Thanksgiving Traditions at Retro Cellars

This Thanksgiving holds special meaning for our family, as Alex and his wife Rachael are hosting in their new home. It’s a milestone for them, and we’re excited to gather around their table. Alex and I (Kara) are teaming up in the kitchen, and his enthusiasm for cooking shines through, just like his creativity in the garden and his art. This year, he’s requested a brined and smoked turkey—an ambitious but exciting culinary adventure.

For me, Thanksgiving wouldn’t feel complete without my Grandma’s bread stuffing. The recipe, a cherished family tradition, is seasoned with Bell's seasoning and chestnuts from our own tree, adding a personal touch to the feast.

On the wine front, we’ll continue a beloved tradition of opening a bottle of Beaujolais. It’s a nod to my father, Robert Pecota, who crafted whole-cluster Gamay wines and loved the challenge of beating the French to the market each November.

But no Retro Cellars Thanksgiving is complete without a love letter to Petite Sirah. This varietal has been part of our journey from the beginning. My first experience with Petite Sirah dates back to the 1970s, when my family’s Calistoga vineyard included vines planted in the 1930s. Later, on Howell Mountain, Mike cultivated a deep connection to the grape, inspiring our first Retro wines.

For us, Petite Sirah is more than a grape—it’s a reminder of the past and the promise of what’s to come. We hope a bottle finds its way to your table this holiday season, adding its bold character and depth to your celebration.