The Spectacle: Issue #35
Autumn 2024
Introduction
by Andrew Browne
“Do Epic Shit” is our collective mantra, one of the twelve precepts that define our company, a state of mind, a way of life, and now one of the most exciting new innovations for Browne Family wine and spirits. It encapsulates how we approach business, life, and the goods we make. When I launched Browne Family over twenty years ago, I committed to living up to the standards that my grandfather, William Bitner Browne, instilled in me from an early age: Anything you do, do it with excellence, and do it all the way!
While our predecessors, members of the Greatest Generation, wouldn’t have used the superlative “shit,” the message remains the same. Hit outside your weight class, take risks, take chances, innovate, set yourself apart, and be your best!
Read » “How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeplyand Being Deeply Seen” by David Brooks
by Andrew Browne
In addition to “Do Epic Shit,” meaningful relationships are another core principle of Browne Family. Earlier this year, I challenged my teams to further their practice of human connection through reading How to Know a Person by David Brooks.
This book challenges readers to set aside their egos and look beyond people’s superficial traits to really get to know them: their stories, their passions, and their motivations. It acknowledges that being able to see someone and make them feel seen is difficult but essential for cultivating healthy relationships. Brooks observes:
"In modern society…we’re afraid of invading people’s privacy, afraid that the conversation will get too heavy. It’s a legitimate concern. But I’ve found in almost all cases that people are too shy about asking questions, not too aggressive. People are a lot more eager to have deep conversations than you think.”
I encourage you to read this book and see how you can enhance your approach to building meaningful relationships.
Mix » Salted Maple Old Fashioned
by Aaron Kleinhelter
Twice a year, Andrew and I collaborate on a new Lab Series release drawing inspiration from the seasons. Given the chilly climate of Spokane in the winter months, we felt a maple bourbon would bring warmth and cheer just in time for the holidays. Enjoy this special release in November across our tasting rooms!
How We Make It
Combine the Lab Series Maple Barrel Bourbon and bitters in a cocktail glass with ice and stir. Garnish with an orange peel and sprinkle with sea salt. Cheers!
3 oz. Lab Series Maple Barrel Bourbon
3 dashes aromatic bitters
1 sliver orange peel
1 pinch sea salt
Drink » Perfect Pairings for Festive Meals
by Chris Fulkerson
As the holiday season quickly approaches, so do memorable meals shared with friends and family. As Browne’s Education Lead and Tasting Room Manager, I’m excited to share some essential pairing tips to ensure your holiday celebrations are both festive and delicious. Read on for my top recommendations for pairing our wines with traditional holiday dishes.
Red Wine
Grenache is one of my favorite choices for pairing with winter celebrations. Its lovely tart cherry notes blend flawlessly with tangy cranberry sauce, and the bright acidity of the wine will break up that side of mashed potatoes. The lighter body is well suited alongside turkey or and traditional meats rather than a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
For extra credit, our blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre (GSM) is a little lighter body than a Cab or Merlot and goes well with ham, bringing flavors of red fruit and mild tannins.
White Wine
For main dishes, our Forest White Blend pairs beautifully with proteins like honey-glazed ham. The blend includes 10% Riesling, which adds a hint of sweetness that complements the glaze, while the steel chardonnay and pinot gris in the remaining 90% offer crisp acidity and freshness.
Similarly, the Bitner Estate Sauvignon Blanc has a bright acidity fantastic for pairing with holiday meats and keeps up with the tartness of a cranberry sauce, providing the perfect contrast to heavier, creamy starches and sides.
Dessert Wine
For holiday classics like pumpkin pie and gingerbread, Forto 2019 is an excellent choice. This port’s sweetness complements the rich flavors of desserts, with notes of caramel and cherry enhancing pies, cookies, and more. Unlike some wines that can taste overly tart with desserts, Forto 2019 maintains a balanced profile, keeping your final course feeling light and graceful.
Taste » Autumn Sausage & Caramelized Onion Stuffing
by Courtney Browne
As the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and gold and the air takes on a crisp chill, our thoughts naturally turn to the comforts of home and the joy of gathering with loved ones. Year after year, I find myself making this sausage and caramelized onion stuffing from Bon Appetit. Whether at a grand Thanksgiving feast or a cozy dinner party, this stuffing has always delighted our guests with its balance of textures and flavors.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 300°F. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for about 25–50 minutes, tossing occasionally, until dry and slightly golden. Let them cool.
Heat 1 tbsp. of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes). Transfer to a large bowl.
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and onions. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden brown and caramelized (about 30 minutes). Add the celery and garlic and cook until the celery is tender (about 10 minutes). Stir in the sage, rosemary, and thyme, cooking for an additional minute. Add the mixture to the bowl with the sausage.
Pour the wine into the skillet and scrape any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer until reduced by half, then pour into the sausage mixture.
Add the bread cubes to the sausage mixture, tossing to combine. Drizzle in the chicken broth and melted butter, stirring until the bread is evenly moistened. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the beaten eggs until the mixture is well combined.
Increase the oven temperature to 350°F.. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a buttered baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until the top is browned and crisp (about 20–30 minutes longer).
Let the stuffing cool slightly before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Ingredients
1 loaf of day-old country bread, crusts removed, cut into 1” cubes (about 10 cups)
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. Italian sausage, casings removed
2 large onions, thinly sliced
4 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp. fresh sage, finely chopped
1 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup dry white wine (try our Bitner Estate Sauvignon Blanc!)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, beaten
Salt and pepper, to taste
Shop » Notebooks & Stationery
Whether I’m jotting down ideas or drafting notes, my reliance on quality notebooks, stationery, and pens remains constant throughout the year. Here are my top picks that I can’t live without (that also happen to make perfect stocking stuffers):
Pens: Sharpie Felt Tip
No notebook or stationery set is complete without the perfect pen. For me, the classic Sharpie Felt Tip pen is unmatched. The pens come in a variety of colors, allowing me to add a personal touch to my notes and correspondence (and sometimes let the kids sneak in some coloring, too).
Notebooks: Sloane Stationery
When it comes to capturing bursts of inspiration, Sloane Stationery is my go-to. Their notebooks are the perfect blend of quality and functionality. The durability and design of each notebook ensure they can handle my constant notetaking and idea sketching year-round.
Stationery: Terrapin
Writing thank-you notes is a small but powerful gesture that I believe in wholeheartedly. For this purpose, I rely on stationery from Terrapin. Their classic cards and paper make every message feel personal and heartfelt.
Visit » My Favorite Museums
by Andrew Browne
As a passionate supporter of the arts community, I draw so much inspiration from visiting museums and championing our cultural institutions. While Browne Family actively works with the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Bellevue Art Museum locally, my family’s appreciation for the arts extends across the country. Here are some of my favorite museums that capture the diverse beauty of art and culture from coast to coast.
Chihuly Garden and Glass | Seattle, WA
Located in the heart of Seattle, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum showcases the stunning works of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. As a frequent visitor, I am continually captivated by how the intricate glass sculptures blend seamlessly with their vibrant natural surroundings.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) | New York, NY
If you're in New York City, the Museum of Modern Art is a must-see. MoMA is a treasure trove of famous artworks. You'll find paintings by big names like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol, but there's so much more to discover. Every time I go, I stumble upon something new and exciting. I guarantee you'll leave feeling inspired and amazed.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum | Tucson, AZ
For a change of pace and touch of the outdoors, I love embracing the desert and trekking over to this unique museum. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is the true fusion of a botanical garden, zoo, art gallery, a natural history museum, and an aquarium. I appreciate the museum’s commitment to conservation and education, making it a must-visit for those seeking to understand and appreciate the natural world.
Forest Project » More than 256,000 trees planted
Forest fire season was in full swing this summer, with 66 wildfires active across Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, new Mexico, Oregon, Utah and our home state of Washington in the peak of fire season, burning more than 1.1 million acres. As we hit over 256,000 trees planted, check out some of our newest reforestation projects across Florida, Georgia and Texas.
Florida & Georgia: Apalachicola Longleaf Initiative
This initiative aims to restore and manage longleaf pine habitats within the Florida Panhandle and into Southern Georgia, between the Aucilla and Choctawhatchee rivers. Efforts include planting longleaf pine, implementing prescribed fires, and treating invasive species in the Apalachicola National Forest and other public lands, while also providing financial aid to private landowners. These actions will enhance habitats for the eastern indigo snake and Bachman's sparrow.
Texas: Shortleaf and Longleaf Restoration
This project will restore, enhance, and conserve longleaf pine ecosystems within the Longleaf Ridge and Big Thicket SGAs, two landscapes that have been identified as priority areas within the America’s Longleaf Range Wide Conservation Plan. These geographic areas represent the western extent of longleaf pine’s historic range, and without targeted technical and financial assistance efforts, could be lost potential for restoration and enhancement for the species.