Pictured Kathleen Inman and daughter Ashley Zanchelli of Inman Family Wines

Wine carries something deeper than flavor—it holds family histories and whispers of generations past. In my TV segment this week, I shared the stories behind some extraordinary wines created by women who are carrying forward their family legacies. From the vineyards of Sonoma to Washington State and across continents to Argentina, these bottles aren't just products of terroir, but testimonies to the vision of daughters, mothers, and grandmothers who refused to let tradition fade.

I wanted to take you further into these stories—to meet the families behind the labels, understand the values that guide their hands, and appreciate the beautiful wines that result. Whether you're hunting for your next favorite bottle or simply love stories of passion and perseverance, these wines invite you to pour a glass and toast to legacy.

And because no celebration is complete without something sweet, we ended the segment with a slice of tradition: the beloved Coffey Girls’ Coffee Cake, lovingly baked from a recipe passed down through generations.

2021 Garden Creek Chardonnay, Estate Clonal Selection ($80)

Our first story takes us to Sonoma’s Alexander Valley, where legacy lives in every vine. Karin Warnelius-Miller is the co-owner and co-winemaker at Garden Creek Ranch Vineyards Winery, a family estate rooted in sustainability and tradition. Inspired by her mother, Monica Warnelius, Karin now carries that legacy forward alongside her husband, Justin, and their two children. Her daughter, Elsa, is currently studying wine and viticulture at Cal Poly SLO, preparing to follow in her family’s footsteps. Today, I’m sharing Garden Creek’s 2021 Estate Clonal Selection Chardonnay—a beautifully layered wine available exclusively to their mailing list members. It’s a perfect example of how passion and purpose can be passed down through generations. Garden Creek wines available only via mailing list

Inman Family Wines, 2024 Endless Crush Rosé, $40 

Kathleen Inman, founder of Inman Family Wines, is the heart behind one of Sonoma’s most elegant rosés—Endless Crush. But behind the wine is a beautiful family story. Her daughter Ashley, a policy expert in D.C., was initially reluctant to work with her mom. It took some gentle nudging from Kathleen’s sister—who’s also worked with her for over a decade—to convince Ashley to come on board. Since 2020, Ashley has led Inman’s digital communications while raising two young daughters of her own. Kathleen says she can’t imagine the business without her daughter now, calling herself the luckiest mom in the world. That love and connection come through in every bottle—especially this 2024 Endless Crush Rosé. Wines ONLY available online at InmanFamilyWines.com

Revelation Riesling by Goose Ridge 2023, $19

At Goose Ridge Vineyards in Washington’s Columbia Valley, the Monson family story is deeply rooted in the strength and vision of its women. Suzanne Monson, alongside her husband Arvid, expanded the family’s agricultural legacy in the 1970s by establishing their own cattle feed yard. This pioneering spirit was inherited by their children—Bill, Valerie, and Molly—who, in 1979, spearheaded the planting of the family's first apple orchard, marking a significant diversification from cattle to fruit farming. Today, this legacy continues with the Revelation wine series, crafted by three generations of Monson women. The 2024 Revelation Riesling, priced at $19, is a testament to their enduring commitment to excellence, offering a crisp, aromatic profile that reflects the family's dedication to quality and innovation. Purchase here

Santa Julia Natural Malbec (El Burro) 2024, $18

At Santa Julia Winery in Mendoza, Argentina, community is as central as the vines themselves. Julia Zuccardi, for whom the winery is named, carries forward the legacy of her grandmother Emma Zuccardi—a woman deeply committed to caring for others. Julia has expanded that commitment through initiatives that support local workers, promote sustainability, and preserve the natural beauty of Mendoza. The 2024 Santa Julia Natural Malbec, also known as 'El Burro,' reflects this spirit. It’s organic, vegan, and unfiltered—crafted with minimal intervention to let the land speak. With every sip, you taste not just the terroir of Mendoza, but the values of the women behind the wine. Santa Julia boasts the largest organic winery in Argentina and the most certified organic vineyards and works to support other growers to convert to organic practices. Get more information

Our story ends on a sweet note,  in the kitchen, where legacies are often passed down one recipe at a time. Chef Lisa Shaw, owner of Lisa’s Boutique Catering, traces her culinary roots to an incredible woman—her Grandmother Helen —the family bakers who taught her everything she knows. Their influence lives on in every bite of her now-legendary Coffey Girls’ Coffee Cakes. 

These aren’t your average cakes—they’re beautifully balanced, not too sweet, and crafted to complement more than just your morning coffee. In fact, I brought a few for you to try today, and we’re pairing them with some of the wines featured in our segment. Lisa’s story is a delicious reminder that family legacy doesn’t just feed the soul—it can elevate every table."