For the Staglin Family, founders of the renowned Staglin Family Vineyard, Thanksgiving is a cherished time that blends their Napa Valley lifestyle with heartwarming, middle-American traditions. While Shari and Garen Staglin have been residents of Rutherford for almost four decades, their Thanksgiving celebrations are a loving nod to their Midwestern roots.
“It was always mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, bread stuffing cooked inside the turkey, and fresh, whole cranberries,” Shari fondly recalls, reminiscing about her South Dakota upbringing. “We bring all those comforting dishes here to our Napa Valley table, but we also embrace the local bounty with fresh corn on the cob, peas, or green beans.”
Shari’s passion for making creamy mashed potatoes is a highlight of their Thanksgiving feast. She also contemplates reviving a Brussels sprouts recipe learned from celebrated chef Cindy Pawlcyn, adding a touch of culinary sophistication to the home-style spread. The Thanksgiving menu is truly a collaborative family effort. Their son, Brandon, along with his wife, Nancy Abreu, contribute a flavorful stuffing, often enriched with Italian sausage, a nod to their Portuguese-Italian heritage. Daughter Shannon Staglin adds a vibrant, healthy touch with a salad of bitter greens, such as escarole and frisée, brightened with Meyer lemon vinaigrette and studded with seasonal fuyu persimmons and pomegranate seeds harvested from their family estate. This hearty salad of bitter greens is a testament to the fresh, local ingredients that Napa Valley offers.
Despite their love for outdoor entertaining amidst the beautiful Napa scenery, Thanksgiving dinner is traditionally hosted in their formal dining room. The expansive table, comfortably seating fourteen, becomes a hub for family and friends. Grandchildren, in-laws, and son-in-law Artie Johnson II, sometimes accompanied by his parents from Texas, all gather to share in the festive occasion.
Wine, a quintessential part of Napa Valley life, is also central to their Thanksgiving tradition, a delightful contrast to Shari’s South Dakota upbringing where wine wasn’t part of holiday meals. “We didn’t have any wine in South Dakota during Thanksgiving, which is now an integral part of our tradition,” Shari explains. “We always serve our Staglin Family Vineyard Sangiovese. It’s our special family wine, named in honor of Garen’s father. We raise a toast to ‘Papa’ each year. Our hearts are always full of gratitude for our wonderful friends and family and for the incredibly fortunate life we lead.” This Thanksgiving at Staglin Family Vineyard is a beautiful reflection of family, tradition, and the bounty of Napa Valley.
