2024 Gracianna Thanksgiving Letter

Dear Gracianna Family,

As Thanksgiving 2024 arrives, we have been making wine since 2007, and we remain steadfastly drawn to reflect on gratitude—something more than a reaction to good fortune, but a practice that sustains us.

To be truly grateful, as our friend Bob Emmons—the ‘godfather’ of gratitude studies at UC Davis—reminds us, is to embrace gratitude as an enduring attitude, not simply a response to things going well or poorly.

The philosopher G.K. Chesterton said, “The test of all happiness is gratitude.” So at Gracianna, we find that gratitude, like a well-tended vineyard, is both an anchor and a guide.

Gratitude allows us to transcend the day-to-day hustle and reaffirms what’s important, grounding us in the present moment. This Thanksgiving, we invite you to join us in choosing gratitude not just as a pause to appreciate, but as a way of being—a way that helps each of us focus on what is within reach and within us.

Research shows that practicing gratitude can elevate our emotional well-being, making us more likely to connect with and care for others. We see this in the friendships we’ve made here in our vineyard, in the shared laughter and stories over wine, and in the moments of resilience and kindness you’ve brought to us. Gratitude, after all, brings us back to what matters: love, connection, and a deep appreciation for all that is here.

We can choose to release the weight of frustrations, anger and fear and allow our spirits to choose love and joy and be freed by the blessings we already have. The poet Brother David Steindl-Rast reminds us to “Love wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise—then you will discover the fullness of your life.”

As we cherish our loved ones and the experiences that bind us, we can accept the simple joys—whether it’s a warm meal shared with family or the laughter of friends. Gratitude helps us focus on what truly matters, guiding us through challenging times and reminding us that we are never alone.

We hope this season brings you that moment to breathe, remind you of the joy around you, and the comfort of knowing that gratitude can transform even the smallest aspects of daily life into little gifts that keep us bound to one another. From all of us at Gracianna, may your holiday be filled with peace, love, and countless reasons to be thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Trini & Lisa and the entire Amador and Gracianna Family

And, just a small bonus to this season of gratitude—we can be thankful for no election spam in our inboxes and text messages from here on out!