I find inspiration in the world that surrounds me — in nature, books, podcasts, and in people I meet. I recently listened to an interview on The Journal with a man who had walked “The Hippie Trail” in the 1970s from Istanbul to Kathmandu before building a travel business out of his sense of wonder. Many topics were covered in this interview, and one takeaway has stayed with me: he is deeply tired of being told “have a safe trip.”
It isn’t that he wants anyone to travel recklessly. It’s that he laments the quiet disappearance of “bon voyage” — a send-off that celebrates the journey itself, rather than the safety of it. A small shift in words, but a significant shift in spirit. Playing it safe rarely results in something truly great. Whether it be in business, sports, travel, or winemaking.
When my Dad planted Sauvignon Blanc on our Mt. Veeder Estate more than twenty-five years ago, he was not making a safe choice. But he planted it anyway, along with other lesser-known white varietals, because he believed in what that land could do. He was right. The white wines we make from those vines are genuinely unique, and I am proud of the risk he took.
Considered a Napa Valley classic vintage, the 2024 Crossroads Sauvignon Blanc is energetic and vibrant on the palate with notes of exotic guava, key lime zest, and sweet Meyer lemon bursting through. Wild honey and subtle marzipan weave seamlessly into the silky texture of this wine, finishing with a light brioche-like essence. As the season turns toward spring and longer evenings, I hope this wine finds its way to your table.
And speaking of the spirit of “bon voyage” — we have something new to share.
I am pleased to announce that the Crossroads House at Rudd Estate is now open. When I took the reins here, one of my first acts was to bring the Crossroads wines back to life as a way to bridge my dad’s legacy with the future I envisioned for our vineyards. The Crossroads House gives these wines the dedicated home they’ve always deserved. It’s especially meaningful to bring them together with Under-Study, the culinary project I’m building alongside the PRESS team. This experience reflects our multigenerational story and the continued evolution of our estate to introduce new people to our world of fine wine and food.
Whether enjoying wines from home or making the Napa Valley part of your upcoming travel plans, we hope to share Crossroads with you.
All the best,
Samantha Rudd
