October has always been one of my favorite months to gather with friends, pour a glass of wine, catch up over summer travels and take time to connect. This year, I’m excited to introduce Come Over October, a campaign created by wine journalist Karen MacNeil and PR veterans Gino Colangelo and Kimberly Noelle Charles, DipWSET, under their mission-driven company Come Together—A Community for Wine Inc. Their vision for this initiative is to encourage us to gather in person, share a bottle, celebrate friendship, and reconnect during the month of October. 

Come Over October invites us to do just that—come together, not just for the wine, but for the conversations and energy that flow when we gather. The idea resonates deeply with me. I’ve always believed that wine, like art, music and literature, has the power to bring people closer. A special bottle can spark memories, inspire new stories, and make even a simple gathering feel extraordinary. 

For me, Come Over October is a great time to open those older vintages I’ve been saving for “just the right moment.” That moment is now. It’s also the perfect excuse to share wines from recent travels, bringing the stories and experiences of some of my favorite places to my friends, alongside photos and foods.

If you’re looking for a few bottles to open or share during your own Come Over October gatherings, here are four wines that I’ve enjoyed in the past three months that I’d recommend—each making an imprint in my memory:

Champagne Henriot Blanc de Blancs ($69)

I had the opportunity to visit Champagne Henriot in Reims, France over six years ago. The visit was incredible, however, the most memorable experience I’ve had with Champagne Henriot Blanc de Blancs was on a recent trip to Napa. My friends and I rented a house in Calistoga. I packed a bottle of Champagne Henriot in my luggage and every morning, as the sun rose over the hills, we’d sit on the porch with a splash of Champagne. It was a beautiful, calming way to start the day—just the three of us, quietly sharing our hopes, ambitions, and gratitude for being together in such a special place.

Henriot Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) is bright, crisp, and elegant, with notes of citrus, green apple, anchored by brioche. Whether you’re sipping it at sunrise or serving it with a meal, this wine has a way of making any moment feel just a little more celebratory.

2023 Captȗre Mountain Sauvignon Blanc  ($50)

The 2023 Captûre Pine Mountain Sauvignon Blanc is another wine that holds a special place in my memory. This Sauvignon Blanc comes from vineyards perched 2,800 feet above sea level, which brings a brightness and vibrancy to the wine that’s hard to forget. The winemakers described it perfectly as mysteriously —it does draw you in with a beautiful texture that glides across the palate—rich yet soft, with flavors of lemon, orange, key lime and a signature mountain shrub described as “soft chamomile or dried sage”. It’s a wine that makes you stop and appreciate the moment, and it’s one I’ve been eager to share. This is an ideal bottle for Come Over October, especially if you want to introduce your friends to something new, exciting, and full of vibrant energy.

Note: “ Pine Mountain in the Cloverdale Peak AVA. The volcanic Mayacamas mountain range runs 52 miles southeast from Mendocino County, shearing through Lake, Sonoma, and Napa Counties on its way. Since 2015, Sam Teakle has been crafting exceptional wines from vineyards within Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak, Alexander Valley, and Sonoma County —appellations at the untamed edges of mainstream wine regions that see more wildlife visitors than human ones.”

2023 Domaine Courbis St. Joseph  ($45)

I recently tasted the 2023 Domaine Courbis St. Joseph, at  a masterclass led by Evan Goldstein MS. The wine is from the northern Rhône Valley and made from 97% Marsanne and 3 % Roussanne. Another wine with a beautiful texture that’s both luxurious and approachable. With flavors of stone fruits and an unexpected hint of star anise, it’s a wine that evolves and surprises with each sip. 

This white St. Joseph is perfect for a cozy dinner or a relaxed get-together where the focus is on good food, good wine, and good people. I would come over for a glass of this wine, any time! 

2021 Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder ($440)

The 2021 Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon from Mount Veeder is another wine living rent-free in my head. This is a bottle that commands attention from the first sip, giving a stunning balance of power and elegance. The wine has opulent and concentrated flavors of black and blue fruit complex and layered with notes of Asian spices. It’s the kind of wine that sparks conversation, ohs and ahs- perfect for a Come Over October gathering.

Come Over

At its core, Come Over October is about slowing down, reconnecting, and making time for the people we care about. It’s a chance to share not only the wines we love but the stories and experiences that make them even more meaningful. Whether you’re opening a special bottle you’ve been saving or introducing your friends to a new wine that’s captured your attention, this October is the perfect time to gather and celebrate the things that matter most.