Suite was introduced in St. Petersburg, so nothing represents the city more than its ballet. St Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre, within walking distance of the Astoria, houses the Mariinsky Ballet, formed in the 1740s. Astoria guests have the exclusive opportunity to visit the Mariinksy Ballet academy for an inside look at Russian ballet stars in the making.

THE BALMORAL, EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

The Balmoral, a Scottish clock-towered hotel designed in 1895, showcases Victorian architecture in the heart of Edinburgh. In rail travel’s heyday, the popular Balmoral was known as one of the era’s grand railway hotels, The North British Station Hotel, and had a direct line to London. The clock tower’s timepiece was set three minutes fast so people wouldn’t miss their trains, and The Balmoral continues this tradition today. Olga Polizzi added Scotland’s iconic tartans and other textured fabrics, botanical prints, and green, brown, and gray hues to embrace the Scottish character. The Balmoral Hotel’s signature suite is the Scone & Crombie, which provides floor-to-ceiling Edinburgh vistas. The most in-demand accommodation is the J.K. Rowling Suite, named after the Harry Potter author. She wrote the series’ final book in the room, and in homage to it and her, the suite features a brass owl door knocker and a statue of Hermes signed by Rowling.

Balmoral Experience: Scottish whisky is the center point at SCOTCH, The Balmoral’s whisky bar. Kilted whisky ambassadors are on hand to select from and introduce 500 versions of Scotch from one of Edinburgh’s most extensive whisky collections. They will escort guests on an expert whisky journey from the comfort of a SCOTCH armchair through Scotland’s Highlands and Lowlands.

HOTEL SAVOY, FLORENCE, ITALY

Florence’s Hotel Savoy was one of the first hotels in Rocco Forte’s portfolio, along with The Balmoral in Edinburgh. Located on the central Piazza della Repubblica, Savoy brings centuries of eminence with its prime location. Florence is a highly walkable city with a wealth of attractions, and this hotel is an ideal starting point for exploration—the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio are just outside the front door. Refined and elegant like Florence itself, the hotel is a masterpiece reminiscent of the Renaissance. Its interior features Italian fabrics in Florentine yellow, gold, and gray shades alongside bespoke artwork, classic literature, and stylish furniture that convey a sense of timeless sophistication. From its Duomo Suite, guests can enjoy what may be the best view of the city. Inside, the Irene Restaurant serves updated Florentine delights, including a white truffle dish menu.

Savoy Experience: Try the History of Fashion private tour and discover the stories behind Florentine labels like Ferragamo, Gucci, Pucci, and Cavalli.

The Balmoral exterior

Hotel Savoy Repubblica Suite

VERDURA RESORT, SCIACCA, SICILY

Unlike the ornate baroque Villa Igeia which depicts Sicily’s aristocratic history, Verdura Resort reveals another aspect of the island: its wild countryside, 360-degree views of beautiful blue skies, and a front row seat to the Mediterranean Sea. The Verdura Resort is a bit of a departure for the group. Instead of reviving the glory of a historic structure, it leans into a lesser celebrated aspect of the island—its peaceful landscapes. Verdura has the top golf course in Italy and a fully organic spa, all encompassed in a thoroughly modern, clean-lined structure. The spa is the resort’s central attraction. Sir Rocco’s daughter and Rocco Forte Hotels’ wellness director, Irene, created her 100% organic skincare line, Irene Forte, based solely on ingredients grown in Verdura’s vast gardens. Today, four Rocco Forte Hotels spas are rebranded Irene Forte: Hotel de la Ville in Rome, Masseria Torre Maizza in Puglia, Verdura Resort, and Villa Igiea in Palermo. Outside the main reception building of restaurants, shops, and the terrace bar overlooking the pool and sea, individual villas dot the surrounding landscape’s rolling hills. The villas, with private pools and gourmet chefs on demand, are the ultimate in privacy and pampering. Each Verdura suite and villa resonates with its surroundings, and golf carts whisk guests from dinner to the beach, spa, and spectacular golf course.

Verdura Experience: Tour the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site, Valley of the Temples, Selinunte, and Scala dei Turchi. The resort arranges drivers and guided tours for its guests, including stops for lunch at Lounge Beach with a view of the Turkish steps and a gelato stop on the way back to Verdura.

Other Rocco Forte Hotels locations include Masseria Torre Maizza, a 16th-century restored farm village in Italy’s Puglian countryside; Hotel de Rome in Berlin; Hotel De La Ville at the top of Rome’s Spanish steps; Hotel Amigo in Brussels, Belgium; Hotel de Russie, Rome’s iconic destination on Piazza di Popolo; The Charles Hotel in Munich; and the legendary Villa Igeia in Palermo, Sicily. Next up, Rocco Fote is investing heavily in Italy with The Carlton in Milan; Palazzo Castelluccio in Noto, Sicily; Palazzo Sirignano in Naples; and new digs in Costa Smeralda in Sardinia.

Verdura Resort

Verdura Resort’s shore golf course

Verdura Resort Granita Bar

10 REASONS TO ADD FOUR SEASONS RESORT BORA BORA TO YOUR TRAVEL WISH LIST:

THERE’S MORE TO THIS

EXQUISITE RESORT THAN ITS FAMED TURQUOISE WATER.

BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

YOU’VE LIKELY SEEN IMAGES OF CRYSTALLINE WATERS over which guest bungalows perch. Mount Otemanu rises as a stunning focal point in the distance. Lush, tropical greenery frames a blue lagoon that teems with colorful marine life. And pink and gold sunsets cast palm tree reflections on the swimming pool. While it all may seems like a fantasy, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is real … and it’s spectacular.

A dream destination, Bora Bora is the Polynesian ideal with its mix of sheer natural beauty and culture. Part of French Polynesia, it is one of the more famous of the 118 islands and atolls spread across five main archipelagos. Bora Bora’s 12 square miles are home to a handful of luxury accommodations, but it’s hard to imagine any more indulgent than the island’s Four Seasons Resort. Here are 10 reasons to add the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora to your travel wish list:

1. The Water: Bora Bora is encircled by a barrier reef which helps to create its calm, clear waters. Shallow lagoons within and surrounding the Four Seasons property allow sunlight to penetrate the water and reflect off the sandy white bottom, creating stunning shades of blue. The water changes hue with

every cloud pass: aqua, cobalt, turquoise, teal, cerulean, cyan, and sapphire. From dawn to dusk, every shade is revealed, while a consistent clarity highlights the vibrant marine life within, beckoning visitors to take a closer peek.

2. Mount Otemanu: Bora Bora’s Mount Otemanu is the island’s striking centerpiece and the backdrop to many of the Four Seasons Resort bungalows and communal areas. A remnant of an extinct volcano, its dramatic peaks and lush greenery create a stunning contrast against the turquoise lagoon. Culturally, Mount Otemanu holds significance for the locals as a sacred site embodying the spirit of the island. Often associated with local legends and stories, the mountain serves as a symbol of strength and protection for the community.

3. The Bungalows: The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora overwater bungalows feature spacious private decks with sun loungers and direct access to the lagoon. (Some come with private infinity pools.) Each entirely private bungalow provides a sense of seclusion, making it ideal for romantic getaways or honeymooners. Inside, you’ll find classic Polynesian design and the fantastic Four Seasons bed.

4. The Beachfront Villa Estates: Do you need a bit more room? The resort is home to seven beachfront villa estates of varying size. Perfect for family gatherings, extended stays, or group getaways, each villa estate spans from one-third to more than a full acre. Exclusive villa perks include personal pre-arrival planning, round-trip private airport transfers, daily breakfast, a personal villa host, and private beach setup.

5. The Cuisine: The average stay at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is about four nights. With four restaurants on property, guests can enjoy a different dining experience each evening. Arii Moana offers casually elegant dining featuring Mediterranean classics. Vaimiti offers an overwater setting and Asian cuisine. Open air, toes-in-the-sand Fare Hoa Beach Bar & Grill serves local dishes with a modern twist, and Tere Nui, in addition to serving daily breakfast, offers themed, weekly dinners such as Oro’a Night—a celebration of Polynesian culture that includes a bountiful buffet of island favorites. And don’t pass up the fun opportunity to have in-room breakfast delivered via canoe to your bungalow.

6. Activities: Guests can enjoy many complimentary activities onsite, including morning yoga, botanical tours, snorkeling, ukulele lessons, and tennis clinics. For a small fee, additional activities might include pareo painting, shell necklace making, or the fabulous coral grafting program in which guests are invited to aid in reef restoration by “adopting” a piece of coral. This experience includes a snorkel tour led by a WiseOceans marine biologist of the resort’s Vaitea Lagoon Sanctuary and its abundant and colorful marine life. It’s like swimming within a well-stocked aquarium.

7. Customized Experiences: Whatever your vacation desire, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora team can likely make it happen. Enjoy

private dining experiences, whether it’s a romantic dinner on the beach, a picnic on a secluded island, or a custom meal prepared invilla by a chef. Arrange personalized excursions such as snorkeling, diving, private boat tours, helicopter tours, sunset cruises, etc. Tailored family activities may also be arranged, from beach games and treasure hunts to educational experiences about the local environment and culture.

8. Te Mahana Spa: Native trees and the fragrance of Kahaia blossoms surround the resort’s cathedral-like spa. Raised walkways, suspended above a plantation of pandanus trees, lead to seven treatment rooms. The spacious overwater Fare Miti Spa Suite, suspended above the lagoon’s pristine waters, is the ultimate private experience for couples. In this suite, the two massage tables’ face cradles are positioned directly over glass flooring, allowing for lagoon viewing of the active marine life.

9. Secluded Spaces: Even when the resort is at full capacity, you’ll not be fighting others for chaise lounges. At 25 acres, the resort features varied spots in which to relax—none of which require rubbing shoulders with others. Private palapas line the shore, thatched roof cabañas surround the swimming pool, and sun loungers face the turquoise lagoon waters.

10. Unique Arrival and Departure: Finally, even arrival and departure are unique at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. The arrival experience begins at the Bora Bora Airport where guests are greeted with a tiare flower lei. After boarding the resort’s custom-crafted Andreyale Bateaux taxi, cold bottled water and a chilled oshiburi towel are offered as guests take in the island’s sites during the 20-minute cruise to the resort. Enjoy the same indulgent service upon departure, should you ever desire to leave.

STANLY RANCH, A LUXURIOUS SANCTUARY IN NAPA VALLEY

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS

NESTLED AT THE GATEWAY TO NAPA AND SONOMA VALLEYS, Stanly Ranch, part of the esteemed Auberge Resorts Collection, is not just a luxury resort; it is an embodiment of rich history and a vision for modern living. Spanning 712 heirloom acres of rolling vineyards and lush landscapes, this extraordinary destination invites discerning buyers to embrace the quintessential wine country lifestyle, complete with world class amenities and a strong sense of community.

The origins of Stanly Ranch date back to 1856 when Judge Edward Stanly established it as a thriving farm. Generations of the Stanly family, known for their influential roles as governors, judges, and statesmen, have since nurtured this land, creating a legacy that intertwines with Napa’s storied wine country lore. Today, the property is a harmonious blend of historical significance and contemporary luxury, explored through picturesque trails that meander through forest-fringed pastures and vineyards.

As a premier turnkey lifestyle destination, Stanly Ranch boasts an impressive selection of homes for sale, designed to cater to a variety of preferences and lifestyles. The offerings include

meticulously crafted Villa Homes and Vineyard Homes, each embodying the essence of opulence and comfort, with prices starting from $3.6 million.

VILLA HOMES: ELEGANCE MEETS COMFORT

The newly completed Villa Homes offer immediate occupancy, with each residence showcasing over 1,790 square feet of impeccably furnished interior space complemented by an additional 865 square feet of outdoor living area. These homes are designed with the modern homeowner in mind, featuring dual temperaturecontrolled wine cellars, spa-inspired baths with heated floors, and multiple stone fireplaces that create a warm and inviting ambiance. European oak ceilings and full-height glass doors open to expansive outdoor venues, providing breathtaking views of the vineyards and the stunning contemporary architecture.

For those seeking an even larger retreat, the Sky Villas and Terrace Villas, measuring approximately 2,500 and 3,100 square feet respectively, come with custom-designed chef’s kitchens and open living spaces that epitomize the relaxed elegance of Napa Valley living.

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VINEYARD HOMES: A LUXURIOUS RETREAT

Set to be completed by the end of 2024, the Vineyard Homes at Stanly Ranch promise a unique and luxurious retreat tailored to the lifestyle of modern homeowners. With 11 distinct floor plans ranging from three to six bedrooms, these homes offer choices that include singlelevel, two-level, and three-level layouts, all featuring private heated pools, lush landscaping, and covered courtyards. Each residence is designed to foster a connection with the surrounding landscape, with gourmet kitchens and optional upgrades such as outdoor kitchens for seamless indoor-outdoor living.

The Vineyard Homes are conceived with wellness in mind. Each home is equipped with the signature Sensorial Architecture by Forest Studio, designed to enhance the senses while promoting tranquility. The interiors, crafted by Edmonds + Lee Architects, reflect a refined aesthetic that resonates with the serene beauty of wine country.

AN ENRICHED LIFESTYLE

Living at Stanly Ranch is not solely about the stunning residences; it is about embracing a lifestyle enriched by community and nature. The resort features a state-of-the-art wellness program at Halehouse Spa where residents can indulge in personal treatment sessions while enjoying breathtaking views of the Napa and Sonoma landscapes. This commitment to holistic well-being extends to the culinary offerings at the ranch, where the Auberge culinary program collaborates with local farmers to celebrate the seasonal bounty of Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

The appeal of Stanly Ranch lies not only in its luxurious homes but also in its rich history and vibrant community. As the ranch honors its agricultural roots while embracing 21st century ideals, it presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for discerning buyers to invest in a lifestyle that reimagines the Napa and Sonoma experience.

Stanly Ranch is where the charm of Napa Valley converges with avant-garde luxury, creating a haven that transcends the ordinary. With beautifully designed homes, exceptional amenities, and access to the stunning natural landscape, this premier destination invites you to indulge your senses, embark on culinary adventures, and immerse yourself in unparalleled wellness. Whether you are seeking a serene retreat or a vibrant community, Stanly Ranch awaits—a tapestry of luxury, history, and rejuvenation set against the backdrop of Napa’s enchanting vineyards.

THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING: SIX LUXURY SKI ADVENTURES FOR THE SEASON

BY BECCA HENSLEY

BOUNDLESS SNOW. HIGH ALTITUDE AIR. PUFFY JACKETS.

And a new quiver of skis or snowboards to test your mettle on the mountain. We know you can’t wait for ski season. Are you ready to tackle the slopes? Here’s where we’re going this year.

IN SWITZERLAND

Be among the first to experience Switzerland’s newest ski sensation, a sublime back country lodge for free riders in the canton Valais, perched high above the tony resort town of Verbier. Built to please design buffs as well as snow enthusiasts, the exclusiveuse, three-bedroom Cabane Tortin manifests spellbinding work by award-winning architect Snorre Stinessen. With references to the surrounding mountain range, the sustainable, Scandi-intoned villa features uniquely cantilevered windows. Complete with staff, including a chef, the ski-in/ski-out residence opens directly to the edge of a glacier, awash with vertical chutes, mogul-peppered steeps, and un-groomed terrain. cabanetortin.com

IN COLORADO

Glitterati-teeming Aspen draws as many serious shredders as après-ski partiers happy to show up at day’s end to celebrate their friends’ victories over the mountain. A one-time silver boomtown turned see-and-be-seen mecca for social networkers and the haute monde, Aspen, textured with its multiplicity of restored Victorian buildings and downtown ski mountain, never disappoints. Just minutes from the slopes, historic Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection, makes for an atmospheric and lavishly cozy stay. Lorded over by cowboy clad doormen, the hotel, ensconced in an opulently restored 1889 structure and steeped in captivating, artistic detail and décor, ensures a pampered stay. Book the Presidential Suite for its Aspen Mountain vistas—and don’t miss first tracks, a ski down Aspen Mountain before the gondola opens for other skiers. vista. aubergeresorts.com/hoteljerome

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Cabane Tortin, Switzerland

IN CHILE

For gnarl seekers who’ve done it all, Eleven®, an experiential travel company bent on taking willing guests to their euphoric edge, offers unique experiences at wilderness-sited bolt holes around the world. Experts at guiding and presenting impossible-to-findelsewhere experiences of the athletic nature, the high-end travel company presents an impressive portfolio at—mostly—remote (but fully staffed) lodges around the world. In South America, discover the well-appointed Eleven Rio Palena Lodge which occupies a lesser-trammeled region of Patagonia on the Palena River. Encircled by 2.3 million acres of untapped heli-ski zones rife with steep couloirs and open bowls, the lodge holds seven expansive suites that characteristically summon the environs. Choose a full property buyout to cavort on skis with favorite family members and friends. elevenexperience.com

IN JAPAN

An après-ski onsen soak might be reason enough to travel to Japan for a mountain retreat, though Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono offers uninterrupted views across the Annupuri range and Mount Yōtei and an amiable general manager (Paul White) who’s happy to ski “first tracks” with you through the backcountry expanses of the resort. Finally, the hotel’s knowledgeable and entertaining powder guides simply seal the deal. Base at this graceful hotel where most elegant rooms feature their own onsen.

For the intrepid, the Hanazono Zipflight, Asia’s longest megazipline, whooshes guests above the white forested landscape for a bird’s eye view of riveting mountain terrain. Choose the Signature Suite with onsen, set on the resort’s top floor to overlook Mount Yotei. hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/japan/park-hyatt-niseko-hanazono

Hotel Jerome, Colorado

Heli skiing, Patagonia

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, Japan

IN FRANCE

Many jet setters consider Courchevel the most luxurious ski resort on earth—and little wonder. Lavishly populated with designer boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, and five-star hotels, it offers plenty to do besides snow sports. But enthusiasts won’t want to miss out. Part of the Three Valleys’ network, the little French village encompasses nearly 400 miles of marked runs and pistes, many of them ample, tree studded, and groomed. Base at Aman Le Melezin where assiduous ski butlers await. Join ski tutorials at Courchevel’s famed ski school or s-turn down La Combe de la Saulire (a legendary ski run defined by its nevertracked-out snow) via the resort’s exclusive first tracks adventure and accompanied by an expert guide. Opt for the commodious Suite Ski Piste with hot tub, which flaunts a private outdoor deck and soak. aman.com

IN MONTANA

People talk about Montana’s big sky, but its massive peaks, abundant powder, and immense, skiable landscape prove that large is just the order of the day at Big Sky, located an hour from Yellowstone National Park. Like dessert for triple black diamond skiers, the retreat’s north summit snowfields require reservations and entry times, allocated at a mountainside patrol hut. Don’t forget your avalanche gear and a partner for these runs. Beginners, never fear: with four connected mountains and 5,850 skiable acres, there’s plenty of green-marked groomers for pizza slicing. Rest your legs in the evening at Montage Big Sky, a haven of rich, rustic vibes, ideal for doorstep skiing and après-ski evenings, spa days, and off-site activities such as a Yellowstone winter safari in search of wildlife. Spread out in the 2,735-square-foot Spanish Peaks Suite, a presidential accommodation with the resort’s best vistas. montage.com/bigsky

Le Melezin, France

Big Sky, Montana

Le Melezin, France

BECCA HENSLEY

Discovering the Essence of OTACA Tequila: A Journey of Passion and Purity

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS

THERE ARE MOMENTS IN LIFE THAT TRANSCEND THE ordinary, experiences that linger in our memories long after they fade from immediacy. One such moment for me occurred at Javier’s in Newport Beach, a vibrant restaurant known for its lively atmosphere and exceptional Mexican cuisine. It was there, over a perfectly crafted meal, that I first encountered OTACA™ tequila, introduced to me by my friend, Greg Schnitzer, whose discerning taste guided us to this particular brand of tequila.

Greg recomended we drink the tequila neat; I asked to see the bottle of OTACA’s Plata tequila. As I was handed the bottle, I was intrigued by its beautiful design, a striking square top that echoed the grandeur of Mesoamerican pyramids. It was a fitting introduction to a tequila that is as much about heritage and tradition as it is about contemporary luxury. Greg praised the spirit’s remarkable smoothness and complexity. I took my first sip and was immediately captivated. The tequila, bursting with bright citrus notes and a neatness, was far from the harsh aftertaste that often plagues lesser brands. This was something truly special; I needed to learn more.

OTACA tequila is the brainchild of Anthony Accetta, a man whose love for agave and commitment to quality inspired the creation of this extraordinary spirit. After years of exploring the world’s finest tequilas, Accetta discovered a gap in the

market for a premium product that embodies both purity and approachability. His quest led him to collaborate with Jack Ambriz, a talented young entrepreneur with an eye for luxury and a deep appreciation for cultural heritage.

The heart of OTACA lies in its meticulous production process, rooted in the rich traditions of Jalisco, Mexico. The agave used in OTACA is cultivated for a full seven years and harvested only at peak maturity. This dedication to quality is evident in the care taken during the distillation process. The agave is baked in clay ovens for 24 hours, then rested for an additional day before being crushed using a traditional tahona. With each step, the craftsmanship shines through, culminating in a spirit that is triple distilled and triple filtered—a rarity in the tequila world.

As I savored my glass of OTACA, I felt connected to the passion and determination that went into its creation. There is magic in crafting a spirit that tells a story, a narrative of ancestry and love that transcends generations. For many years, tequila has been relegated to the realm of cheap shots and sugary cocktails, but OTACA is working tirelessly to change that perception. It aims to elevate tequila to the same revered status as fine wine, inviting enthusiasts to appreciate its complexities and nuances.

Accetta’s vision is clear: to create a tequila that embodies luxury while remaining accessible. This mission has driven

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OTACA’s rapid growth since its inception in 2021. The brand has secured over 450 retail locations in California and is now expanding into the Nevada market, bringing its exceptional tequila to high profile venues such as Mastro’s, Waldorf Astoria, and the Aria Casino in Las Vegas.

The bottle design of OTACA reflects this vision as well. Ambriz drew inspiration from his upbringing in Mexico City, infusing the packaging with cultural significance while maintaining an air of understated elegance. The square top not only symbolizes strength but also serves as a reminder of the rich history and craftsmanship that go into each bottle.

As I finished my glass of OTACA, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement for what the future holds for this remarkable tequila. The industry is evolving, and brands like OTACA are leading the charge in redefining what tequila can be. They are not just creating a product; they are cultivating an experience that embodies the spirit of Mexico while resonating with the modern consumer.

In that moment at Javier ’s, surrounded by good food, great company, and the enchanting essence of OTACA tequila, I was reminded that true luxury lies in the stories we share and the connections we forge. OTACA is more than just a tequila; it is a celebration of heritage, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Here’s to the magic in every sip and the journey that brought this extraordinary spirit to life. www.otacatequila.com

PEACEFUL. PRIVATE. BESPOKE.

Level 4.29 acres with over 600’ of Rubicon sand beach boasting Big Blue Lake Tahoe views. Main house, bunk house with extra bedroom suite, full guest house and vacant lot make this a true lakefront compound. Play lawn games, or sit on the viewing bench for reflective time when not sunning on the spacious pier. Your boat is protected in the boat house, with family or guest boats on the two buoys This is “Old Tahoe” at its best for gracious, understated living in a serene and private setting. SummerCampTahoe.com $35,000,000

HISTORY UPDATED AND REIMAGINED

Revisioned down to the smallest of detail, Nixon Mansion is Reno’s preeminent estate. Opulent features include 8 bedroom suites, 13000+ sq ft, grand ballroom, library, wine cellar and 9 fireplaces. A commercial kitchen, formal dining room for 80 guests, and walking distance to restaurants and entertainment. It’s the perfect blend of historic and modern features, tucked behind 2.03 gated acres of Truckee River front. NixonMansion.com $15,900,000

TRINKIE WATSON

NV & CA BROKER | CIPS | CLHMS | CRS | LTG | GRI NV BS.1022 | CA 00326518

800 783 0722

twatson@chaseinternational.com laketahoeluxuryestates.com

Tahoe City office: 531 North Lake Boulevard

Benoit Touquette

Crafting iconic wines in Napa Valley

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS

NESTLED IN THE SUN-DRENCHED HILLS OF NAPA VALLEY, Benoit Touquette has emerged as a beacon of innovation and tradition in the world of winemaking. With roots tracing back to Lyon, France, Touquette’s journey into the realm of viticulture is as captivating as the wines he creates. His story is one of serendipity, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to quality—a narrative that has influenced not only his personal brand but also the broader landscape of Napa Valley wines.

Initially, Touquette had ambitions of becoming a fighter pilot or an engineer, with little interest in the world of wine. However, a chance encounter while working on mobile bottling lines in Bordeaux redirected his life’s path. The passionate winemakers he met during this time ignited a spark within him; their dedication and fervor for their craft pulled him into the world of enology. Inspired, he earned two degrees in the field and sought mentorship from the esteemed Michel Rolland who played a crucial role in his development as a winemaker.

This mentorship opened doors to an internship with Andy Erickson, a pivotal experience that allowed Touquette to hone his craft in some of Napa Valley’s most acclaimed estates, including Dalla Valle Vineyards and Screaming Eagle. Guided by the wisdom of Napa legends such as vintner Robert Mondavi and viticulturist David Abreu, Touquette absorbed invaluable lessons on fearlessness

and innovation, shaping his own winemaking philosophy. “Their relentless desire to elevate the quality of Napa Valley wines resonates with me,” he reflects, “and I strive to contribute to that legacy.”

Touquette’s commitment to vineyard management is deeply rooted in the unique characteristics of each site he works with. He collaborates with iconic vineyards across various AVAs, including Coombsville, Stags Leap, and Pritchard Hill. His approach is meticulous, focusing on the specific attributes of each location to reveal its distinct identity in the final product.

“Every year is unique,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the ever-changing conditions of nature. His vineyard practices are a blend of organic and biodynamic methods, aiming to promote the health and vitality of the vines. This dedication ensures the grapes reflect a true sense of place, showcasing the terroir that defines Napa Valley’s celebrated wines.

In the winery, Touquette adopts a non-interventionist approach that places the grapes at the forefront. “Less is more,” he asserts, believing the true expression of the site should shine through without excessive manipulation. This philosophy is evident in his meticulous sorting of grapes, the absence of sulfur at crush, and the use of low-temperature fermentation in stainless steel vats.

The aging process is equally deliberate, lasting nearly two years with minimal racking to preserve the integrity of the wine. “My

PHOTO: BENOIT TOUQUETTE

favorite part of the process is blending,” he shares. “It’s about finding harmony in components that may not stand out individually, but elevate each other when combined.” This artistic blending process is where the magic happens, resulting in wines that are not only complex but also reflect the synergy of their individual parts.

For Touquette, terroir is not just a buzzword; it is the essence of great winemaking. “Terroir encompasses everything about a location—the soil, slope, exposure, and climate,” he explains, adding that it also includes the human factors of winemaking. His deep understanding of terroir allows him to capture its signature markers each season, creating wines that tell stories of their origins.

This commitment to terroir is evident in his diverse portfolio, which includes wines that are distinctly representative of their respective vineyards. By harmonizing the human element with the natural environment, Touquette crafts wines that resonate with authenticity and character.

As the winemaker behind several exclusive brands, including his own label, Touquette carefully curates a distinct identity for each. “Each brand has its own artistic sensibility and personality,” he notes. “However, there is a common denominator: the quality of the wine.” This dedication to excellence ensures every bottle produced under his guidance not only meets high standards but also remains true to its unique heritage.

Touquette is keenly aware of the evolving landscape of the wine industry. He sees sustainable winemaking practices and consumer engagement as vital trends shaping the future. Additionally, he highlights the potential of artificial intelligence in optimizing vineyard management, particularly in areas like irrigation and site selection.

“While my experiences have been invaluable for continuous learning, I remain focused on embracing new technologies that enhance our work,” he remarks. This forward-thinking approach positions Touquette at the forefront of a new generation of winemakers who are blending tradition with innovation.

Benoit Touquette’s journey from Lyon to the lush vineyards of Napa Valley is a testament to the transformative power of passion, mentorship, and dedication to quality. His commitment to expressing the unique terroir of each vineyard, combined with a noninterventionist winemaking philosophy, has firmly established him as a leader in the industry. As he continues to craft exceptional wines that resonate with authenticity, Touquette remains an inspiring figure for both aspiring winemakers and wine enthusiasts alike. In a world where the art of winemaking constantly evolves, Touquette stands as a guardian of tradition while embracing the future— creating wines that not only reflect their origins but also inspire a new generation of wine lovers. www.faitmainwines.com

Cheers to the Season: Holiday Wines to Gift and Serve

BY LAYNE RANDOLPH

WINE IS A CENTERPIECE OF THE HOLIDAYS, FROM OPULENT reds that elevate a traditional holiday dinner to sparkling wines that add a touch of excitement to festive appetizers. Thinking of host gifts, client gifts, and all sorts of wine pairings may overwhelm one, especially when looking for innovative, extra-special, or curated presents. We’ve compiled some terrific options to serve and gift during the holiday season to inspire and simplify your choices.

SPARKLING WINE

Nothing says “celebrate” quite like bubbly, making sparkling wine an iconic symbol of the holidays. Its versatility is unmatched: it’s a New Year’s Eve requisite, can be part of a sparkling cocktail, is a perfect sip with appetizers, and no one scoffs at a gift of Champagne. Here are a few options to make your guests and gift recipients effervescent.

2012 JCB Collection Gala Gold Brut Champagne

The entire line of JCB Collection Champagne is made for gifting and drinking. The eye-catching and extravagant gold bottle of Gala Gold makes a glamorous impression, and the luscious white flower, almond, and slight gingerbread flavors perfectly complement the season.

2016 Artesa Sparkling Brut Barrica Reserve

This sparkling wine comes from Los Carneros, the coolest appellation in Napa Valley, which is renowned for its sparkling wine production. It’s produced using méthode champenoise with 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay grapes.

Roederer Collection 245 Champagne NV

Aged for nearly four years, this multi-vintage Champagne has a refined, chalky texture with fine, crisp bubbles. The blend is 41% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 24% Meunier.

Brion Wise Champagne Cuvée Ronda, Blanc de Blancs, Extra Brut, Grand Cru Sonoma winery Brion Wise used pure Chardonnay fruit grown in Champagne, France. It was crafted using the méthode champenoise to make this mouthwatering blanc de blancs exuding apple, vanilla, and citrus notes.

2016 Parés Baltà Cava Brut Blanca Cusine - Cava de Guarda Superior Gran Reserva

This Cava was made from 83% Xarel·lo, 10% Pinot Noir, and 7% Chardonnay fruit grown organically and biodynamically in Penedès, Spain. It has an intense aroma of dried fruits, toasted notes, and subtle hints of fruit compote.

ROSÉ

Rosé is a summer staple, but it pairs so well with cranberry sauce, grilled poultry, and fruit desserts that it’s also a natural for the holidays. Here are two excellent rosé options to grace your glass.

2023 Domaines Ott, Château de Selle, Côtes de Provence Rosé

Château de Selle is on limestone hillsides in the inland Côtes de Provence appellation. The elegant peach hue sets the Provençal scene, and the nose opens with a hint of exotic fruits. It is followed by jasmine and white-fleshed fruit notes wrapped in a delicate minerality.

2023 Shannon Family of Wines, Mother Vine Rosé

This elegant Cinsault-based wine has a great story. Pioneers brought “The Mother” vine of Cinsault from Croatia in 1870, and it survived for 150 years before getting its own bottling. Cold fermentation brings white flowers, rhubarb, guava, and raspberry notes to the fore, and the gorgeous bottle presentation makes this a lovely host gift, too.

WHITES

Chardonnay is a classic pairing for holiday meals, but adding a twist on the classics can please the palate and also be a welcome conversation starter.

2021 Keller Estate Chardonnay La Cruz Vineyard

The gorgeous pineapple on the nose is complemented by flinty limestone notes and the signature minerality from Keller’s Petaluma Gap ranch. This wine pairs beautifully with decadent cheeses.

2021 Mascarin Dalya Estate Chardonnay

Made of 100% Chardonnay grown in the cool-climate boutique Dalya Estate Vineyard in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast, this Chardonnay will be a crowd-pleaser for festive entertaining.

2023 Bouchaine Alsatian Blend

Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Blanc blend beautifully in this bright and delicious wine, perfect for traditional Thanksgiving fare like herb-roasted turkey and tangy cranberry sauce.

2019 Marques de Murrieta, Pazo de Barrantes Albariño

This Rias Baixas Albariño, although not a traditional holiday accompaniment, has an exquisite and expressive presentation of white stone fruits, hints of citrus fruits, balsamic nuances, acacia blossoms, and bay. The unique bottle shape makes it a standout gift.

2021 Château Mukhrani Goruli Mtsvane

Want to impress a wine connoisseur? This Georgian wine blends 85% Goruli Mtsvane and 15% Chinuri. Its pale straw color and a bouquet of white mulberry, pear, and green apple give an elegant presentation of yellow and white stone fruits and crispy minerality, not to mention the obscure wine cred you will enjoy.

REDS

Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic choice for hearty holiday meals, and no red is more versatile than Pinot Noir. Still, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Tempranillo, and Primitivo deserve a seat at the table and add a certain je ne c’est quoi to your holiday celebrations.

2022 Krug Napa Valley Merlot

Napa Valley’s oldest winery, Charles Krug, has a legacy of crafting fine wines since 1861. Over 150 years later, this rich 2022 Napa Valley Merlot impresses with flavors of ripe blackberries, plum, and dark chocolate, perfect for holiday dining.

2022 Rutherford Hill AJT Cabernet Sauvignon

Aromas of cherry, dark chocolate, roasted oak, cedar, and chestnuts make this wine a great pairing with aged cheese, lamb, and game.

2019 Brassfield Petit Verdot

This wine pairs beautifully with heartier dishes, bringing blackberry, cherry, sage, and lilac aromas that entice before one savors its velvety tannins and cherry cordial and cedar flavors. It is a Wine Enthusiast Cellar Selection.

2019 Varvaglione Papale Linea Oro Primitivo di Manduria

This wine will shake up the dinner table with a new combination of red wine flavors, just as Puglia’s Primitivo is shaking up the wine world. This complex red is one to watch and a perfect match for red meat and game.

2018 Abadía Retuerta Pago Negralada Tempranillo

Abadía Retuerta is in the Duero Valley, on the 12th-century Abbey of Santa María de Retuerta site near the Duero River. Hints of red and black fruits, bay leaves, and cloves make this Tempranillo a delicious choice for holiday dinners.

COLLECTIONS

Dry Creek Vineyard - The Maritime Collection

The 2022 Mariness, an elegant white blend, and 2021 Mariner, a rich Bordeaux-style red, are beautifully presented in a wooden box, making them perfect for impressive gift-giving. These wines capture the family’s passion for artful Bordeaux blending and represent the finest of Dry Creek Valley winemaking.

2022 Pedroncelli Courage Zinfandel and 2021 Pedroncelli Wisdom Cabernet Sauvignon

Who wouldn’t want a little courage and wisdom for the holidays? A century ago, the Pedroncelli family pioneered Sonoma County winemaking with courage and wisdom, and the family continues to hold to its vision with wines that reflect its historic terroir.

Lokoya Napa Valley Mountain Cabernet Sauvignons

These are highly sought-after, collector-level wines. Lokoya’s mountain Cabernet Sauvignons, sourced from high-elevation vineyards on Mount Veeder, Howell Mountain, Spring, and Diamond Mountain, showcase the distinct characteristics of their respective terroirs.

Black Kite Cellars

A cult favorite for its premium, distinctive, small-lot Pinot Noir, Black Kite Cellars also has a philanthropic line, Africa Quest. The three-bottle Africa Quest Holiday Collection (Rhino, Elephant, and Lion) is an ideal charitable wine gift, with 100% of profits going to the Kenya Rhino Rangeland Expansion project.

Appassionata Pinot Noirs

Inspired by the three movements of Beethoven’s Appassionata piano sonata, there are three Appassionata Pinot Noirs, released at different tempos: Allegro, Andante, and Fortissimo—a perfect gift for Pinot Noir and music aficionados.

California Lifestyle Collection

California Lifestyle Collection

423 BELVEDERE AVENUE BELVEDERE

423 BELVEDERE AVENUE BELVEDERE

California Lifestyle Collection

California Lifestyle Collection

4 BEDS | 3 BATHS | ± 3,919 SQ. FT. | ± 30,000 SQ. FT. LOT

$7,880,000

4 BEDS | 3 BATHS | ± 3,919 SQ. FT. | ± 30,000 SQ. FT. LOT $7,880,000

4 BEDS | 3 BATHS | ± 3,919 SQ. FT. | ± 30,000 SQ. FT. LOT $7,880,000

Designed by renowned architect Carr Jones, this unique storybook style 4-bedroom, 3-bath, ±3,919 sq. ft. home on a spacious ±30,000 sq. ft. lot on the San Francisco Bay, located at the prestigious last block of Belvedere Ave with panoramic magnificent views including the Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito and Mt. Tam. This iconic residence features intricate craftsmanship and design including slate roof, incredible brick and stone work, tall wood beam ceilings, arched doorways, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, serene lush gardens and a long driveway to a 2-car garage, all with complete privacy. The home is within walking distance to downtown Tiburon’s boutiques, fine restaurants such as Malibu Farm, Le Petite Left Bank Bistro, Luna Blue and Michael Mina’s Bungalow Kitchen, the world-class Corinthian and San Francisco Yacht Clubs, and Ferry Services to San Francisco and Angel Island. There is also the bike path along the Bayfront, the hiking trail on Tiburon hill open spaces, the Belvedere-Tiburon Library, the Belvedere Park with concerts and a well-equipped children’s playground.

Designed by renowned architect Carr Jones, this unique storybook style 4-bedroom, 3-bath, ±3,919 sq. ft. home on a spacious ±30,000 sq. ft. lot on the San Francisco Bay, located at the prestigious last block of Belvedere Ave with panoramic magnificent views including the Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito and Mt. Tam. This iconic residence features intricate craftsmanship and design including slate roof, incredible brick and stone work, tall wood beam ceilings, arched doorways, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, serene lush gardens and a long driveway to a 2-car garage, all with complete privacy. The home is within walking distance to downtown Tiburon’s boutiques, fine restaurants such as Malibu Farm, Le Petite Left Bank Bistro, Luna Blue and Michael Mina’s Bungalow Kitchen, the world-class Corinthian and San Francisco Yacht Clubs, and Ferry Services to San Francisco and Angel Island. There is also the bike path along the Bayfront, the hiking trail on Tiburon hill open spaces, the Belvedere-Tiburon Library, the Belvedere Park with concerts and a well-equipped children’s playground.

Designed by renowned architect Carr Jones, this unique storybook style 4-bedroom, 3-bath, ±3,919 sq. ft. home on a spacious ±30,000 sq. ft. lot on the San Francisco Bay, located at the prestigious last block of Belvedere Ave with panoramic magnificent views including the Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito and Mt. Tam. This iconic residence features intricate craftsmanship and design including slate roof, incredible brick and stone work, tall wood beam ceilings, arched doorways, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, serene lush gardens and a long driveway to a 2-car garage, all with complete privacy. The home is within walking distance to downtown Tiburon’s boutiques, fine restaurants such as Malibu Farm, Le Petite Left Bank Bistro, Luna Blue and Michael Mina’s Bungalow Kitchen, the world-class Corinthian and San Francisco Yacht Clubs, and Ferry Services to San Francisco and Angel Island. There is also the bike path along the Bayfront, the hiking trail on Tiburon hill open spaces, the Belvedere-Tiburon Library, the Belvedere Park with concerts and a well-equipped children’s playground.

Designed by renowned architect Carr Jones, this unique storybook style 4-bedroom, 3-bath, ±3,919 sq. ft. home on a spacious ±30,000 sq. ft. lot on the San Francisco Bay, located at the prestigious last block of Belvedere Ave with panoramic magnificent views including the Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito and Mt. Tam. This iconic residence features intricate craftsmanship and design including slate roof, incredible brick and stone work, tall wood beam ceilings, arched doorways, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, serene lush gardens and a long driveway to a 2-car garage, all with complete privacy. The home is within walking distance to downtown Tiburon’s boutiques, fine restaurants such as Malibu Farm, Le Petite Left Bank Bistro, Luna Blue and Michael Mina’s Bungalow Kitchen, the world-class Corinthian and San Francisco Yacht Clubs, and Ferry Services to San Francisco and Angel Island. There is also the bike path along the Bayfront, the hiking trail on Tiburon hill open spaces, the Belvedere-Tiburon Library, the Belvedere Park with concerts and a well-equipped children’s playground.

Convivir

A culinary journey through heritage and innovation

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS

HAVING LIVED IN MEXICO CITY FOR SEVERAL YEARS and delving deep into the culinary culture, I was thrilled receive a copy of Convivir: Modern Mexican Cuisine in California’s Wine Country by chef Rogelio Garcia. Page after page brought memories of dining among our friends and adopted families in Mexico, where eating together is an integral part of the cultural fabric and made my experience so special.

In the heart of California’s esteemed Napa Valley, nestled at the base of the Mt. St. Helena, where the rolling hills meet flourishing vineyards, a culinary renaissance is taking place. Leading the charge is executive chef Rogelio Garcia, whose journey from the kitchens of Mexico to the Michelin-starred Auro at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley is captured beautifully in his debut cookbook, Convivir: Modern Mexican Cuisine in California’s Wine Country. Co-authored with Andréa Lawson Gray, this book is not just a collection of recipes; it is a heartfelt memoir that entwines Garcia’s personal narrative with the rich tapestry of Mexican culture and cuisine.

The word “convivir” translates to “to live together,” resonating deeply with the author’s ethos of community, culture, and shared experiences through food. Garcia’s vision transcends mere cooking; it is a call for unity and respect among diverse cultures, all celebrated around the dinner table. In his preface, Garcia

opens up about his family’s immigrant story—his mother, Irma Robles, crossed the U.S. border in 1988, fueled by the desire to provide a better life for her children. This powerful narrative is the backbone of Convivir, in which each recipe reflects not only culinary techniques but also the love and sacrifice that define the immigrant experience.

Garcia’s culinary philosophy is steeped in authenticity and draws from the traditional practices of his upbringing, while integrating the vibrant ingredients of Northern California. Each recipe is an invitation to explore the flavors of Mexico through a contemporary lens, showcasing the beauty of seasonal produce sourced from local farms and purveyors. From masa to mar, milpa to rancho, Garcia organizes his recipes according to their origins, allowing readers to appreciate the connection between land, labor, and cuisine.

Within the pages of Convivir, over 150 recipes beckon home cooks like myself to recreate the magic of Mexican dining. Garcia’s approach is refreshingly user-friendly (I’m a great eater, but a novice in the kitchen), offering alternatives for busy schedules while preserving the essence of traditional cooking. He acknowledges the fast-paced nature of modern life, providing tips on preparing ingredients in advance and even utilizing storebought options where appropriate.

Garcia’s creativity shines through in his unique take on beloved dishes. For instance, his interpretation of classic tamales goes beyond the traditional, incorporating flavors and techniques that elevate the dish while paying homage to its roots. The book also highlights special menus for Mexican holidays, including Día de los Muertos and Día de la Independencia, allowing families to celebrate their heritage with culinary flair. A sense of occasion imbues each recipe with a sense of occasion, transforming everyday meals into extraordinary experiences.

As the culinary landscape evolves, Convivir stands as a testament to the power of food to foster understanding and connection among diverse communities. Garcia’s commitment to celebrating Mexican culture, especially at a time when diversity is finally being recognized and embraced, is both timely and poignant. He emphasizes that the dinner table serves as a sacred space where stories are shared, traditions are honored, and relationships are forged.

Celebrity chefs have lauded Garcia’s work, recognizing him as a beacon of innovation within the culinary world. Val Cantu, chef and owner of Californios, highlights the passion that Garcia pours into his cooking, stating, “To make true Mexican cuisine, you must start with heart and soul.” This sentiment captures the essence of Convivir, in which each recipe is a reflection of Garcia’s journey—a blend of his mother’s home cooking and his formal French training, sprinkled with the vibrant influences of California.

The launch of Convivir coincides with the success of Auro, the Michelin-starred restaurant that has quickly become a gem in Napa Valley’s culinary scene. Opened in the fall of 2022 in Calistoga, Auro has received accolades for its innovative approach to Northern California cuisine, featuring a hyper-seasonal, seven-course tasting menu that evolves with the seasons. Garcia’s artistry is evident in dishes that celebrate local ingredients, such as dry-aged shimaaji and Kagoshima A5 wagyu, each elevated by his signature touch, “oro,” a nod to gold that adds a unique flair to every plate.

The ambiance of Auro enhances the dining experience, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of the vineyards, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of Napa Valley while savoring Garcia’s exquisite creations. The robust wine program, curated by sommelier Derek Stevenson, complements the culinary offerings, further enriching the experience of fine dining in this idyllic setting.

Convivir is a celebration of resilience, heritage, and the joy of sharing food. Garcia’s journey from a dishwasher to a Michelinstarred chef testifies to the power of dreams and determination, inspiring home cooks and culinary enthusiasts alike to embrace the flavors of Mexico while honoring the bounty of California.

In a time when the world often feels divided, Convivir serves as a reminder that food has the unique ability to bring us together. Through the pages of this book, Rogelio Garcia invites us to savor each moment, to celebrate our differences, and to find common ground “on a plate.” The culinary journey he offers is one of not just gastronomy but of community, culture, and connection, making Convivir a must-have for anyone looking to enrich their culinary repertoire while nurturing a deeper appreciation for the stories behind the meals we share.

Convivir: Modern Mexican Cuisine in California’s Wine Country

By Rogelio Garcia with Andréa Lawson Gray Abrams / September 2024

U.S. $50.00 / CAN $63.00

Hardcover / 288 pages

9 x 10 7/8” / Full-color photographs throughout ISBN: 978-1-949480-33-7

California Lifestyle

California Lifestyle Collection

Belvedere Brand New Construction

4 Beds | 7 Baths | ±4,996 sq. ft. | ±0.38 acre lot | Under Construction

Price Upon Request

4 Beds | 7 Baths | ±4,996 sq. ft. | ±0.38 acre lot | Under Construction Price Upon Request

A rare opportunity to buy a new home under construction to customize your finishes on a dream location near tip of Belvedere Island at the end of Belvedere Ave. This appx. 5,000 sq ft masterpiece designed by acclaimed architect David Kotzebue features contemporary design and open floor plans, handcrafted European materials, expansive decks, views of Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, East Bay, Angel Island.

A rare opportunity to buy a new home under construction to customize your finishes on a dream location near tip of Belvedere Island at the end of Belvedere Ave. This appx. 5,000 sq ft masterpiece designed by acclaimed architect David Kotzebue features contemporary design and open floor plans, handcrafted European materials, expansive decks, views of Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, East Bay, Angel Island.

Extreme high quality modern interior design includes handmade bathroom vanities, crafted oak floors, hand-made stone decking from Spain and intricate kitchen mill work from Germany by leading interior designer Barbara Turpin Vickroy, who was honored with best design awards worldwide. Adjacent to open space next door, this home offers privacy to entertain. Enjoy the Infinity edge pool with custom pool house and various view decks. The extensive foundation cost was over $4,500,000. Completion estimated to be end of 2023 or early 2024. Buying now would enable choice of some final finishes. Address is also known as 1 Blanding Lane.

Extreme high quality modern interior design includes handmade bathroom vanities, crafted oak floors, hand-made stone decking from Spain and intricate kitchen mill work from Germany by leading interior designer Barbara Turpin Vickroy, who was honored with best design awards worldwide. Adjacent to open space next door, this home offers privacy to entertain. Enjoy the Infinity edge pool with custom pool house and various view decks. The extensive foundation cost was over $4,500,000. Completion estimated to be end of 2023 or early 2024. Buying now would enable choice of some final finishes. Address is also known as 1 Blanding Lane.

Digital Concept Rendering

BOW PUT A ON IT

GORGEOUS—AND UNUSUAL—GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

BY BECCA HENSLEY PHOTOS COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE BRANDS

We dive into the sometimes taxing holiday season with monumental shopping lists. Embracing one of the five languages of love (gift giving—and receiving—of course), we forge into shops and boutiques and spend hours scouring online markets. The more we flood our brains with ideas, the more anxiety-ridden (and even gluttonous) the shopping process becomes. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We’ve collected some suggestions to ease the process. Are you ready to show someone they’ve been “seen?” We’ve got the goods; all you need is the bow.

Drape her in modern Louis Vuitton® motifs with the justlaunched Le Damier collection which features a range of yellow and white gold jewelry with geometric diamond patterns. Subtly sophisticated, the Le Damier De Louis Vuitton yellow gold and diamonds necklace exemplifies the new line. louisvuitton.com $5,700

For some of us, it isn’t the holidays without an array of decadent snacks and treats proffered to family and guests at a multiplicity of joyful fêtes. Gobble from this supreme cache of deliciousness by Olive & Cocoa. Their signature gourmet collection arrives in a handcrafted wooden crate that measures more than two feet wide. Inside you’ll find some 30 diverse noshes from farmstead cheeses to chocolate-dipped macaroons to truffles to Tuscan olives, not to mention a wooden cutting board, serving knife, and corkscrew. oliveandcocoa.com $384

Yes, she does need a new purse. Give her the GG Milano mini shoulder bag that launched during Milan Fashion week this fall. By Gucci C reative Director Sabato De Sarno, it pays tribute to Milanese sophistication with a silky, quilted pattern and chain strap meant to be worn crossbody or on the shoulder. gucci.com $3,590

It wouldn’t be the holidays without giving or receiving a candle. Nothing enhances and elevates the atmosphere like one from famed perfumers, Krigler. Just out in November, their newest candle, known as the New Classic Gold Glass Jubilee Candle in Hermitage Heritage 04, celebrates Krigler’s 120 years of history. Expect essences of crisp vetiver and lemon mixed with warm nutmeg, black pepper, and black truffles—then deepened with amber, agarwood, and sandalwood—perfect for the festive season. krigler.com/collections/ scented-candles-presentations $140

ashioned with a twinkling 6.20 carats of Columbian emeralds, these bedazzling Ishtar emerald bezel drop earrings from Khepri Jewels are wrapped in an evocative bezel attached to a huggie. Built with 18-carat yellow gold, they have a 22-carat matte finish. kheprijewels.com $13,495

For your assiduously astute spirits collector, wrap up the Woodford Reserve® Baccarat Edition, which features the world’s finest bourbon. Further aged to perfection in hand-selected XO cognac casks at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, the spirit tastes as good as it looks in its stunning Baccarat bottle engraved with both storied companies’ logos. Watch your giftee cackle in delight at the first glimpse of the signature Baccarat red box, complete with a crystal stopper adorned with Woodford Reserve’s initials. reservebar.com/ products/woodford-reserve-baccarat/GROUPING-1514831.html $2,000

Beard lovers deserve only the best. Buy him the haute couture of French brush-making—100% boar bristle brushes with olive wood handles, handmade by French brush mavens—Altesse. Elegantly packaged, this brush set for men has been designed for both beard and scalp. Limited in quantity, it’s even numbered for authenticity. BigelowChemists.com $480

Put some sparkle on his wrist. This sculpted cable cuff bracelet by David Yurman® features chic black titanium with light-catching black diamonds awash with glimmer. It’s wavelike pattern creates a sense of movement that elevates outfits for all occasions. davidyurman.com $5,500

Your favorite coffee addict will be forever grateful when they open the beribboned package that holds the sleek, state-of-the-art JURA® GIGA 10. It brews up to 35 hot and cold coffee specialties. Two electronically adjustable ceramic disc grinders, ideal for filling with two different roasts and/or for customizing your own bean blend, make this a barista’s dream. jura.com $4,999

Choose white, rose, or yellow gold, peppered with diamonds for your Keyzar Jewelry initial diamond pendant. Personalized with the alphabet letter of your choice, this glittery gift makes a statement. keyzarjewelry.com/products/initialletter-pendant-14k-white-gold-z $800

From the gobsmacking Women’s Fall-Winter 2024 Collection from Gucci®, the olive green wool mohair coat provides an indulgent way to keep warm. Double-breasted with point lapels, the long coat incorporates contemporary details and traditional tailoring. gucci.com $6,800

Trees. Plants. The gifts that keep on giving. Choose a colossal, flowering, shade-giving Crape Myrtle Multi Tuscarora that soars 30 feet tall and has a canopy extending 15 feet wide. Available from Moon Valley Nurseries (the nation’s largest, fully-integrated nursery and box tree grower), the rare tree has been growing for 30 years, waiting to be presented to your favorite tree hugger for the holidays. moonvalleynurseries. com/locations/gilroy $80,000

Don an artful chapeau by visionary designer Lexi Whaley from her Zandria Cowboy Collection. The Jacqueline sports ivory pearls in three sizes, which flank the hat, giving it a western wedding cake allure—all on a sleek white canvas base. shopzandria.com $795

In the great circle of life, the holidays also signal the arrival of the New Year—that opportunity to launch new habits and leave the old ways behind. Delve into the harmonic universe when you buy your soulmate their own set of singing bowls from Crystal Tones, the world’s most trusted brand. Choose the Luminescent Gold Resonance set, which includes six singing bowls, including one made from citrine. crystalsingingbowls.com $15,009.00

Watches are no longer just about telling time. The Panerai® limited edition Submersible Elux LAB-ID adventure watch manifests the best in Italian manufacturing. Durable and iconic, this timepiece—ideal for water play—will captivate the most assiduous collector. panerai.com $99,600

Fashioned with a twinkling 6.20 carats of Columbian emeralds, these bedazzling Ishtar emerald bezel drop earrings from Khepri Jewels are wrapped in an evocative bezel attached to a huggie. Built with 18-carat yellow gold, they have a 22-carat matte finish. kheprijewels.com $13,495

Offer the gift of repose. This first-ever floating daybed, POOLSOFA™ by BADESOFA® not only looks stunning on the patio but can be used in the pool as well. Fun, festive, and flirty! badesofa.com/products/poolsofa $2,390

Jaipur, in India’s colorful state of Rajasthan, might be the most quixotic place on earth. Give your favorite design buff some of that enchantment with a one-of-a-kind rug crafted from handspun yarn by rural weavers in the region. Made without the use of weaving maps, sustainable, and awash in poetic mystery, each rug from the Jaipur Living Manchaha Collection not only brightens its locale but provides a dependable wage for the weaver. Each work of art from Jaipur Living is utterly unique. rugsdirect.com $2,000

Named for Texas’ most artistic tiny town, the Marfa Midnight Cowboy boots by CHAZLYN redefine country style with modern élan. Made from top-quality bovine leather and soft suede, they shine with a gorgeous finish and can go from day to night without blinking. chazlyn.com/ products/marfa-midnight $695

Adorn her wrist with Plum Diamonds’ unparalleled lab diamond tennis bracelet, a masterpiece with total 2.8-carat weight. Choose from 6-inch, 6.5-inch or 7-inch length and 14-carat yellow gold or 14-carat white gold. Crafted to order. plumdiamonds.com $2,290

Look to Scandinavia for your skincare gift. Mantle, a trailblazing Swedish company with clean, clinical concoctions, redefines skin wellness with pioneering ingredients. Think: an innovative serum based on jellyfish mucin that can bind water in the skin three times more effectively than hyaluronic acid. Go for the advent calendar (before or after the holidays) for a sublime bit of variety. mantleskin.us $240

CHÂTEAU DIOR

This holiday season, Dior invites guests to the grand Ball of Dreams at the Château de Versailles. Celebrating the brand’s commitment to luxury craftsmanship, artist Pietro Ruffo has imagined exquisite, embellished designs for Dior’s year-end gifts. Explore Dior’s limited edition 2024 Trunk of Dreams Advent Calendar, which reveals 24 iconic creations behind its gilded doors. Each day offers delightful surprises, including perfumes, skincare, makeup, and the custom Bois des Rêves candle by Francis Kurkdjian, Dior Perfume Creation Director.

BY ADRIENNE FAUROTE

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CHRISTIAN DIOR PARFUMS

Top: La Collection Privée Bois des Rêves candle, $115; available at dior.com

Bottom: L’Or de J’adore, $177; available at dior.com

Ambassador Anya TaylorJoy from the Christian Dior Parfums holiday campaign

THE ROAD TO SOLOMEO

BY ADRIENNE FAUROTE

Carolina Cucinelli and her husband, Alessio Piastrelli, present “Road to Solomeo,” a collection imagined exclusively for Neiman Marcus by Brunello Cucinelli, which captures the spirit of adventure. Taking inspiration from Cucinelli and Piastrelli’s shared passion for motorcycling as a vehicle (literally and figuratively) to connect and explore nature’s beauty, the collection features pieces that embody the moments of a day spent on a motorcycle ride.

For the women’s collection, leather takes center stage in pieces like Nappa cropped jackets, suede blazers, and trousers that merge classic motorcycling heritage with modern utility details and cashmere knits in a warm color palette of earthy browns and night sky blues. Navy tones drive the men’s curation with styles like nubuck biker jackets with shearling collars, winter boots, and suede loafers, complemented by neutral and brown accents for a refined, sophisticated look.

California Lifestyle Collection

California Lifestyle Collection

Spectacular Views with Endless Possibilities

Belvedere Brand New Construction

±26.1 Acre Lot | Develop a Single-Family Estate Compound or Multiple Homes

A rare opportunity to buy a new home under construction to customize your finishes on a dream location near tip of Belvedere Island at the end of Belvedere Ave. This appx. 5,000 sq ft masterpiece designed by acclaimed architect David Kotzebue features contemporary design and open floor plans, handcrafted European materials, expansive decks, views of Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, East Bay, Angel Island.

$8,750,000

Paradise Glen is one of the few remaining large parcels within the sphere of influence of the Town of Tiburon. Located at the corner of Paradise Drive and Trestle Glen Blvd., just o Tiburon Blvd., this 26.1-acre site o ers spectacular views of the bay and surrounding coastlines from east to north/ northwest. The site is surrounded on three sides by diverse single-family residences that range in value from medium to high-end. Marin County designates the land as Planned Residential, with a density of 1 unit per 1-10 acres and a Ridge & Upland Greenbelt Area overlay. Tiburon’s designation is PD-R Planned Development - Residential, which is 0.4 du/acre.

Extreme high quality modern interior design includes handmade bathroom vanities, crafted oak floors, hand-made stone decking from Spain and intricate kitchen mill work from Germany by leading interior designer Barbara Turpin Vickroy, who was honored with best design awards worldwide. Adjacent to open space next door, this home offers privacy to entertain. Enjoy the Infinity edge pool with custom pool house and various view decks. The extensive foundation cost was over $4,500,000. Completion estimated to be end of 2023 or early 2024. Buying now would enable choice of some final finishes. Address is also known as 1 Blanding Lane.

The Louis Vuitton 2017 Cruise collection show in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016

IT’S BEEN 10 YEARS OF BRILLIANT DESIGN WITH ARTISTIC DIRECTOR NICOLAS GHESQUIÈRE AT THE HELM OF LOUIS VUITTON’S WOMEN’S COLLECTIONS.

BY ADRIENNE FAUROTE

Ghesquière’s discerning eye for design has made a lasting impact over his decade-long tenure at Louis Vuitton, from the juxtaposition of silhouette shapes on the runway to the intentional architectural choices he has made to tell stories through his shows. Ahead, we take a front-row seat at some of the most historical Cruise shows that Ghesquière has imagined and that have defined his time at Louis Vuitton.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOUIS VUITTON

2015: PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA For its second-ever Cruise collection in May of 2016, Louis Vuitton headed to Palm Springs, California, a hub of modernist American architecture from the 1950s to the 1970s. The 2016 Cruise show took place at the iconic Bob and Dolores Hope Estate, a Palm Springs landmark designed by renowned modernist architect John Lautner.

2016: BRAZIL Louis Vuitton traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to present its third Cruise show, the Louis Vuitton 2017 Cruise collection, at the Niterói Contemporary Art Museum (MAC), a landmark building designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer.

2017: JAPAN In May 2017, Ghesquière took the 2018 Cruise collection to Kyoto, Japan, where it was showcased in the stunning Miho Museum, designed by I.M. Pei, the visionary architect behind the Louvre Pyramid in Paris.

2018: FRANCE The Louis Vuitton 2019 Cruise collection landed at the Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, in the heart of the French Riviera, on May 28, 2018.

2019: NEW YORK Ghesquière made his United States debut for the 2020 Cruise show at the TWA Flight Center at John F. Kennedy International Airport, designed by the architect Eero Saarinen in 1962.

2015: PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA

2019: NEW YORK

2017: JAPAN

2018: FRANCE

2021: CHINA AND FRANCE The Cruise 2022 collection debuted in June 2021 with a groundbreaking show spanning two continents: Asia and Europe. It was simultaneously held at the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Museum in China and at the Axe Majeur installation near Paris.

2022: SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA Ghesquière returned to the US for the 2023 Cruise show at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, San Diego County, California.

2023: ITALY The Louis Vuitton Cruise 2024 collection traveled to Isola Bella, in the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore, Italy, continuing to embody Ghesquière’s love for travel.

2024: SPAIN The Cruise 2025 show was held in Barcelona in May 2024, marking one of several collaborative initiatives with the Catalan capital. One of them was hosting the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona this past summer.

2021: CHINA AND FRANCE2022: SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

ETERNITY ECHOES OF

This year, Bvlgari revealed Aeterna, an unprecedented high-end jewelry collection inspired by the timeless allure of the Eternal City. The collection is a precious amalgamation of the past, present, and future presented through sensational diamonds and gemstones.

BY ADRIENNE FAUROTE PHOTOGRAPHY ALEX TEUSCHER

Bvlgari High Jewelry Serpenti necklace in pink gold with one pear sapphire, one pear diamond, six pear rubellites, four pear diamonds, two round diamonds, two bufftop emeralds, 33 step-cut diamonds, 113 buff-top sapphires, and pavé-set diamonds

Bvlgari High Jewelry Serpenti bracelet in rose gold with onyx elements, one oval tanzanite, two marquise diamonds, 38 buff-top sapphires, two bufftop aquamarines, 17 fancy step cut diamonds, and pavé-set diamonds

2025 Aston Martin DBX707

Float like a butterfly, sting like A bee.

BY TIM LAPPEN

YOU MIGHT WONDER WHY A PHRASE ASSOCIATED WITH MOHAMMED Ali and boxing is the subtitle of a car story. Here’s the connection: Aston Martin is a reasonably small car company competing with brands who have huge corporate backings. Yet, Aston brings out new models more often than some other competitors and creates some of the most beautiful cars in the world. One might say that Aston is punching well above its weight.

Now, let’s look at another concept, which I need to address up front: bias. My bias in favor of Aston Martin began (as near as I can recall) when my best friend, Don, got a Scalextric slot-car set and I chose the Aston Martin as my avatar. My love for the brand only deepened as I grew older and saw Astons winning races. That affection reached the place where I have now owned three of the brand’s finest and loved them all. Some may have preferences about the cars they review but I am disclosing here my rose-colored filter up front. Still interested? Read on.

My latest Aston sojourn was to get up close and personal with the refreshened DBX707 (their super-SUV model) in the California hills and canyons around the Napa, Russian River, and Alexander Valleys. Starting

in Healdsburg — a lovely historic town founded in 1857, which now has a somewhat mid-century vibe — served as a perfect counterpoint to the technologically full and wildly colored DBXs that were our rides. An example of how well the town was suited to host these Astons? Ye olde ice-cream shoppe served artisan ice creams and a range of coffee brands so vast that it would make Juan Valdez blush.

But let’s segue over to the Aston Martin. The DBX was introduced in 2020 and, early in 2022, Aston introduced a spicy version, the DBX707 (apparently “007” was taken). While quite similar, the 707 was fitted with a 697 hp motor pumping out 664 pound-feet of torque, enough huevos to motivate the 4,940-pound ute from 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds (compared to the standard DBX’s 542 hp, 516 pound-feet of torque and a 0-60 mph sprint in 4.5 seconds). But as is their wont, for model year 2025, Aston decided to update the DBX707 this year (and drop the “standard” DBX) — and the results are impressive. First off, gone is the infotainment system sourced from another company (which was not touch-sensitive) and, I must say, as their first go with homegrown infotainment, I was impressed with the new unit. Having spent

considerable time with the DB12 (thank you for the San Francisco-to-Pebble Beach loan, Aston!), I was quite familiar with the improved system, and the unit forms the basis for the new 707’s center-stack performance center.

Aston also updated the interior of the 2025 707 in a few telling ways: the touchscreen is 10.2 inches; the manufacturer has added Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and two USB-C ports; the standard audio system has 14 speakers fired by 800 watts of power (a 1600-watt, 23-speaker system from Bowers & Wilkins is available); the interior can now be done as a monotone or duo-tone; and the center console is much like the one of the DB12 and the Vantage.

Next, there were some new colors on offer, almost as if they had Timothy Leary send over his color palette. My favorites of the more than 60 new bright and shiny hues on the configuration side include “Digital Violet,” “Storm Purple,” “Sprint Green,” “Liquid Crimson,” “Synapse Orange,” and “Ultra Yellow.” Many of the cars in Healdsburg were of these vibrant shades — all stunning in person. Especially in one of the more brilliant exteriors, the 707 is definitely not your father’s Aston Martin!

The mechanicals of the new 707 are pretty much unchanged from last year’s, which is fine with me, as I really enjoyed the prior iteration (I had it for a week). I think that the 48-volt anti-roll system really makes the car — it can respond almost instantaneously to the pitch and roll of the body. Especially for a heavy vehicle with a high center of gravity, the handling is more sports car than SUV.

The roads around Healdsburg were terrific for the drive. We went past vineyards, through forests, out to the ocean, and even had a lunch stop at Sea Ranch. We were able to experience the DBX707 in tight twisties, sweeping turns, and higher-speed straights, and the Astons handled all of it with aplomb. The active suspension and anti-roll features were on full display, working perfectly. The 707 felt completely at home in all conditions and drove more like a grand touring car than an SUV. This is helped by Aston fitting all four wheels as close to the four corners of the car as possible.

While it only was a two-day experience, we certainly had enough time to put the DBXs through their paces, and they did admirably. This model is a terrific refinement over the prior editions and the huge increase in performance adds immeasurably. I came away from the experience wanting more... and isn’t that the best you can ask for?

One Mind Celebrates 30 Years of Advocacy at Annual Music Festival for Brain Health

BY JENNIFER BODEN

WITH A RECORD-BREAKING $3.56 MILLION RAISED AND MORE THAN 400 guests in attendance, the 30th Annual One Mind Music Festival for Brain Health featured Governor Gavin Newsom, Congressman Mike Thompson, singer Elle King, an incredible wine reception, the Science & Innovation Symposium, and the annual Rising Star Awards.

The event combined science, philanthropy, and entertainment to celebrate 30 years of mental health innovation.

Proceeds from the event support One Mind™, a nonprofit founded by the Staglin family to drive visionary change in brain health. Their impactful programs include the One Mind Rising Star Awards, One Mind Accelerator, and One Mind at Work.

Governor Newsom congratulated the Staglin family on their advocacy and leadership in the mental health space: “In just 30 years, One Mind has been a driving force behind many of the milestones in the mental health field.”

Congressman Mike Thompson highlighted the essential role the Staglin family and One Mind have played in advancing mental health research: “One Mind has raised millions of dollars, fueling research and innovation that touches people in every community across the country. It’s so difficult to fund these types of research projects. It if weren’t for the Staglins and One Mind, we would be light-years behind.

In its long history, One Mind has made significant contributions to scientific advancements, funding 48 pioneering scholars, supporting the launch of 21 mental health start-ups, and partnering with over 150 global companies to enhance workplace mental health.

“We have made tremendous strides to reduce stigma and develop breakthroughs to empower people facing mental illness to thrive,” said Brandon Staglin, co-founder and chief advocacy and engagement officer of One Mind.

The festival culminated in a special performance by Elle King, a passionate mental health advocate. The concert, sponsored by JaM Cellars, was a highlight of the evening.

Guests also enjoyed a renowned wine tasting reception sponsored by Lewis Cellars, showcasing over 70 premier Napa Valley vintners. Two-time James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Bartolotta curated an exquisite four-course VIP dinner served after the concert. Next year’s One Mind Music Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025.

VIP dinner at the 30th One Mind Music Festival for Brain Health

Singer and musician Elle King performs at the 30th One Mind Music Festival for Brain Health

Bristol Myers Squibb’s Cari Gallman (far left) and Alexis Smith (far right) join Kathy Pike and the Staglin family, including Shannon Staglin and her two children, for a photo with Elle King (center)

Shannon Staglin and Jim Steyer at the wine reception sponsored by JaM Cellars

Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard dinner held at Arrow & Branch Winery

Legendary Napa Valley Grape Grower Andy Beckstoffer Headlines Exclusive Dinner at Arrow & Branch Winery

Rare vineyard tour and dinner was auctioned at this year’s WineaPAWlooza event for $145,000!

BY JENNIFER BODEN

WINEAPAWLOOZA, THE MAIN FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR NO-KILL rescue Jameson Humane, was held in June and featured some once-in-alifetime auction packages. One such package was a private tour at Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyards, followed by an incredible dinner at Arrow & Branch Winery in Oak Knoll Napa Valley, held on September 6.

Napa Valley wine pioneer Andy Beckstoffer made a special public appearance as guests toured his Beckstoffer Dr. Crane vineyard and later tasted the wines. From there, the event shifted to the newly opened Arrow & Branch winery in Oak Knoll, where French Laundry alum, chef Daniel Gomez Sanchez, prepared a delicious multi-course meal.

The dinner featured seven Beckstoffer Dr. Crane wines along with detailed commentary from several vintners and winemakers: Kirk Venge and Jim Borsack (Venge, B Cellars), Victoria DeCrescenzo and Russell Bevan (Bevan, Adversity Cellars), Seanne and Steve Contursi and Jennifer Williams (Arrow & Branch), Sam Kaplan and Hayes Drumwright (Memento Mori), and Tor and Susan Kenward (TOR).

In its 11th year, WineaPAWlooza 2024 raised $1.3 million to support Jameson Humane, a Napa Valley-based animal welfare organization. Auction lots like this tour and dinner give Jameson the necessary resources to deliver vital services, including a community animal assistance program which provides subsidized medical care, pet food, behavioral training, and support for pet owners.

Next year ’s WineaPAWlooza event is June 20 and 21, 2025.

Paddles up! Dr. Crane auction lot in progress

Seanne and Steve Contursi, owners of Arrow & Branch

Winery and hosts of the Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Dinner

Pet vaccinations, exams, microchipping, and more offered at this year’s Jameson Humane pet wellness clinic

Andy Beckstoffer and Monica Stevens, Jameson Humane Founder

Andy Beckstoffer

The All New 2024 Sonoma County Wine Celebration Raises Nearly $1.6 Million

Annual event hosted by Sonoma County Vintners Foundation has provided critical funding for more than 430 Sonoma County nonprofits

BY JENNIFER BODEN

PROCEEDS RAISED AT THE 2024 SONOMA COUNTY WINE CELEBRATION (SCWC) will continue to fund Sonoma County Vintners Foundation (SCVF) community grants for nonprofit organizations in the areas of education and literacy, health and human services, the environment, arts and culture, and the Emergency Relief Fund. The Wine Celebration’s live auction was held at the beautiful Chateau St. Jean Winery on September 21. Since the auction’s inception, more than $43 million has been raised, directly benefiting the Sonoma County community.

“Our guests, vintners, and partners were thrilled by our new event format this year,” said Michael Haney, the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation’s executive director. “We had more attendees, more auction lots, and a wider range of experiences for more community members to get involved. We were delighted to welcome new faces from out of the area to these events as well as many great returning supporters to help us raise funds for our important initiatives.”

The highest selling lot of the day was Lot #20, The (Wine) Revolution Starts Here, selling for $150,000. It featured a distinctive collection of 230 bottles of renowned Sonoma Valley wines in 3-liter, magnum (1.5 liters), and 750-milliliter bottle formats. Actor Harry Hamlin and his niece, Renee Guilbault, chef and CEO of The Open Food Company, joined Donald Patz from Maritana Vineyards onstage to share more about Lot #7, titled Harry Hamlin: The King of Bolognese Dinner. The lot was sold twice for a total of $60,000.

The Fund-A-Need paddle raise, presented in partnership with longtime sponsor TricorBraun WinePak, is a powerful, collective giving opportunity that raises money annually for children’s education and literacy. Guests viewed a moving video message from one of this year’s Fund-A-Need beneficiary partner, K-3 Innovation, regarding the need for literacy proficiency for Sonoma County’s third grade students. The paddle raise resulted in more than $760,000.

The 2025 Sonoma County Wine Celebration will be held on September 18-20.

event and received a community grant from

Wine Country Nights: Boots, Bottles, and Bites

Students from Luther Burbank Center for the Arts Mariachi Ensemble and Ballet Folklórico program performed at the

SCVF

Duskie Estes and John Stewart cheer with guests at Sonoma County Wine Celebration auction

Donald Patz and Harry Hamlin during Sonoma County Wine Celebration auction

Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Bella Union Winery in St. Helena, Napa Valley

BY JENNIFER BODEN

BELLA UNION WINERY IS FAR NIENTE WINE ESTATES’ THIRD WINERY to open its doors along Napa Valley’s Highway 29. It features inviting, high-design social vignettes, including a floating jewel box on its second level with striking mountain and vineyard views, along with unconventional tastings of its inaugural, small lot wines. The stylish new property, which joins the famed Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel wineries, is designed to create a beautiful union of people and place and to foster lively conversations, merriment, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Napa Valley.

An official ribbon cutting ceremony was held at Bella Union Winery on September 3. Those in attendance included United States Congressman Mike Thompson, California State Senator Bill Dodd, Far Niente Wine Estates proprietress Beth Nickel (who founded Far Niente with her late husband, Gil Nickel, in 1979), Far Niente Wine Estates Chief Executive Officer Steve Spadarotto, and Bella Union winemaker Brooke Bobyak Price.

The sunny afternoon featured remarks from Beth Nickel and Steve Spadarotto; a presentation of certificates from Congressman Mike Thompson and Senator Bill Dodd, marking this momentous occasion and state-of-the-art winery; and a celebratory cake cutting and ceremonious ribbon cutting, which were led by two of Far Niente’s longest-term employees, brothers Juan and Roberto Perez, each cellar masters with 25 years of experience. Guests were then welcomed to explore the venue while enjoying Bella Union’s exquisite small lot wines along the way.

Jewel box tasting room

Bella Union Winery team at ribbon cutting ceremony

Mike Thompson, Beth Nickel, Bill Dodd at ribbon cutting ceremony

Steve Spadarotto and Beth Nickel cutting cake

Juan Perez, Roberto Perez, and Brooke Bobyak Price cutting the ribbon

Jonah Kim, Polina Sedukh, Marcel Gemperli, Eileen Moon, and David Chernyavsky

OLIVIA DECKER POWER OF MUSIC SERIES CELEBRATES ESEILEEN MOON & FRIENDS

BY OLIVIA HSU DECKER

ON SEPTEMBER 29, FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY’S OLIVIA DECKER

Power of Music Series featured an inspiring afternoon of music and Napa Valley wines at the charming Temescal Beach House nestled in the Berkeley/Oakland Hills. Guests were treated to a stunning performance by Eileen Moon & Friends, featuring acclaimed cellists Eileen Moon and Jonah Kim, violinists Polina Sedukh and David Chernyavsky, and violist Marcel Gemperli.

The ensemble delivered a mesmerizing rendition of Franz Schubert’s revered and emotionally charged String Quintet in C Major. In this intimate setting, the musicians masterfully wove together complex harmonies and delicate melodies, enveloping the audience with a rich tapestry of sound.

Superb wines from Napa Valley’s Miner Family Winery paired perfectly with the outstanding performance. Guests included Jay Brownrigg of Audi and his wife, Tanya; Anna Pilloton; Molly Pilloton; Drielle Bennett-Goldberg; Patrick Carvalho; Tashena and James Lancaster; Bonnie Schwabe; Jag Soni; Shani Blevins; Heidi and James Hall; Alana Russaw; Margie Morris; Fred Williams; Sam Roth; Barbara Ross; Teresa Bibillo; and Iwona and Erik Bibillo.

The afternoon marked the launch of the fall season of Festival Napa Valley’s Olivia Decker Power of Music Series, showcasing globally recognized performing artists and emerging talent on spectacular stages. The series continues November 6 at Sleeping Giant Winery in Napa with “Boyd Meets Girl,” a concert featuring Australian guitarist Rupert Boyd, American cellist Laura Metcalf, and a curated selection of Sleeping Giant wines. For information and tickets, visit https:// festivalnapavalley.org/calendar/boyd-meets-girl/.

Karen Walker, Bonnie Schwabe, Molly Pilloton, and Anna Pilloton

James Lancaster, Tashena Lancaster, Eileen Moon, Tanya Brownrigg, and Jay Brownrigg

Heather Piazza, Ken Savage, and Shani Blevins

Eileen Moon & Friends perform

Lyford Cay, Nassau

Beachfront Villa | 9,426 sf | $28,000,000 Amoria. Elegant Beachfront Villa. Private Sandy Beach. 8 BR, 11 BA. Gated. Property ID ZKJSLM george.damianos@SIRbahamas.com +1.242.424.9699

Armstrong & Pond Apple Cays, Abaco

Two Private Islands | 65 Acres | $3,200,000

Pristine Cays, 7 Sandy Beaches, Natural Boat Basin. World-Class Fishing. Property ID 55565

christopher.albury@SIRbahamas.com +1.242.359.6885

Gregory Town, Eleuthera

17.5 Acres | Protected Waterfront | Beach | $9,950,000 Glass Window Bridge area. Prime, Elevated. 2,309’ Watefront. 150’ Beach. Property ID 59277

colleen.carey@SIRbahamas.com +1.242.818.6038

Emerald Bay, Exuma

Stunning Waterfront Property | $850,000 Lot 31 Ocean Ridge Estates. World-class Golf, Marina and Dining. Gated. Property ID 57275 ashley.treco@SIRbahamas.com +1.242.422.5559

A Night to Remember: The 102nd Opening Night Celebration of the San Francisco Opera

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS PHOTOS DREW ALTIZER

ON THE WARM AND BALMY EVENING OF SEPTEMBER 6, 2024, the San Francisco Opera kicked off its 102nd season with a spectacular flourish at the Opera Ball 2024: The Masked Ball. Cohosted by the San Francisco Opera Guild, this gala event not only celebrated the commencement of a new opera season but also honored the long-standing commitment of John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn to the art form. The evening was a remarkable blend of elegance, philanthropy, and world class performances, all set against the stunning backdrop of San Francisco’s City Hall and the renowned War Memorial Opera House.

The evening commenced with a lavish cocktail reception at 5 p.m. in the opulent halls of City Hall, where approximately 600 guests donned in their most fashionable attire mingled amid the grandeur of one of San Francisco’s architectural jewels. The atmosphere was electric, and the guest list read like a who’s who of the cultural elite. Notable attendees included Opera Ball

Honorary Chair Diane B. Wilsey, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and Opera President Jack Calhoun among a host of influential figures from various sectors, including corporate, political, and charitable leaders.

The dynamic duo of Romana D. Bracco and Valerie Crane Dorfman co-chaired the event, skillfully guiding the evening’s festivities while embodying the spirit of community and support for the arts. Their leadership set the tone for what would be an unforgettable night.

One of the evening’s highlights was the heartfelt tribute to John and Cynthia Fry Gunn, whose extraordinary generosity has been a cornerstone of the San Francisco Opera’s success over the years. As John stepped down from his role as Chair of the Opera Board

after 16 years, the tribute film showcased their profound impact on the institution, highlighting their significant contributions that have helped propel San Francisco to the forefront of the opera world.

Guests were treated to a special performance of the overture to Leonard Bernstein’s Candide, conducted by Caroline H. Hume Music Director Eun Sun Kim, further enriching the evening’s tapestry of music and celebration. The Gunns’ legacy is a testament to the power of philanthropy in the arts, and their dedication continues to inspire future generations of opera lovers.

Dianna Cavagnaro of Z’est La Vie LLC, masterminded the design of the evening, transforming City Hall into a dreamscape inspired by the themes of Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera. The décor artfully combined elements of whimsy and sophistication, reflecting the duality of light and dark that permeates the opera itself. Guests were greeted by an immersive environment adorned with rich hues of cranberry, deep red, and plum, accented by iridescence and gold, creating an atmosphere both luxurious and inviting.

The design elements included stunning crystal ball installations and candlelight arrangements that evoked a modern masquerade, including masked dancers posing with the guests. The magnificent San Francisco Opera chandelier logo was reinterpreted throughout the venue, serving as a reminder of the rich history and triumph that the San Francisco Opera represents.

As the clock struck 8 p.m., the audience transitioned to the War Memorial Opera House for the highly anticipated performance of Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera. This production, directed by Italian maestro Leo Muscato, marked the first presentation of the opera since 2014 and was notably the first time this particular staging was presented outside of Europe.

Opera Ball Gala Dinner at City Hall

Karen Caldwell with performers

Joel Goodrich Navi Armstrong and Olivia Decker

Paul and Nancy Pelosi

Dede Wilsey and John A. Gunn

Maria Manetti Shrem, Mauro Aprile and Eva Zanetti

Ball co-chairs Romana Bracco and Valerie Crane Dorfman with Matthew Shivocl

Jack Calhoun, Dede Wilsey, Jake Heggie, Curt Branom and Frederica Von Stade

Opera Opening the Un Ballo in Maschera by Giuseppe Verdi

Music Director Eun Sun Kim, tenor Michael Fabiano with the rest of the cast

The evening featured a stellar international cast, with tenor Michael Fabiano captivating the audience as King Gustavus III, while soprano Lianna Haroutounian delivered a hauntingly beautiful performance as Amelia. Amartuvshin Enkhbat made his company debut as Renato, bringing fresh energy to the role, supported by Mei Gui Zhang as Oscar and Judit Kutasi as Ulrica. Under Maestro Kim’s expert baton, the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus brought Verdi’s masterpiece to life, enveloping the audience in a rich tapestry of sound that echoed throughout the historic venue.

As the finale of the evening approached, guests returned to City Hall for an after-party that began at 11 p.m. The celebratory atmosphere continued as attendees danced and reveled in the joyous occasion, marking the successful launch of yet another season of world class opera in San Francisco.

Opera Ball 2024 was not just an event; it was a celebration of the enduring spirit of the arts in a city renowned for its cultural richness. The evening’s proceeds support the artistic and educational initiatives of the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Opera Guild, ensuring that the magic of opera continues to flourish for years to come.

The 102nd Opening Night Celebrations of the San Francisco Opera was a magnificent confluence of art, philanthropy, and community spirit. As we all left City Hall, every guest carried with them not only the memories of an exquisite evening but also a renewed commitment to supporting the vibrancy of opera in San Francisco, a city that continues to thrive as a beacon of cultural excellence.

Karen Caldwell with performers

Romana Bracco, Barbara Wolfe, Valerie Crane Dorfman, Jack Calhoun

Trevor and Alexis Traina Priscilla and Keith Geeslin

Jorge Murmer, Marybeth and David Shimmon

Pete Rodway, Betty Yu, Carman Legarda, Angelique Meckley

Maryam Muduroglu and Jack Calhoun

A Night of Celebration: The San Francisco Symphony’s 113th Season Opening Gala

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS

PHOTOS DREW ALTIZER

THE SEPTEMBER 25 OPENING NIGHT OF THE SAN FRANCISCO Symphony’s 113th season was a lively event filled with excitement. With a rare balmy evening inviting guests to the 113th season of the San Francisco Symphony, Davies Symphony Hall was a jeweled delight. Guests began the evening in the Wattis Room with a cocktail reception featuring themed drinks, champagne, and a spirits tasting from Gold Bar® Whiskey, based on Treasure Island where gold coins were handed out. The atmosphere buzzed with conversation as attendees mingled before the concert.

The performance that evening was a captivating showcase of talent and artistry led by Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen. The orchestra delivered a powerful rendition of selections from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, immersing the audience in the emotional depth and intricate beauty of the score. The highlight of the night was the dynamic dueling-pianos performance by Lang Lang and his wife, Gina Alice Redlinger, who brought a playful energy to Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of the Animals. Their chemistry on stage and mastery of their instruments created a delightful atmosphere, engaging the audience with both humor and virtuosity. Each piece resonated with the attendees, making the performance a memorable celebration of music, perfectly setting the tone for the Symphony’s new season. The orchestra closed the program with Saint-Saëns’ lighthearted The Carnival of the Animals, featuring both pianists.

The night continued with a dinner catered by McCalls, hosted on the stage of the Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall. Co-chair and Symphony Board Chair Priscilla “Prisca” Geesli thanked CEO Matthew Spivey for his leadership and praised Salonen for his artistic direction. The crowd included notable guests such as co-chair Jeff Bharkhda, Sako Fisher with Gap Inc. Creative Director Zac Posen, Jack Calhoun and Trent Norris, Diane B. Wilsey, Lisa and John Grotts, Carl and Yurie Pascarella, Tiffany Chang, and Trine Sorensen.

This gala not only marked the start of the symphony’s season but also supported its education and community programs. Proceeds from the event will help ensure that music remains accessible to future generations.

As the event concluded, guests left with memories of a joyful evening that celebrated music and community. The San Francisco Symphony’s Opening Gala was a fitting start to the season, emphasizing the importance of the arts and connection among music lovers.

Gina Alice Redlinger

Matthew Spivey, Priscilla Geeslin, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Lang Lang

Zac Posen and Sako Fisher

Michael Dettner, Garshini Patel, Stephanue Goren, and Jeff Bharkhda

Jerome Guillen and Jeremy Gallaher

Remy Wilkinson and Shane Wilkinson

Dede Wilsey and Jack Calhoun

Rebecca Lin and Millie Chou

Matthew Shilvock, Carl Pascarella, and Trent Norris

Monaco Yacht Show at Port Hercules

2024 Monaco Yacht SHOW Supports Evolution and Sustainability

BY OLIVIA HSU DECKER AND JOEL GOODRICH

THE 33RD MONACO YACHT SHOW (MYS), ONE OF THE MOST INCREDIBLE spectacles in the world, returned this year, September 25-28, to captivate a glittering, international audience with its extraordinary lineup of superyachts. Set at Port Hercule against the stunning backdrop of Monaco’s coastline, this year’s event featured a remarkable array of vessels, including three of the largest and most ultraluxurious yachts ever to grace the show. The show brought together an international clientele of yacht owners, prospective owners, charter clients, and yachting professionals. A total of 29,197 visitors gathered along the quays of Port Hercule as MYS showcased a stunning fleet of 120 superyachts presented by international brokers and shipyards which chose the MYS to unveil their new yachts launched in 2024. This year, 46 made their debut, plus 15 vessels launched in 2023. More than half of the yachts on display were under two years old, a testament to the dynamism and innovation that define this elite industry.

The 2024 MYS also stood out for the diversity and richness of its exhibition spaces, all designed to offer an immersive and unique experience for visitors.

The Parvis Piscine tent and the Upper Deck Lounge were dedicated to luxury custom interior design, while the Quai Albert 1er and Darse Sud highlighted technological equipment and sustainable solutions showcased within the Sustainability Hub. The dockside area, featuring the superyacht exhibition quays and the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub, was exclusively reserved for private clients on the first day of the show, facilitating yacht tours and privileged contact with shipyards, brokers, and designers. The adventure area, dedicated to leisure, new destinations, and the yachting lifestyle, showcased a selection of luxury vehicles, 61 tenders, and Agusta helicopter.

The show, with 554 companies participating, provided an exceptional platform for exhibitors to reaffirm their commitment to blending the luxury yachting lifestyle with increasingly stringent environmental responsibilities. A series of 22 conferences, co-organized with SuperYacht Times and exhibitors from the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub and the Sustainability Hub, highlighted major trends shaping the future of yachting, such as sustainability, innovation, and personalization.

Participants explored various topics, including the transition to alternative propulsion systems, the use of eco-friendly materials, the integration of artificial intelligence on board, and the creation of yachts with a unique brand identity. The challenges of refitting and converting existing yachts were also discussed, emphasizing the need for sustainable and efficient solutions. The MYS team worked to make the show even more responsible, focusing on optimizing energy resources, managing waste responsibly, and reducing transport-related emissions. These efforts reflect the show’s commitment to supporting the evolution of an industry that continues to meet growing ecological demands.

The 2024 edition confirmed MYS as a unique space for yachting clients and a crucial platform for exploring technological, environmental, and societal expectations, contributing to the dynamism of the global

superyacht industry. Visitors had the opportunity to meet each exhibitor and see firsthand that, while yachting is a niche industry, it is deeply integrated into the economic and technological fabric of our society. Gaëlle Tallarida, managing director of MYS, summed it up: “The Monaco Yacht Show 2024 once again showcased an exceptional collection of superyachts and an exhibition of the leading companies in the sector, attracting visitors from around the world eager to explore the yachting world and its development opportunities. They discovered a yachting industry integrated into economic and technological changes, meeting the expectations of both clients and society. This edition confirms that the Monaco Yacht Show is far more than a luxury showcase: it has become a driver of innovation and reflection on the future of yachting in a global context.”

Joel Goodrich in the Lioness V dining room

Olivia Decker at Monaco Yacht Show at Port Hercule

Monaco Yacht Show Sustainability Hub

Here’s a look at a few top floating oases that redefine luxury on the high seas at the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show.

1. KISMET: A MONUMENTAL 400 FEET OF LUXURY

Topping the charts at this year’s show is the awe-inspiring Kismet, measuring a staggering 400 feet. Built by the renowned Lürssen shipyard, the Kismet’s design is a collaboration between the esteemed Nuvolari Lenard and interior design by Reymond Langton Design. This elegantly luxurious yacht is available for charter at $3 million per week. The Kismet features a host of amenities that make it a floating palace, including expansive decks, lavish lounges, and sumptuous cabins. The yacht’s interiors harmoniously blend comfort with sophistication and offer a seamless indoor/outdoor living and entertaining experience. Previously known as Project Jag at Lürssen Yacht, Kismet was commissioned by repeat Lürssen client Shahid Khan, who owned the 312 feet former Kismet the name of which changed to Whisper when sold to retired Google chairman Eric Schmidt in 2023.

2. RENAISSANCE: THE UNIQUE SUPERYACHT EXPERIENCE

The Renaissance is a magnificent, 367-foot yacht designed by Bannenberg & Rowell. It has the extraordinary capacity to accommodate up to 36 guests across 16 luxurious cabins. This is a rarity in the world of superyachts, where guest accommodations are often limited to fewer than 15 people. The Renaissance features open-air dining across five decks, an expansive cinema, and a spa with hot and cold plunge pools, and a sushi bar by the pool. This yacht is designed for relaxation, wellness, and entertainment. Anglo-American entrepreneur A. Gary Klesch, the 76-year-old founder of the Klesch Group, a global industrial company based in Geneva, Switzerland, owns the Renaissance. He was not born into wealth; his journey began as a margin clerk at Paine Webber in Cleveland, earning a modest $10,000 annually. He rapidly climbed the ladder of success, becoming a partner at McDonald & Company at 24, one of the largest regional investment banking firms in the United States at the time. Klesch truly deserves to be the proud owner of this magnificent yacht.

3. H3: THE ECO-CONSCIOUS TRANSFORMATION

Rounding out the trio of giants is the H3, a 344-foot yacht from Oceanco that has undergone a remarkable three-year rebuild. Originally launched in 2000, the H3 has been transformed into a vessel that embodies modern luxury while prioritizing sustainability. The project has achieved a 50% reduction in carbon emissions, and the yacht’s new, more efficient engines have decreased fuel consumption while slightly lowering top speed. The innovative approach also cuts delivery time by 25%. Oceanco CEO Marcel Onkenhout describes the process as remarkable, highlighting the passion and craftsmanship involved in recreating this iconic vessel. The owner of the H3 is Hana, the wife of Waleed bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahims. The yacht was built in 2000 for the prime minister of Qatar. It returned to Oceanco for a three-year refit in 2020, which included extending the hull by 10 meters and rebuilding the superstructure.

4. QUEEN MAVIA: LUXURIOUS AND ARTISTIC

INTERIOR DESIGN

The 63-meter (206 feet and 8 inches) yacht, Queen Mavia, was built by Oceanco in the Netherlands. Her interior and exterior were designed by Evan K. Marshall of The A Group, completed in 2001, and last refitted in 2022. It’s built with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure with teak decks. Powered by twin diesel Caterpillar 2,201 horsepower engines, a beam of 10 meters, a draught of 3.8 meters, and a volume of 1,150 gross tonnage, the Queen Mavia features six suites accommodating up to 12 guests. Amenities include a spa, sauna, beach club, gym, and deck Jacuzzi® The yacht is for sale at €34,900,000. The Queen Mavia is owned by the Bin Jabr family, founders of the Bin Jabr Group, which is one of the largest and most influential financial groups in the Middle East, active in manufacturing, construction, energy, and technology.

5. LIONESS V: ELEGANT AND METICULOUS CRA FTSMANSHIP

The 208-foot Lioness V was built by the Italian shipyard Benetti in 2006. It offers accommodation for up to 12 guests and features interior styling by Argent Design. Powered by twin Caterpillar engines, she comfortably cruises at 12 knots and reaches a maximum speed of 16 knots. An advanced stabilization system on board reduces the yacht’s side-toside roll and promises guests exceptional comfort levels at anchor or when underway. The yacht features a supremely spacious, full beam master suite incorporating its own study and dressing room as well as a his-and-hers bathroom. Other features include a movie theatre, a gym with all the latest equipment, a deck Jacuzzi, and a variety of water toys such as sailboats, Jet Ski®s, kite surfing and scuba diving equipment, a Seabob, wakeboards, and more. Showcasing meticulous craftsmanship coupled with high-end luxurious finishes, the Lioness V motor yacht, although not huge in size, has a huge “wow” factor.

Mega yacht Kismet

Renaissance

H3

Queen Mavia

Lioness V

Renaissance’s living room

Kismet’s primary bedroom

Renaissance’s dining room

Kismet’s grand staircase

Mega yacht Kismet’s living room

Queen Mavia’s dining room

Yacht H3’s living room

Queen Mavia’s staircase

Guests were greeted by “King Louis IX and Queen” at entry Delia Grace Noble with HSH Prince Albert II at 2023 Ball

10th Anniversary OF Monte Carlo GRAND BALL OF PRINCES AND PRINCESSES

BY JOEL GOODRICH

UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HSH PRINCE ALBERT II OF Monaco, The 10th Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses Monte-Carlo took place on September 27 during the week of the Monaco Yacht Show at the iconic Hotel de Paris in the glittering Place de Casino. This annual charity event honors the Princess Grace Foundation.

With an array of international socialites and business titans, the event featured stunning opera, ballet and symphonic performances as well as an exhibit and auction of the 1971 gown worn by Princess Grace Kelly from the Dior spring/summer collection. Set in the architecturally magnificent ballroom, an immersive light experience added to this spectacular majestic evening where royalty and romanticism reigned with attendees in magnificent costumes, such as King Louis XIV, Queen Marie Antoinette, Madame de Pompadour, and ladies of the court characters. The Grand Ball symbolizes Monaco’s history, cultural legacy, elegance, and glamour.

The event was organized by Noble Monte-Carlo and sponsored by top international brands such as McQueens Flowers from London, April Black Diamond from Los Angeles, G&G Party Service from Italy, Champagne Caroline Dufour from France, and

Royal Media Corp. Acclaimed opera singer and UNICEF ambassador Delia Grace Noble chaired the event with Master of Ceremony Price Maurice and actor Rupert Wynne-James. The entertainment featured famous DJ Papa from the Buddha Bar Monte-Carlo, electric violinist Wei Mao, all-women string orchestra Muses, and Harpside who played harps, all in their spectacular classic princess gowns. The Italian Army Music Orchestra performed the opening ceremony and Chico & The Gypsies performed at after-Ball Party.

This exclusive event was a surreal experience, a transcendental night where fairies and angels were seen together and truly a magical, artistic ambiance reminiscent of Louis XIV’s soirées filled with wonder and luxury. But, the Grand Ball of Princes and Princesses goes beyond the glamorous evening: it supports the Princess Grace of Monaco Foundation, founded in 1964 by HSH Princess Grace. The foundation annually contributes to humanitarian projects, benefiting children and students through cultural projects, helping hospitalized children and their families, funding purchases of medical equipment, and supporting pediatric medical research.

Musicians and dancers

Grace Kelly’s gown auctioned at Princess Grace Foundation Ball.

Italian Army Music Orchestra performed the gala’s opening

Musicians playing with crysal violins

Grand Ball dancers

Olivia Decker with Grand Ball guest in Marie Anttonitte costume

The 47th Mill Valley Film Festival Highlights

BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER AND OLIVIA DECKER

THE MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL (MVFF), PRESENTED BY THE California Film Institute (CAFILM), is a significant San Francisco Bay Area cultural event founded by Mark Fishkin in 1977. The festival has gained international recognition for nearly five decades for its commitment to showcasing exceptional films, supporting emerging talent, and fostering creative dialogue. Over the years, it has hosted renowned filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals, establishing its reputation as the West Coast launch pad for many Academy Award®-winning films and a hub for cinematic excellence.

During this year ’s 47th season, October 3-13, 2024, the MVFF theme was “synergy,” illustrated in this year’s official visual design which features interwoven imagery, vibrant colors, and modern, fluid typography, all reflecting the interconnectedness of the communal viewing experience. This year’s first communal viewing experience was opening night, October 3, with a West Coast premiere of Conclave, starring the mesmerizing Ralph Fiennes. Directed by the acclaimed Edward Berger, the film, which also stars Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Carlos Diehz, and Isabella Rossellini, delves into the enigmatic and captivating world of a papal conclave, offering a compelling narrative and stellar performances. Berger and Ralph Fiennes both attended in person at the opening night festivities. The film previewed at both the Sequoia Cinema in Mill Valley and the Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael.

Conclave tells the story of Father Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) reluctantly doing his duty at the conclave when the pope has just died and the future of the Roman Catholic Church depends on Lawrence to convene the Sacred College of Cardinals to select the papal successor at conclave. Based on Robert Harris’s novel, director Edward Berger’s drama is a tale of power, corruption, betrayal, and a secret that can upend all Christendom. Berger graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in 1994. His recent film, All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), won seven BAFTAs and four Oscars®, making it the most awarded international film ever. Berger received an Academy Award®for Best International Feature Film.

Additional star power came to MVFF this season as Jude Law was honored with the coveted MVFF Award, which celebrates the work of distinguished artists and innovators in the filmmaking community. Law’s decades-spanning career has left audiences enchanted, and this tribute revisited key moments from his films and examine his unique portrayal of Henry VIII in Firebrand (2023), a testament to his remarkable and diverse career. In 2024 in addition to Firebrand, Law leads the Disney+ series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, Ron Howard’s Eden, and Justin Kurzel’s The Order, produced by Law’s production company Riff Raff. He is currently in production on the Netflix series Black Rabbit, in which he stars opposite Jason Bateman, who also directs and executive produces under Riff Raff.

Ralph Fiennes starring in Conclave

The tribute honored lifetime achievement and featured a conversation with Jude Law, and the presentation of the MVFF Award.

Closing night, MVFF 47 screened Amy Adams’ Night Bitch, directed by Marielle Heller. It’s a story of the hardships of motherhood. Adams plays a visual artist who gave up her career after the birth of her son, who is a very difficult two-year-old. Adams portrays a mother’s extremely emotional and physical struggles. She achieved her breakthrough with Junebug (2005), for which she won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female and received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The Oscar nod was the first of six, followed by Doubt (2008), The Fighter (2010), The Master (2012), American Hustle (2013), Vice (2018), Julie and Julia (2009), On the Road (MVFF45), Her (2013), Big Eyes (2014), Nocturnal Animals (2016), and Arrival. She also received two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie and Outstanding Limited Series for Sharp Objects (2018).

MVFF is just one of the acclaimed programs of CAFILM, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing film and media arts. CAFILM Education offers students of all ages the opportunity to explore the world through film and filmmaking, fostering the next generation of film enthusiasts and creators. CAFILM’s premier independent theater, the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, attracts more than 275,000 guests annually with compelling cinema and storytelling that address pressing social, environmental, and cultural issues. Additionally, CAFILM now owns and operates the Sequoia Cinema, furthering its commitment to preserving cinematic heritage and providing local access to quality films.

Amy Adams

Jude Law

Ralph Fiennes at MVFF

Ralph Fiennes and Edward Berger at the opening night

Timeless, Legendary Beauty

Sophia Loren’s 90th birthday celebration in Rome

BY OLIVIA HSU DECKER

LEGENDARY, INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTAR SOPHIA LOREN celebrated her 90th birthday on September 20 at her birthplace, Rome. One hundres twenty family members and guests gathered at The Space Cinema Moderno at Piazza della Repubblica in central Rome for presentation of the first “Chiave di Cinecitta” (keys to Cinecitta) to Sophia Loren by the Italian Ministry of Culture and Cinecitta, followed by the screening of a Sophia movie episode “Pizze e Credito” by Vittorio De Sica, and celebrated with a private dinner and live music on the rooftop of the Anantara Palazzo le Naiadi Hotel next door.

Fans and TV cameras, lined up the front of the Annatara Palazzo le Naiadi building at Piazza della Republica, greeted her. Celebrities posted celebratory messages, including Georgio Armani’s Instagram with a video of the celebration, giving a shout-out to Loren’s son, Edoardo Ponti, and longtime friend, Massimo Leonardelli, and shared a black and white throwback shot showing the pair looking glamorous as Loren kissed his cheek. For the occasion of her 90th birthday, Sophia wore a glittering silver outfit from the Giorgio Armani Privé collection, teaming it with a dazzling diamond necklace and earrings while her hair was done in her signature style, big volume on the top and a slight curl at the ends (the hair I always wished I had!). Sophia Loren was accompanied by her sons, Carlo Jr. and Edoardo, her grandchildren, and friends. I was guest of Carlo Jr.

Loren’s acting performances over five decades have not only showcased her exceptional abilities and her dazzling beauty

and charm but have also left an enduring impact on audiences of all ages and all nationalities, solidifying her as a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment world. In addition to her acting career, she has actively participated in various humanitarian and charitable causes, leveraging her platform to make a meaningful difference and further establishing herself as a revered global icon with a profound commitment to social good.

At age 90, she looked amazing, still the most gorgeous woman radiating the same beauty and charm that made her a Hollywood superstar and icon. I met Loren and her late husband, movie director/producer Carlo Ponti, in 1995 when I co-hosted a special luncheon at the request of Consul General of Italy for them when she came to San Francisco and cut the ribbon at the opening of Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). She was just over 60 years old at the time and looked absolutely stunning. I was at the celebration of her 80th birthday at Festival Napa Valley in 2014, when Carlo Jr. and his non-profit Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra performed. VIP guests attending that birthday included Robert Redford, Francis Ford Coppola, Whoopi Goldberg, Margarit Mondavi, and Maria Manetti. Again, I was with Sophia at the Vienna Opera House when she turned 85 years old in 2019 and received the European Culture Award for her accomplishment in cinema. Carlo Jr. was with her and handed her the award on the stage. About a thousand guests attended.

I am looking forward to celebrating Sophia’s 100th birthday! Here is to the ageless lady of the world’s silver screen!

Carlo Ponti Jr. delivered the award celebration introduction

Olivia Decker, Rick and Karen Walker, and Joel Goodrich

Sophia Loren and Olivia Decker

Al Bano and Carlo Ponti Jr.

Carlo Ponti Jr., Pasquale Esposito, and Gigi D’Alessi.

Cristian De Sica and Carlo Ponti Jr. with Sophia Loren

Carlo Ponti Jr. and Maria Manetti

Sophia Loren and Pasquale Esposito

Carlo Ponti and Mariam Sharmanashvili

Angela Gheorghiu and Carlo Ponti.

Nancy Mehta, Carlo Ponti and Maestro Zubin Mehta

Nancy Mehta, Carlo Ponti and Maestro Zubin Mehta

Cristian De Sica and Carlo Ponti

Carlo and Eduardo Ponti

Allison Speer, Kathryn Lasater, Elisa Stephens, Kathy Hilton, and Charles Prante

2024 San Francisco Fall Show

BY OLIVIA HSU DECKER

PHOTOS DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY

THE SAN FRANCISCO FALL SHOW IS THE LONGEST RUNNING art, antiques, and design fair on the West Coast. Now in its 42nd year, it has partnered with the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF), with a portion of the opening night gala benefiting FAMSF, including the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park. The FAMSF mission is to connect visitors with local and global art to promote their knowledge of and curiosity about the past, to deepen their engagement with the art and ideas of today, and to stimulate their creative agency in their own futures.

The San Francisco Fall Show is a perfect match for collaboration with these two San Francisco Bay Area museums. Fall Show Chair Suzanne Tucker, the driving force behind this partnership, declares: “I am delighted the show gala supports our beloved museums, and we are honored to be working with the extraordinary FAMSF team. This relationship is written in the stars—a natural synergy between the preeminent antiques and art fair on the West Coast and the FAMSF world class museums. This collaboration elevates and enhances the outreach of both organizations, resulting in an unparalleled celebration of art, antiques and design.”

Thomas P. Campbell, director and CEO of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco states, “We are pleased to partner with the San Francisco Fall Show and thank them for their commitment to the arts and our mission. With their support, we invite the Bay Area community to engage with the art and ideas of our time through a multitude of inspiring exhibitions, public programming, and education initiatives presented at the de Young and Legion of Honor in 2024.”

This year, the legendary, super popular Fall Show Opening Night Gala took place on October 16 at the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture’s Festival Pavilion. The show’s honorary co-chairs, Aerin Lauder (founder and creative director of AERIN) and Wes Gordon (creative director of Carolina Herrera), joined 1,800 guests for one of the most anticipated and glamorous events of the year, featuring exceptional art and antiques, sumptuous buffets, legendary caviar and lamb chops, abundant Champagne, full bars, lively music, and more, all within a breathtaking setting on the San Francisco Bay. This 42nd edition of the show celebrated the timeless appeal and elegant contrast of black and white in the worlds of decorative arts, fashion, photography, fine art, and beyond.

The Concert

Many of the gala’s attendees wore black and white, inspired by the timeless tuxedo, the cinematic glamour of Hollywood, and Truman Capote’s legendary Black & White Ball. The show explored the artistic and emotional dimensions of this enduring duo: at once chic and bold, dramatic yet simple, polar opposites yet perfect partners. Notable opening night gala attendees included show benefactors and founders Dede Wilsey, Michael Hormel, Toby Rose, Yurie and Carl Pascarella, and dozens of renowned designers and connoisseurs. Four days of exceptional art, antiques, and design with a roster of international exhibitors, exciting programing, and inspiring lectures followed.

On October 19, in celebration of the 2024 vignette designers and speakers at the San Francisco Fall Show, Elisa Stephens, president of the Academy of Art University, and Suzanne Tucker, Fall Show chair, co-hosted an exclusive Saturday night soiree at Villa Taverna. The elegant cocktails-and-dinner event attendees included Kathy Hilton, Tania Montgomery, Charles Prante, Veere Grenney, Samatha and Darren Bechtel, Mark Sikes, Adrianna Sullivan, Allison Speer, Phyllis Washington, Kathryn Lasater, Lindsay Bolton, Geoffrey de Sousa, Elizabeth Singer, Zahid Sardar, Bunny Williams, Michelle Nassbaumer, and Pamela Shanshiri.

Samantha and Darren Bechtel

Kathy Hilton, Elisa Stephens, Allison Speer, Suzanne Tucker, and Kathryn Lassiter

Elisa Stephens and Kathy Hilton

Fall Show co-chairs Aerin Lauder and Wes Gordon

Carl and Yurie Pascarella

Trevor and Alexis Traina

The Concert

The Colossal Contemporary Art of Burning Man

BY JENNIFER RAISER

PHOTOS ELEANOR PREGER

AS A CONNOISSEUR OF CONTEMPORARY ART, YOU’VE INDULGED your Basel Miami vice, run hot for Freize, filed throughout Documenta, and blown through the Biennales of Venice, Berlin, and Bombay Beach. But have you blocked your bivouac to Burning Man? If you really want to see some of the most avant of the garde of the art world, there’s no better place than the Nevada desert the last week in August.

Burning Man is many things, but art lies at its very center, both philosophically and geographically. When 70,000-plus people create a week-long gathering devoted to self-expression and communal effort, the whole experience is a living, breathing, testament to art. Along with the eponymous man and a breathtaking temple, there are over 400 pieces of large-scale sculpture at the center of this temporary city. And the most compelling thing is that the art is not selected, curated, commissioned, or even for sale on the playas. So, these pieces are the purest expression of creative impulse in the largest temporary art exhibit on the planet.

Anyone can bring art to Burning Man, as long as it invites participation. There are no gallery walls and no velvet ropes. This art is meant to be climbed upon, engaged with, or activated in some

way. It challenges you to engage in a visceral experience, not just a visual one.

Unconstrained by market forces, by art world trends, or by commercial demand, the resulting pieces become a bellwether, an eye into the psyche of the artists, the culture, and the moment. As our experiences become more personalized, we all have opinions about what we see. Burning Man is the perfect place to discover the art that is meaningful to us, disassociated from art canonized by an institution or promoted to be purchased.

These artists bring work because they feel the need to, despite extreme weather, remote location, limited resources. They work to enlist dozens of volunteers to help build and install and then deinstall and leave no trace. They solicit donations to cover materials and transportation. If this process is so difficult, why do they go to the trouble? Because they have something urgent to express. Something we need to see.

Not all of the art in Black Rock City would be considered great or even good. Those curators and collectors could dismiss some pieces as poorly executed or uninspired. And while they find another piece to appreciate, someone else will be lingering at that

“I’m Fine” introduced the immediacy of Ukrainian experience to Black Rock City.

“Zozobot’s” toy spyglass inspired two-way reflection.

The breathtaking “Temple of Together” was sanctified with a spiritual glow.

last piece, declaring it their favorite. At Burning Man, everyone’s artistic opinion is valid and valued. And some of the fun is discovering those differences.

Burning Man art gets you in tune with the zeitgeist, revealing collective preoccupations and concerns. This year multiple artists offered circles and totems, gathering spaces, prisms, and refractions—as if there were a shared urge to come together and adjust perspective. There was also a tendency toward the magical—a visceral wish for respite or salvation. And what better place to come together, to adjust perspective, and to embrace the magical than Burning Man?

Here are a few favorites from 2024. The sinuous “Man Pavilion” was designed by Brooklyn-based artist and engineer Jen Lewin. Her iteration had eight sinuous stairways and ramps, all unconnected at the top, where the 40-foot-tall Man stood at the center of Black Rock City. Variously described as an octopus, a wave, an amoeba, or even an idea, participants on each tendril were able to see but not reach one another.

“Zozobot” the Curious Clowndroid was fabricated in New Orleans. Artist Walker Babington charmingly concocted it for a (fictional) 1924 World’s Fair. Part clown, part robot, “Zozobot” apparently spent the past 100 years traversing the globe, examining curiosities through his spyglass—which also invited participants look back at him. His motto, “I learn from you,” was a caution about artificial intelligence and the way we may be inspected by robots in the future.

“Radial Sonic Runway” is a rare art piece to return to the desert for the third time, significantly enhanced through rapid advances in technology and designed by Bay Area brainiacs Robert Jensen and the Sonic Runway Crew. A series of semicircular arches stretched over a quarter of a mile, inviting participants within. The illumination was activated by ambient sound, each arch changing rhythm and color, transforming music and everyday noise into pulsing light. An adjacent mile-long piece by Kevin Kelly and David Rumsey, “The Speed of the Earth,” visualized the 784 miles per hour of the earth’s propulsion through a series of flashing strobes, bringing physics to life and light.

“Release” by San Francisco artist Dana Albany revealed a 30-foottall woman’s torso formed from hundreds of metal butterflies, each representing an endangered species of lepidoptera. The piece was positioned to capture the sunrise and sunset within the halo of her arms to become her face for a few ephemeral moments each day.

“Naga and the Captainess” was designed by three skilled craftswomen, Cjay Roughgarden, Stephanie Shipman, and Jackie Scott, who were eager to bring the immersive universe of a shipwreck to life. A tour de force fabricated in Oakland over six months by 200 volunteers, the piece included a life-sized wooden ship run aground, a meticulously crafted sea monster, and a dozen laden treasure chests which held the key to the ship’s demise. In the Captainess’ quarters, participants discovered the ship’s log, handwritten love letters, maps, and clues to the watery mystery. Rumor has it that the sea monster and her ship may be reappearing in San Francisco before many more tides.

The Concert

“Naga and the Captainess” spun a historic tale of female-forward mystery and adventure.

“Release” at sunset framed the face of the sun with hundreds of butterflies.

From a distance, the 100-foot-long mosaic of street signs, fences, and gates spelled out “I’m Fine.” A closer inspection revealed letters riddled with bullet holes, shrapnel scars, and the ravages of war scavenged from the streets of Kiev, Ukraine. Artist Oleksiy Sai, DJ Anatoly Tapolsky, and former Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine Vitaliy Deynedga collected and installed the powerful piece with a team of 25 volunteers who traveled from the war zone. Whenever Kiev was under fire, a siren would simultaneously howl out a warning, signifying the emergency half a world away.

The “Temple of Together,” designed by Caroline Ghosn, incorporated Gothic and Art Deco influences with Lebanese Khaisarin weaving techniques. Constructed in Oakland over six months by hundreds of volunteers, it was framed by a pair of large-scale hands forming an entrance arch. Illuminated by artist Christopher Schardt, it became a sanctuary laden with memories and dreams before it burned in a cathartic dust storm on the final night.

Jennifer Raiser is the author of Burning Man: Art on Fire, revised and updated in 2023, which won the Foreword Independent Publishers’ Coffee Table Book of the Year and Regional Book of the Year awards. When not in Black Rock City, she lives in San Francisco.

Magnificent, resort-like, spacious home on Belvedere Lagoon

4 BEDS | 4.5 BATHS | 4,070 SQ. FT. | $8,950,000

BY OLIVIA HSU DECKER

START EVERY DAY LIKE YOU’RE ON A LUXURIOUS WATERFRONT vacation in this fully renovated, nearly new home offering four en-suite bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a two-car garage, and a boat dock on the Belvedere Lagoon. The boat dock, lush gardens, and patio offer panoramic views of the sparkling water, scenic Tiburon hillside, the top of Angel Island, and the Corinthian Islands as well as Belvedere Island. At over 4,070 square feet, 26 Peninsula Road is one of the largest homes on the Belvedere Lagoon, offering an incomparable waterfront lifestyle on the best part of the lagoon within a short walking distance to the Corinthian Yacht Club and the San Francisco Yacht Club—two of the most prestigious yacht clubs in the West Coast—as well as downtown Tiburon’s charming stores, fine restaurants, and Ferry services to San Francisco and Angel Island.

On the ground floor, the spacious, combined living and dining room offers tall ceilings, a stone fireplace, oversized waterfront windows, and floor-to-ceiling doors that open to the patios, gardens, a boat dock, and a deck on the lagoon. The luxurious primary bedroom sits peacefully off the lagoon and features a huge walk-in closet and brand-new, spacious shower and bath. A large, bright, and airy family room with new double-paned doors open onto the lagoon on one side, and large windows facing a a garden patio on the other side create a beautiful space for watching sailboats and paddle boats in the lagoon. The brand new gourmet kitchen boasts a tiled wall, custom cabinetry, a built-in convection double wall oven, and a commercial grade, six-burner stove with overhead vent. Two more spacious bedrooms, each with en-suite bath and sharing a large sitting room, are ideal for

children and guests. The enormous second floor living quarters consist of a bedroom, a sitting room, and a brand-new full bath, all with views of lagoon, a sneak peak of Salesforce Tower behind Angel Island, and beautiful views of Belvedere and Tiburon.

Fully renovated in 2023 and 2024, the house now has new electrical, plumbing, radiant heating, and fire sprinkler systems installed in the home and garage as well as new garage door and new form roof. New, modern French white oak flooring runs throughout the home which has a reconfigured floor plan for gracious, modern living. All existing bathrooms were renovated and two full bathrooms added, as well as one new bedroom. The freshly planted landscaping boasts newly paved walkways and patios along with mature lemon and fig trees and flower gardens.

This property’s ideal lagoon location offers yachting and water sports. A short walk to Belvedere Park and downtown Tiburon will take you to the library and various community arts and recreation programs as well as Bayside bicycle paths, two tennis courts, and hiking trails on Tiburon Hills. In addition to these excellent amenities, Belvedere Island and Lagoon are recognized as the Bay Area’s safest community, with the award-winning Tiburon School District renowned as the best in California. Please view pictures, video, floorplans, and 3D tour on www.26Peninsula.com.

Lydia is a passionate advocate of healthy living. She has launched and positioned health and wellness-related companies, products, technologies, and organizations receiving more than 100 awards nationally and internationally. Her focus in the health sector is specifically on healthy living, aging, and longevity. She is a partner and investor in several nationally recognized brands.

She is on the board of the Monterey Museum of Art (MMA) and the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Buck’s mission is to eliminate the threat of age-related disease and is the only independent research organization globally solely dedicated to extending the healthy years of life. Like the scientists at the Buck, Graham envisions the possibility people can enjoy life at 95 as much as at 25. To support these organizations, please visit www.buckinstitute.org or the MMA at www.montereyart.org.

Embrace Your Inner Santa Claus This Season

Spread the true spirit of the holidays.

BY LYDIA GRAHAM

AS WE EMBARK ON THIS PARTICULAR HOLIDAY SEASON, I wanted to write on a lighter note to offer a bit of cheer and inspiration. No one can dispute that the world is in an unsettled state. Even the most optimistic among us struggle to stay that way. With wars, a divided country, a barrage of negative news cycles, and calendars filled with the usual holiday busyness and seasonal commercial overload, how can we retain the optimism essential for our own well-being? We must stop and remember that the true spirit of the holidays is about relationships and connection with friends and family (even those who might see things differently from us). It is about lending a helping hand to those in our local and greater communities who are less fortunate than we.

To stay optimistic, we must focus on what is within our immediate control. By listening, sharing, and caring, we increase our own well-being quotient, not just for those whom we support. Optimism also springs from having faith that in the end, even in the darkest of days, the best in humankind will somehow prevail.

REFLECTIONS

When I was a little girl, this time of year was among my favorite and most magical memories: The Nutcracker, the Christmas lights, and, most of all, waking up on Christmas morning with presents under the tree. The “fact” that Santa Claus traveled the world and visited all children and still visited me and knew exactly what I wanted (after writing lots of letters, of course) made me feel special and unconditionally loved. Too, in that moment, I felt united with other children around the world, knowing Santa was visiting them and they shared my joy.

Of course, little me did not know that everyone did not celebrate Christmas and that not all kids woke up to a sparkling tree filled with presents. I was under the spell of innocence. Today, although Santa Claus may have fallen out of favor among certain folks in recent years, he (or perhaps a she or a they, if you prefer) has become pretty much a secular icon available to many faiths. Unfortunately, Santa became over-commercialized. This holiday season, let’s go back to a slower time and reflect upon Santa’s true essence and how we might channel that magical spark in ourselves, so, perhaps, we can become a Santa for others this year.

THE TRUE SPIRIT OF SANTA

What was the myth of Santa Claus really about? Let’s break it down: Unconditional love. He was there for all the children (even if, in reality, he was not) and recognized the unique needs and wishes of each one.

Magic. Honestly, how else could a human or even a superhuman fly all over the world in a sleigh with a bunch of reindeer and deliver presents to all the children of the world within 24 hours?

Talk about a high achiever!

Faith. He encouraged us to believe and trust in the unseen: he would come as sure as the sun would rise if …

Goodness. We had to be good, or Santa would not come. Somehow, he knew if this was true. He helped us develop a conscience and take responsibility for our behavior. And, if we did not, he had his spies like the Elf on the Shelf—which parents embraced as a blessing.

Joy and laughter. He knew how to belly laugh with that big “ho, ho, ho!” He was quite a jolly fellow. We could all take a lesson here. According to the Mayo Clinic, “laughter positively stimulates many organs, activates and relieves stress, soothes tension, and improves your immune system.”

Listening, patience, and kindness. He listened patiently to the hopes and wishes of all the children he met.

THAT FATEFUL DAY

Eventually, came that fateful day when I, like all the children before me who wholeheartedly believed in Santa, came home from school and asked my parents that critical question: Is there really a Santa Claus? My mother, being the literary person she was, read me this essay answering that very question.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus (1897)

(The following is reprinted from publicdomainreview.org.)

In 1897, Dr. Philip O’Hanlon, a coroner’s assistant on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, was asked a question by his then eight-year-old daughter, Virginia, which many a parent has been asked before: whether Santa Claus really exists. O’Hanlon deferred. He suggested Virginia wrote asking the question to one of New York’s most prominent newspapers at the time, The Sun, assuring her that “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.”

Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, ‘If you see it in The Sun it’s so.’ Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

The response to Virginia’s letter by one of the paper’s editors, Francis Pharcellus Church, remains the most reprinted editorial ever to run in any newspaper in the English language and found itself the subject of books, a film and television series. In his response Church goes beyond a simple “yes, of course” to explore the philosophical issues behind Virginia’s request to tell her “the truth” and in the process lampoon a certain skepticism which he had found rife in American society since the suffering of the Civil War. His message in short—there is a reality beyond the visible.

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

CONCLUSION

It’s amazing that this piece has endured the test of time, illustrating what I love about literature. Note the date stamp was 1897. Although written “in a skeptical time,” folks did not have the skepticism of the press they have today. I do not believe anyone today would say that if it were in the press, it is true. But that aside, my hope is that you will take from it the absolute best it has to offer and that, this holiday season, you will add your much-needed magic and light to this world by contributing the “ love and generosity and devotion that abound that give life its highest beauty and joy.”

Channel your inner Santa for someone this season. Best wishes for a happy and joyous holiday!

Aubrey Brewster, a bon vivant and man-about-town, is a. product of his environment. His affinity for cooking, fashion, and entertaining was inherited from summer vacations shared in Charleston, West Virginia with his southern belle model-turned-hostess grandmother. It should come with no surprise that Brewster followed in his grandmother’s footsteps, with an inherent talent for hosting legendary parties. He is often listed among San Francisco’s best dressed. Aubrey is a San Francisco native, traveler, and food and lifestyle blogger (aubreyabouttown.com). He resides in San Francisco with his husband, Edward. Aubrey can be found enjoying afternoons lunching with friends at Neiman Marcus and some of San Francisco’s favorite haunts when not hosting or attending events.

Aubrey About Town

Holiday Gift Giving

My top five holiday gifts to give

BY AUBREY BREWSTER PHOTOGRAPHY AUBREY ABOUT TOWN

WHETHER IT’S BAKING FOR A FRIEND WHO IS GOING THROUGH A rough time, putting together a special care package to show that I’m thinking of you, or curating the perfect gift selection that you absolutely know the recipient would love, the act of giving brings joy to both the recipient and the giver alike. The twinkle in the eyes of others when presented with a gift brings the bearer much joy, and giving truly makes this a wonderful time of the year!

For many, finding the perfect holiday gift may often be met with a feeling of angst: will they use it; is it their size or style? But it doesn’t have to be!

Through the years, I’ve gathered a bit of helpful wisdom when it comes to the art of giving the perfect gift, and I’ve learned that successful gifts break down into three criteria that can be further narrowed with three questions: is it indulgent, is it useful, or is it both?

And to ease the process, if you can recruit help and organize your gift giving, even better!

With Neiman Marcus San Francisco, and my other home, The Rotunda® restaurant (affectionately dubbed “Ro”), I felt it fitting to share my tradition with Neiman Marcus in making giving both heartfelt and effortless.

Whether you are shopping yourself or have enlisted some help, I find it essential to put everything in a spreadsheet with each recipient’s name, address, gift name—the SKU number if you’re having your personal shopper shop—size, and price so one may easily keep track of who’s receiving what. It’s a shopping list to print for reference while you or the sales associate shops. For over a decade, the executive management at Neiman Marcus San Francisco has personally shopped all my gifts, wrapped each with a personal note from Ed and me, and shipped them out, freeing up my time for hosting holiday festivities.

Jolly St. Nick and Aubrey Brewster

Every year around mid-November, NM emails me the Excel (gift recipient) spreadsheet from the previous year for me to edit to add new friends and what I wish to send. Then the merriment begins! I get an early start, browsing Neiman’s, exploring their latest goods, taking pictures, and adding them to the holiday spreadsheet. Next a quick email including the updated spreadsheet, and Neiman Marcus’ marvelous head elf, vice president and market manager Lin Huber, and NM’s senior group manager, Alysa Stefani (and her merry team), get shopping, wrapping, and shipping, making sure gifts make it under the tree in time for Christmas morning!

So, without further ado, here are my top five gifts to give for the 2024 holiday season!

FOR HIM | NM CASHMERE QUARTER-ZIP SWEATER

From simple weaves to cable knit, with a sophisticated stand collar, the quarter-zip closure makes for a modern and handsome look and is a must-have staple in his closet. Whether it’s running errands around the city, a casual look for the office, or pairing it with a dress shirt and blazer when the occasion dictates a more professional appearance or a night out on the town, this luxurious classic cashmere pullover is perfect for Northern California weather and style. Neiman Marcus’ quarter-zip cashmere sweater will definitely be enjoyed and be useful for many years to come.

Every season, Neiman Marcus offers it in myriad colors and styles. With the Neiman Marcus Cashmere Collection, the world seems to melt away the moment you slip it on. Made from cashmere sourced from inner Mongolia, home of the world’s finest cashmere, this exquisite yarn takes him everywhere he wants to go. He can wear it

with elegance, ease, and confidence—and you know that you have made an exceptional choice. Our model, Matthew Bagale (LOOK Model Agency), is wearing it in titanium. For inquiries regarding this sweater, please see your personal shopper or contact sales associate Rosemary McCarthy on the lower level in the men’s department.

FOR HER | THE DAVID YURMAN LEXINGTON CHAIN NECKLACE

AND THE STARBURST STUD EARRINGS AND STARBURST RING I absolutely fell in love with these pieces the moment Neiman’s visual department put them out on display. The name “Lexington” evokes nostalgia with me. I can’t but help think of my late father’s Lexington, Kentucky roots, and it gives me comfort knowing that my father is watching over me like a starburst of sunshine, hence my affinity for the Starburst collection. What better piece for the holidays and New Year’s Eve?

Ed surprised me last year with a “just because” 18-carat gold cuff in David Yurman’s iconic twisted cable design. Silly, I know, but it is these little reminders that make for a special providence to the gifts one gives.

Every day I pass by the David Yurman counter in the fine jewelry department and take a moment to stop to admire their beaty.

In 1980, sculptor-turned-jeweler David Yurman introduced his eponymous collection. His artistic, sculptural pieces were a refreshing new interpretation, but Yurman truly changed the trends of fine jewelry with his now-classic twisted cable-inspired pieces.

The Lexington chain necklace with diamonds is offered in polished yellow18-carat gold with white diamond accent links (0.34 total diamond carat weight) and is approximately 18 inches in length.

David Yurman® Lexington necklace and Starburst ring and earrings. Model: Georgia B., LOOK Model Agency

Left: NM Cashmere Collection modeled by Georgia B., LOOK Model Agency

Right: NM Men’s cashmere quarterzip sweater modeled by Matthew Bagale, LOOK Model Agency

The white diamond Starburst ring is approximately 20 millimeters and available in both 18-carat yellow gold and white gold with a 1.07 total diamond carat weight. Imported. The Starburst stud earrings are also available in both 18-carat yellow gold and white gold settings and is studded with pavé diamonds with 0.81 total diamond carat weight and approximately 0.75 inch in width with post backs for pierced ears. For price and availability of these stunning Yurman pieces, please contact your personal shopper or the fine jewelry expert, Cathe Picconi, in the fine jewelry department on the first floor.

To complement the exquisite David Yurman pieces, our model, the lovely Georgia B. (LOOK Model Agency) is styled by Ragan Foster in the chic yet cozy Neiman Marcus Cashmere Collection: the relaxed fit, open front cashmere cable knit cape with side vents (perfect for those cool autumn and winter nights), rounded below-the-waist hem, and mid-rise, flat front for a beautiful silhouette and the full-length cashmere straight-leg knit pants, both in mint. For cashmere inquiries and prices, see your personal shopper or sales associate Ragan Foster on level 4 in contemporary apparel.

FOR KIDS | MERCEDES BENZ G WAGON RIDE ON CARS

I don’t know about you, but with toys this cool, I’m beginning to think that I was robbed of my childhood! The Mercedes Benz G Wagon Ride On Car by Best Ride On Cars (in matte black) has all the bells and whistles with a wide range of interactive functions for an enjoyable experience that will make any little one the cool kid on the block. It features wireless technology to play your child’s favorite tunes, FM radio, luxurious leather seats (You heard that right: leather seats!), seat belts for safety, pedal button and a shift switch, and a horn with musical sounds. The power button and speed functionality button ensure a smooth and customizable ride, and the headlight button illuminates the way. The last song button also serves to activate the volume control by using a long press.

The control board includes USB connectivity to load those favorite songs, a power display, and a socket for easy charging. And it includes a remote control for parental guidance. At approximately 56 inches long by 32 inches wide, there’s ample room for two! Recommended for ages three and up. In the spirit of the holiday season, both our boys, Augustine and Dylan, are styled in the relaxed flannel shirt (in navy cranberry plaid) by Appaman. To inquire about the Mercedes G Wagon or the flannel shirts, please see your personal shopper or sales associate Martha Jarvis in the children’s department on level 5.

FOR THE HOME | NM SAN FRANCISCO ROTUNDA® CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

This elegant, limited edition, egg-shaped glass ornament is handpainted with the likeness of the iconic beaux arts style rendition of the Greek god Dionysus displayed underneath the building’s iconic glass rotunda for which the restaurant is named.

Located on the fourth floor of Neiman Marcus San Francisco, a home away from home for me, a posh Union Square holiday and afternoon tea tradition, and chic hot spot for the SF Bay Area ladies who lunch, the famous Rotunda restaurant finally has its own ornament: the Neiman Marcus San Francisco Rotunda Christmas ornament by Joy to the World Collectibles.

Founded in 1998, Joy to the World’s goal is to create unique blown glass Christmas ornaments using an innovative approach to ornament design. Each ornament is individually handmade exclusively by some of the finest artisans in Poland using Old World production traditions of individually mouth-blowing and hand-painting each piece with lead-free paint. All materials used are carefully sourced from European countries, and each ornament takes up to seven days to produce. These methods achieve a new level of ornament detail and artistic direction, making a welcome addition to your Christmas tree. The ornament is 3.7 inches in diameter by 5.8 inches tall and is available at The Rotunda.

Mercedes Benz G Wagon Ride On Car. Models: Augustine Maumer, Dylan Makras, and Alexia Makras

NM San Francisco Rotunda Christmas ornament

FOR THE HOST | NM LIQUOR CAKE

When hosting a holiday soiree, hosts are often bombarded with various wines and scented candles that they rarely use or like. Tastes in wine and fragrances are very personal, and I can tell you firsthand that I have accumulated quite the surplus of both! So finding a welcomed alternative your host can enjoy can be a godsend and turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

I have been gifting these scrumptious and boozy cakes for decades. Over the years, they have become a tradition to many friends and associates on my Christmas list, the lemon vodka being an all-time crowd favorite. These cakes’ popularity was so great that, during the COVID shutdown when they were unavailable, friends made their disappointment loud and clear!

During the holiday season, I keep a few extra in the pantry for last-minute gifts. They make for a very thoughtful host gift. Perfect when gifted on their own, paired with a jar of your favorite raspberry, chocolate, or caramel sauce, or including a lovely serviceware set or with a white ceramic cake stand, these make a thoughtful gift your host may

share with their guests right away or save for later if they so choose.

Though incredibly decadent on their own, they’re even better dressed up for the occasion. Every Thanksgiving, I include the bourbon pecan cake on my dessert station, decorating the top with pecan halves and serving it with caramel sauce and bourbon flavored whipped cream on the side.

Neiman Marcus offers a variety of delicious flavors (both classic and seasonal), making sure there is something for every host on your holiday social calendar. Classic flavors include lemon vodka, bourbon pecan, and chocolate espresso. The full-size cakes measure approximately nine inches, are a whopping 5.3 pounds each, are presented in a keepsake tin, and serve 10. They are also available in a holiday sampler assortment tin of mini cakes in both four-packs and sixpacks. The holiday six-pack cake sampler includes bourbon sticky toffee pudding, bourbon eggnog, rum gingerbread, brandy pumpkin, spiced rum, and chocolate chip amaretto. For availability and to purchase, see your personal shopper or sales associate Martha Jarvis in the Epicure Department on level 5.

NM liquor cakes

NM liquor cake six-pack sampler

Rooted in California and having earned her degree at UCSB, Claudia Ross is living her best life in Knights Valley after leaving behind a career in public relations as the founder of Cross Marketing and former director of Harper’s BAZAAR and Marie Claire. She has worked with the world’s most iconic luxury brands. The owner and vintner of Ross Ranch, a working farm and vineyard producing a farm-totable experience, Ross now enjoys sharing thoughtful insights into the world of wine country life, both socially and agriculturally.

Rooted in California and having earned her degree at UCSB, Claudia Ross is living her best life in Knights Valley after leaving behind a career in public relations as the founder of Cross Marketing and former director of Harper’s BAZAAR and Marie Claire. She has worked with the world’s most iconic luxury brands. The owner and vintner of Ross Ranch, a working farm and vineyard producing a farm-totable experience, Ross now enjoys sharing thoughtful insights into the world of wine country life, both socially and agriculturally.

Rooted in California and having earned her degree at UCSB, Claudia Ross is living her best life in Knights Valley after leaving behind a career in public relations as the founder of Cross Marketing and former director of Harper’s BAZAAR and Marie Claire. She has worked with the world’s most iconic luxury brands. The owner and vintner of Ross Ranch, a working farm and vineyard producing a farm-totable experience, Ross now enjoys sharing thoughtful insights into the world of wine country life, both socially and agriculturally.

Amulet Estate: A journey through quintessential Napa Valley

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS

An Evening Celebrating Lily Samii

A TALE OF TWO VALLEYs

A tribute to a fashion icon

CLAUDIA

CASTILLO ROSS

BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS

NESTLED IN THE HEART OF NAPA VALLEY, AMULET ESTATE is a relative newcomer quickly making its mark in the world of fine wines. With a belief that Napa Valley is the greatest wine growing region on earth, Amulet Estate has meticulously searched for the finest vineyards throughout the region. From majestic mountaintops to the fertile valley floor, Amulet represents the epitome of Napa Valley’s diverse terroir, iconic vineyard sites, and commitment to exceptional winemaking.

In 2016, Amulet acquired an estate winery and vineyards at the base of Napa Valley’s renowned Howell Mountain. This acquisition, along with sourcing from carefully chosen growing partners and vineyard sites across Napa Valley, allows Amulet to produce some of the most exquisite collectible wines in the world. Each bottle is a testament to the region’s rich viticultural heritage and the passion of the Amulet team.

ON THE ENCHANTING EVENING OF SEPTEMBER 12, THE de Young Museum in San Francisco transformed into a haven of elegance and nostalgia, as the Presidio Performing Arts Foundation hosted An Evening Celebrating Lily Samii: A Tribute to a Fashion Icon. This much-anticipated event was not just a celebration of a designer’s remarkable career, but a heartfelt acknowledgment of the artistry and passion that Lily Samii has infused into the world of fashion. As a longtime admirer of her work since my days at Harper’s BAZAAR in the ’90s, I recognized that her designs were synonymous with the highest standards of artistry in fashion.

AS A WINEGROWER AND WINEMAKER MYSELF IN KNIGHTS Valley, Sonoma County, I am always looking to support local wineries when dining out. Whether in Silicon Valley or Napa Valley, I do my best to select unique, exceptional wines to support my wine community. When I travel abroad, it’s all about the local fare. When Italy, I look for the best Barolo; in Spain, a Rioja Gran Reserva; and when in France—where do I start?—a Blanc de Blanc Champagne or a hidden gem of a Bordeaux. So, when dining locally, I drink locally.

Amulet Estate’s portfolio showcases the essence of Napa Valley’s winemaking prowess. With a focus on excellence, their collection consists of singular Chardonnay and vineyard-designate bottlings of 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon. Every wine is a celebration of the region’s unique characteristics and the Amulet team’s dedication.

So, on this particular balmy San Francisco evening, the night shimmered with excitement as guests filled the iconic museum, eager to pay homage to a woman whose exquisite designs have graced the wardrobes of the Bay Area’s elite for decades. The event sold out almost instantly, with a growing waitlist that reflected profound admiration for Samii, a designer who has become synonymous with style and grace.

Mary Poland, co-chair and dear friend of the designer, recounted her experience of wearing a Lily Samii gown to a friend’s daughter’s birthday party. “They all thought I looked just like Cinderella,” she reminisced, capturing the magic that Samii’s creations evoke. This

my opinion, I have had the experience of tasting I can bring an extraordinary product with a tremendous Kelly. At Protégé where the wine selections are remarkable, Kelly is always there to impress his guests with his don’t love expensive wines, we love transparent

At Montage in Healdsburg, Director of Beverage his wines by telling a story of quality and diversity be found first locally. Seeking to appease his two and local clientele, Coker works with his team (a James Beard Award winner, winemakers, and mixologists) robust and different wine lists. “By bringing together opinions and flavor profiles, we ensure that we have ‘house palate’ and maintain respect for different flavor approaches.” For their extensive rare wine collection, most treasured wines off the list, specifically because Just putting the ultra-elite has potential to be transactional and a recipe for a more value in using these treasures to begin or grow our guests that can last for many years to come.”

the scenes, Amulet Estate boasts a team of seasoned experts who have honed their skills in the wine and hospitality industries for decades. Nathaniel Dorn, partner and CEO, brings over two decades of experience in fine wine and hospitality, having led some of the world’s finest restaurants. Talented winemaker Shawn Johnson has worked alongside respected names in Napa Valley, including Mike Smith with Myriad Wines. This exceptional team ensures every bottle of Amulet wine is crafted with precision and passion. Dorn defines the brand‘s origins: “Two pillars of our history: family and an unwavering dedication to our craft, remain deeply rooted traditions and continue to transcend the philosophy of our winery. We’re a small team with a shared vision. To me, true craft is in what we do, not what’s on display.” It’s this passion that clearly differentiates the brand from its competitors. When visiting Amulet Estate, the experience offers more than just exceptional wines; it invites visitors to embark on an intimate and authentic Napa Valley experience. The estate is a gathering place where wine enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the true essence of the region. Amulet provides access to the hidden gems of Napa Valley, curated by those who live and breathe its beauty and charm.

sentiment echoed throughout the evening, as guests shared their own enchanting tales of wearing Samii’s designs—each gown a story in itself—from grand soirées at the Palace of Versailles to prestigious galas celebrating milestones in fashion history.

As guests walked through the Wilsey Court, the atmosphere was electric with love and admiration. “I never forget the moment I walked through the Wilsey Court of de Young and saw my name on the big screen; it was magical,” Samii reflected. “I felt like I had woken up from a beautiful dream.” Surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues, the designer was swept away in a tidal wave of nostalgia and gratitude, celebrating the memories and friendships cultivated throughout her remarkable journey.

As of late, I have frequented a few Michelin-star and sought-after restaurants in both Silicon Valley and Napa Valley where, when asking for the wine list and selecting a wine, I struggled in my selection due wine lists offering an abundance of internationally acclaimed wines that outweigh my local varietal options. The more I tried buying local, the more fascinated I became with the unique choices offered at the international level, with the latter becoming more abundant. So, I asked

When talking to local chefs and wine buyers wines have become more abundant on their wines overall consensus was that many feel that European overdeliver, and when asked about wine lists and not want a Napa Cabernet with steak, due to the do not have enough acidity with too much oak and which doesn’t pair as well with food,” says Max and spirits buyer for Diablo Foods. With that said, down to personal preference.

Lily Samii’s illustrious career spans over five decades, a timeline detailed in her recently published memoir, Journey Through Life and Fashion. From her humble beginnings in Esfahan, Iran to establishing herself as a beacon of fashion in San Francisco, her story is one of resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. The evening also marked the unveiling of an exhibit showcasing her private collection—a fitting tribute to a career that has left an indelible mark on the world of couture.

At Solage in Calistoga, sommelier Louise Olivares that guests travel from all over the globe to experience Cabernet Sauvignon, and the extensive selection reflects that expectation. However, with over 10 years the wine industry, Olivares both embraces this signature turns the stereotype on its head. Currently, the Cabernet by the glass is a 2013 vintage coming from two tiny Knoll district of Napa. Olivares says, “The majority consumed very young, within three to five years is certainly enjoyable, I love it most when the tannins time in-bottle to soften and the secondary notes of

Behind

PHOTOS

Lily Samii

Samii’s designs are characterized by their impeccable craftsmanship and timeless elegance, attracting a devoted clientele that includes some of the Bay Area’s most notable families. After a successful, 30-year tenure as a female founder of LYZ Ltd., Northern California’s premier retail business, she launched her own label, the Lily Samii Collection. Her flagship showroom in Union Square quickly gained recognition, and her creations soon found homes in luxury retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.

In addition to her remarkable achievements in fashion, Samii has been a trailblazer for women in the industry, serving as an artistic advisor for the Presidio Performing Arts Foundation. Her dedication to honoring her roots culminated in the production of Unbreakable: Honoring the Women of Iran, a project that garnered rave reviews and earned her induction into UNESCO’s International Dance Council for her distinguished production and costume design.

The night was not just a celebration of Samii’s accomplishments, but it was also a testament to her generous spirit. Throughout her career, she has supported numerous San Francisco arts institutions and educational organizations, leaving a lasting legacy that extends beyond her designs.

As guests gathered in the Piazzoni Murals Room, they were treated to a stunning display of 25 gowns, each a testament to Samii’s mastery and creativity. “Lily Samii is the epitome of San Francisco style,” remarked longtime admirer Yurie Pascarella. “She was the go-to designer for opera and ballet galas, symphony opening nights, weddings, and all evenings requiring extra glamour and individuality. Each gown was custom-made, each one a jewel.”

As the evening drew to a close, Samii expressed her overwhelming joy. “I loved dressing all my friends and clients for decades. It’s pure joy to see my gowns in this museum. My life’s work is now part of the costume collection of the Fine Arts Museums, and it’s a great honor.”

An Evening Celebrating Lily Samii was not merely an event; it was a heartfelt tribute to a woman whose passion for fashion has inspired countless individuals. As her gowns take their rightful place in the annals of fashion history, Lily Samii’s legacy will continue to shine brightly, illuminating the path for future generations of designers. The de Young Museum now houses a treasure trove of memories, artistry, and the timeless elegance that is Lily Samii. Kar khobi kardi, you’ve done good, Lily.

Lily Samii, Maryam Muduroglu, and Sherene Melania

Masood and Laleh Zohadi, Connor and Neeki McCune, Ariya Zohadi, and Lily Samii

Claudia Castillo Ross and Lily Samii

Julie Ballard and Lily Samii

Mary Poland and Nafiseh Lindbreg

Charles R. Johnson, Wealth Director, is responsible for developing investment and trust relationships with families and organizations. He works closely with the trust and tax planning group to help clients determine optimal asset allocation and transfer strategies. Before joining Fiduciary Trust, he worked for Rockefeller Capital Management, an independent financial services firm offering global family office, asset management, and strategic advisory services to ultra-high net worth families, institutions, and corporations. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Southern California. He works closely with the Addiction Education Society nonprofit.

Planning Your Wealth Transfer Strategy Amid Uncertainty

BY CHARLES R. JOHNSON, WEALTH DIRECTOR, FIDUCIARY TRUST INTERNATIONAL AND ED MOONEY, DIR ECTOR OF FINANCIAL PLANNING, FIDUCIARY TRUST INTERNATIONAL

PLANNING YOUR WEALTH TRANSFER STRATEGY MAY be challenging, especially with uncertainty about future tax laws. November’s election results mean new political leadership will weigh changes to our current tax laws, including whether to extend the provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Whatever ultimately makes it into law in the future, it’s crucial to remain aware and ready to adapt your planning strategy.

As things currently stand, key provisions of the TCJA are set to expire in 2026 unless Congress acts. Significant changes may include a reduction in the federal estate tax exemption and a potential increase in the top personal income tax rate from the current 37% to 39.6%. In addition, state and local taxes would again be deductible in 2026, among other changes.

While the new administration settles in and begins to prioritize their agenda, here are things to consider as changes to existing tax laws take shape.

PREPARE FOR POTENTIALLY HIGHER ESTATE TAXES

In 2026, the federal gift, estate, and generation-skipping tax exemption is scheduled to decrease significantly, from $13.61 million ($27.22 million for couples) in 2024 to approximately $7 million ($14 million for couples). This reduction means that any assets above these thresholds that pass to your heirs (other than your spouse) could be taxed at rates up to 40%.

Families potentially facing estate tax liability in 2026 may benefit from transferring assets out of their estates sooner rather than later. If you are a married couple with a net worth exceeding $14 million or an individual

with a net worth above $7 million, consider reviewing your estate plan. It might be advantageous to lock in the current higher exemption amount by establishing or enhancing your lifetime gifting plans.

Once you assess your situation, there are various strategies available—from trust structures to direct gifting—to utilize your exemption effectively.

CONSIDER WHAT AND WHEN TO GIVE

As you evaluate gifting strategies, think carefully about the specific assets and timing of your gifts. Some assets may be better gifted during your lifetime, while others might be more advantageous to leave as part of your estate. The goal is to maximize the after-tax value of the assets passed on to your beneficiaries.

Generally, assets expected to appreciate significantly in the future hold greater gifting value from a tax perspective. Assets gifted during your lifetime are taxed based on their original cost basis. Thus, if you gift appreciated assets, such as real estate or long-held stocks, your beneficiaries could face capital gains taxes on the appreciation if they sell the assets.

In contrast, inherited property receives a “step-up” in cost basis to its current market value at the time of death. For instance, if you bequeath your family home to your children, they inherit it at its fair market value and can sell it without incurring capital gains taxes on the appreciation up to that point. They would only owe taxes on any appreciation occurring between inheritance and sale.

This principle also applies to family business interests. Gifting an ownership stake in a developing business may pass on more value to your beneficiaries than gifting a mature business. Any appreciation after the gift belongs to your beneficiaries and is not subject to your future gift and estate taxes. Remember, if you own assets with a low-cost basis, it might be more beneficial to leave them to your heirs through your estate rather than gifting them during your lifetime.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT GIFTING STRATEGY

Several strategies can efficiently transfer assets, and you may employ more than one over time. The simplest approach is leveraging the annual gift tax exclusion, which for 2024 is $18,000 per individual or $36,000 per couple. Larger gifts are often transferred via trusts which allow you to direct the ultimate disposition of your gifts. You can craft a trust document to specify your intentions for the gift, set the timing and conditions for distributions, and provide a framework to guide trustees in making decisions that align with your wishes and benefit your heirs. Some trust options include:

• Spousal Limited Access Trust (SLAT): A SLAT may be an effective solution for married couples seeking to utilize their current gift and estate tax exemptions while maintaining some access to the assets placed into the trust. You make a gift of assets to an irrevocable trust, naming your spouse as a beneficiary. Your children, other descendants, and even a charity may also be named as beneficiaries if you choose. Often, the trust is structured so that the children become primary beneficiaries only after the surviving spouse’s death. With a SLAT, there is an additional income tax benefit: the creator of the trust (the gifting spouse) pays any tax on realized gains or income, allowing the SLAT’s assets to grow without the drag of taxes.

• Sale to an Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust (IDGT): A sale to an IDGT is particularly useful if you have an asset likely to appreciate greatly over time or if you own a minority interest in an asset that will eventually be sold or liquidated at a higher value. Technically not a gift, this is a sale to a trust, and you (as the grantor) continue to pay income taxes on the trust’s assets, with future appreciation transferring to the next generation. The sale is typically structured through a promissory note which either provides you with an income stream (to the extent actually paid) or allows for further gifting through the forgiveness of loan payments.

• Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT): If you have charitable intent and want to move assets out of your estate, a CRT may be a good option. It provides you or your beneficiaries with a stream of income over the life of the trust and transfers the remaining assets to a charity at the end of the trust’s term. The amount of your contribution that is tax-deductible depends on the present value of the charitable remainder interest in the trust, as determined by an IRS calculation. This strategy moves assets out of your estate while fulfilling your charitable goals, provides a current income tax deduction, and, if gifting appreciated securities, may offer investment diversification while spreading realized gains over the income stream of distributions.

STAY AWARE OF OTHER PENDING TAX CONSIDERATIONS

TCJA reduced most federal tax bracket thresholds, and its expiration may result in a reversion to higher rates for most taxpayers. For high-income earners, the top federal tax rate may increase from 37% to 39.6%. Given this potential change, consider triggering income-generating events before the end of 2025. Such events include taking distributions from an inherited IRA, taking trust distributions, or converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.

Additionally, if the TCJA expires, the deductions for state and local income taxes and real estate taxes could be reinstated. Taxpayers may want to delay itemized deductions until 2026, particularly if they reside in a high-tax state. It may also be advantageous to delay gifting appreciated property or securities to charity. By doing so, you might receive an income tax deduction equal to the full fair market value of the assets, even if your original cost was much lower. Plus, you might avoid capital gains taxes that would be incurred if you sold the assets.

PLANNING IS AN ONGOING PROCESS

While future tax policy remains uncertain, proactive planning is essential. Even if you believe the TCJA sunset won’t impact your strategy, it’s important to periodically review and adjust your estate plan. Estate planning is not a one-time task but a dynamic process that should adapt based on your goals, wishes, and changes in the law.

If you have questions about your particular situation or need guidance on the available strategies considering potential changes, we’d be happy to have a conversation to help you create a thoughtful and informed estate plan.

This material should not be construed in any way as investment, tax, estate, accounting, legal or regulatory advice. Any description of tax consequences set forth herein is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning.

Charles R. Johnson, Wealth Director, Fiduciary Trust International is responsible for developing investment and trust relationships with families and organizations. He works closely with the Trust and Tax planning group to help clients determine optimal asset allocation and transfer strategies.

Ed Mooney, Director of Financial Planning, Fiduciary Trust International, provides goal-based financial strategies for the tax efficient and successful transfer of family wealth, planning for retirement, the sale and succession of business interests, and achievement of philanthropic goals.

Charles R. Johnson

Wealth Director | 628 286 8403

charles.r.johnson@ftci.com One Franklin Parkway, Bldg 920, 1st Floor San Mateo, CA 94403 fiduciarytrust.com

Miist, the singer, attracting the spotlight of the music industry

BY OLIVIA HSU DECKER

A DIVINELY INSPIRED SINGER-SONGWRITER IN THE San Francisco Bay Area has set the music industry ablaze following her early, explosive success. Although the mystical singer known as Miist just released her first album in August 2024 (at Gefen Gallery), she has already become a hot topic in the industry. Some are calling it the “miracle of Miist.” And some believe strongly in that miracle and call her the “Asian Taylor Swift.”

When I first met Miist at her Tiburon home last year, she sat down at the piano and accompanied herself as she performed a song she had composed. I was blown away with her talent, not just her voice but the music she wrote and the piano she played. Self-taught, she just started playing the piano two years ago. I provided her with an iconic Belvedere mansion on the San Francisco Bay overlooking Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito as the location to film Miist’s Billboard Top 30 hit and the number 1 indie song in the country, “Move Your Body Slowly.” It was a great success!

Part of the miracle was Miist’s first album, The Songs from the Living Room, was produced by Narada Michael Walden, a legendary talent who has also produced hits for female superstars such as Barbara Streisand, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Aretha Franklin. Of course, with Walden’s mentorship, Miist’s musical talents blossomed instantly. We filmed a second video at the Belvedere mansion where Miist and Walden recorded a duet for the song titled “It’s Too Late to Love You.” It’s zooming up the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts (currently at number 21).

“From the moment I heard the incredible voice of Miist, I wanted to work with her,” the legendary Walden said. Moreover, Miist is under consideration by the Recording Academy for a Grammy® Award nomination for her duet with Walden in the Best Pop Duo or Group Performance category. She is also under consideration for the Best New Artist category.

A native of Harbin, China, Miist has experienced real-life miracles of health, and her journey into music is equally as miraculous. Miist, now 36, underwent lifesaving surgery for liver cancer seven years ago. Afterward in a search for solace, she found an old ukulele and started strumming. The self-designed musical therapy led Miist to

Miist at her Tiburon home

Miist and Narada Michael Walden

L+R: Franklin Vanderbilt, Karl Perazzo, Ben Fong-Torres, Miist, Fantastic Negrito Narada, and Michael Walden at Gefen Gallery

discover her inner voice, crying out with passion to help others. Her ukulele songs were posted on Instagram, only to be discovered by the daughter of a man who flew to Canada to meet her. They later married. Now they reside on the West Coast of the USA. During the pandemic, Miist taught herself how to play the piano. About two years ago, she wrote her first three songs in one day. Thus began her rocket ride to the top of the charts with over 70 completed songs. With two potential Grammy nominations, two Billboard Adult Contemporary Top 30 hits, and two major awards (Intercontinental and Global Music Awards), industry veterans say Miist is an important new singer-songwriter who is already making an impact.

“People have asked me where the music comes from,” said Miist. “Do I think music is a talent, a gift from God? Definitely. I don’t see how it is possible, but when I feel a strong emotion, either my own or touched by someone else’s story, I just start hearing a melody, and that melody matches exactly that emotion. That makes me believe this is from God because I didn’t try to work on it—it just came to me.”

Her dream is to use that visionary talent to write meaningful songs. Miist added, “I am truly grateful for this second chance.”

Miist has just finished a new song, “Could You Lend Me a Smile,” about the epidemic of loneliness. The song is currently being translated into nine languages for release in November. It is based

on the true story of a lonely Japanese salaryman who passed away unnoticed for months. Miist wondered if a simple smile could have changed his fate and wrote the song to reflect that, with footsteps symbolizing the crowds who passed by without offering one. The song will be recorded at the world-famous Village Studios in Los Angeles on October 11, 2024.

Multiple Grammy winners and nominees and world-renowned musicians are involved in her “meaningful songs for a difficult world” project. “Could You Lend Me a Smile” is the first of those releases. She wrote the music for all the parts, including piano, cello, violin, and voice. An important part of this project is hiring star talent in each language to reach as big an audience as possible. One hundred percent of the funds raised will be used to cover the actual costs of the song production and marketing.

In addition to the master recording costs, Miist’s record label is already committed to pay for three languages, so any new funds will be used to adapt the song into as many other languages as possible. Currently running is the Sing For a Smile fundraising campaign to get people involved in this movement and to listen to the song. Please help impact our world by enabling this song to be heard worldwide. Loneliness is an epidemic that we can help cure. It starts with just a smile. Readers can learn more about this special project on her website, https://www.miistthesinger.com/smile-project.

In Memoriam: Jan Shrem

BY MAURO APRILE ZANETTI

ON BEHALF OF MARIA MANETTI SHREM, I SHARE WITH heartfelt sadness the news our beloved friend, Jan Shrem, passed away peacefully at the remarkable age of 94, following a long illness. Jan was a refined connoisseur of art within our international community and a magical spirit in the world.

Born in Colombia in 1930 to Jewish-Lebanese parents, Jan spent his formative years in Colombia and Israel. He emigrated to the U.S. at the age of 16. After college, Jan moved to Japan, where he established a successful company specializing in selling Englishlanguage encyclopedias, engineering, and art books. His company grew to 50 offices with 2,000 sales representatives. During his time in Japan, Jan married Mitsuko Shrem. In the 1980s, they relocated to Napa after a brief period in France and Italy. They founded Clos Pegase Winery, designed by visionary architect Michael Graves and hailed as “America’s first monument to wine.” Jan and Mitsuko were married for four decades until her passing.

Later, Jan found love again with Maria Manetti. Together they embarked on a journey filled with love, philanthropy, and a shared passion for art, music, wine, and culture that took them around the globe many times. Their contributions were infused with joyful energy, enriching the beauty they bring into the world and nurturing the artists they support. Over the years, they established several vital funds supporting education, the arts, music, medicine, and the less fortunate, spanning more than 55 charitable programs across the U.S., Italy, the U.K., Africa, Mexico, and France.

Jan had a glint in his eye, a beaming smile, and an inspiringly optimistic view of life. His love for Maria was palpable, and seeing them together was witnessing their enthusiasm’s vitality. Jan thrived on Maria’s energy in his life—her deep commitment to making a difference through philanthropy by “giving with warm hands” to support the creative process and scientific research. Together, their philanthropy has shaped the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond in profound ways, from UC Davis College of Letters and Science to the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, SF Opera, UCSF’s Neurology Clinic, CPMC Cardiology, Festival Napa Valley, Cal Performances, KQED, KDFC, SF Film, ArtSmart, SF MoMA, Fine

Arts Museums of San Francisco, The MET Opera, and numerous other local and international organizations. Jan had an extraordinary, global perspective, weaving the rich tapestry of his life experiences into every conversation. He was a brilliant listener with a sharp sense of humor that would light up any room. At dinner parties, he was known for well-timed quips and reflections that tied everything together, often delivered with a twinkle in his eyes. His impeccable sense of style perfectly complemented Maria’s; together, they radiated elegance and grace.

Jan was an extraordinary presence. While we grieve his passing, we also celebrate the lasting impact of his life. His legacy will forever inspire us, and we feel deeply privileged to have known him and lived some unforgettable moments with him. We will treasure the memory of his wit, wisdom, and warmth.

At Jan’s request, there will be no memorial service, but the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art at UC Davis will honor his life at their gala on January 25, 2025. IIn lieu of flowers, Maria Manetti Shrem kindly requests donations be made to the UC Davis Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art (https:// ManettiShremMuseum.UCDavis.edu) in honor of Shrem’s enduring vision of making arts and education free to all.

As Jan would say goodbye: “Until our next chess game!”

Jan Shrem

40 years of inspiring conservation of the ocean

Over the past four decades, thanks to support from our members and donors, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has become a trusted voice and championed action to protect and restore the living ocean. We’re having a real impact on critical issues, from recovering sea otters to reducing plastic pollution at the source. Now we must push forward to continue the momentum.

Join us in this urgent work and make a difference for the ocean that sustains us all. Become an Ocean Advocate today with a special 40th anniversary gift. Thank you.

Become an Ocean Advocate Donor today at MontereyBayAquarium.org/SupportNow

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA GUILD CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO

HONORING THE HONORABLE NANCY PELOSI AND MR. PAUL PELOSI

Monday, November 18, 2024

War Memorial Opera House 6 PM Cocktail Reception | 7 PM Dinner and Program

CO-CHAIRS

Olivia Hsu Decker and Ginny Cartwright Ziegler

Join us for cocktails, dinner, and special musical performances on the stage of one of the worlds grandest opera houses as we honor The Honorable Nancy Pelosi and Mr. Paul Pelosi for their longstanding support of opera and music education in our community.

Tickets and information available at sfopera.com/Stage-Dinner