Bringing holiday cheer to your nearest and dearest this holiday season and beyond.
Blissful Bites
The deliciously indulgent caviar tea service at The Caviar Co.’s Tiburon Champagne Lounge is a gift steeped in luxury. Available Wednesdays through Sundays throughout November and December, the experience is an extravagant twist on traditional afternoon tea. Offerings include spiced spritz, your choice of tea, elegant sweets and a variety of savory bites topped by caviars from around the world. If your loved ones can’t make it, let them shop their favorite caviar anytime with a gift card. www.thecaviarco.com, $120 a person
A Place for Growth
There is really no other place like The Portal in Marin, and the elegant Asian-inspired decor with vibrant reds and golds immediately communicates what this wellness/ community/networking center is all about. Dive in to be inspired by other members, experience a range of yoga classes or become your best self with the spot’s biohacking tools, which include a sauna and cold spa, hyperbaric oxygen chamber, Shiftwave and Flowpresso, lymphatic massage roll shapers, even an Osaki 4D Massage Chair. Get a membership for yourself or a gift a family member and watch her flourish. www.theportal.house, memberships start at $350 per month
Awe-Inspiring Accessories
Harwell Godfrey’s jewelry is handcrafted with healing energy in mind, and its aesthetic roots in the ancient textiles and patterns of the African diaspora make any piece the ultimate statement. The hand-knotted Pearl and Rainbow Bead Foundation Clasp Necklace is stunning on its own, featuring a colorful variety of hand-chosen stone beads. But for an especially outstanding look, pair it with the 18k Evil Eye Major Pendant in emerald, onyx and ethically sourced diamonds. www.harwellgodfrey.com, Pearl and Rainbow Bead Foundation Clasp Necklace, $2,950, Evil Eye Major Pendant, contact for pricing
What A Doll
In the ramp-up to 2023’s Barbie, the movie about the ubiquitous Mattel doll, producer and star Margot Robbie and her stylist Andrew Mukamal detailed some of Barbie’s most popular outfits, then approached designers, from Giorgio Armani to Donatella Versace, to interpret the doll-size looks for Robbie. But with the press tour cut short, many of the outfits were never seen. For BARBIE: THE WORLD TOUR, the team worked with fashion photographer Craig McDean to shoot the star in those exact looks — it’s sure to be a collector’s item for those who can’t get enough Barbie. www.rizzoliusa.com, $55
Keep Your Cool
SMEG, the Italian brand with the memorable name and a lineup of oh-so-cool retro-inspired appliances designed in collaboration with top architects and designers, has a new minifridge created with a little help from Dolce & Gabbana. The Sicily Is My Love collection features reproductions of original paintings by skilled artists. The vibrant patterns ensure you will have the coolest fridge in town. www.williams-sonoma.com,$5,499.95
Gone Fishing
Explore new depths of the bay in a hands-on experience that can be fun for the whole family. Gatherer Outfitters offers a variety of fishing trips out of the Berkeley Marina, from private charters to group outings, and there are even excursions exclusively for women. All trips include all gear, tackle, bait, weights and professional filleting of your catch to take home. No prior experience is required, just a one-day California fishing license and an appetite for adventure (and halibut). www.gathereroutfitters.com, starting at $200
Water Rider
Do you find yourself asking if you should ride your bike or go out on the water on weekends? The Schiller Bike, designed and tested right here in Sausalito by company CEO and co-founder Jessica Schiller, allows you to do both. The light and easily assembled aquatic bike has a top speed of 10 to 11 mph, allows you to pedal across the water and is great for cardio workouts. Enjoy free shipping through December 31. www.schillerbikes.com,$4,995
A Tranquil Stay
Indeed, some good things came out of the pandemic. One example is located just a short drive north in West Sonoma County. It was there that Emily Glick took over the shuttered and dormant Applewood Inn and used the pandemic downtime to transform it into a 21-room luxury boutique hotel called The Stavrand Russian River Valley. Email hosts@thestavrand.com a copy of your confirmation and mention Marin Living for a complimentary bottle of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir upon arrival and, if you book a weeknight stay (Sun.–Thurs.), priority for a complimentary room upgrade. www.thestavrand.com, from $395 a night (all accommodations include parking and breakfast)
Time For Wine
Here are our top picks for classic wines that won’t disappoint, whether you are serving them at your own holiday get-together or bringing them to someone else’s.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ Artemis Gift Of Legend
This cabernet sauvignon offers lush fruit flavors balanced by a refined structure and elegance done in Stag’s Leap’s signature style. The limited-quantity gift box includes a commemorative token redeemable at the winery for a custom experience not available to the general public. www.stagsleapwinecellars.com, $125
Frank Family Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay
Brimming with bright, fresh citrus notes, the cool-climate bottling plays up the notes of Meyer lemon and yellow apple. This is a household favorite and also a very popular restaurant wine — perfect for any occasion. Find it at Mill Valley Market, $40
Sullivan Rutherford Estate 2021 Coeur De Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon
Late spring rains made this vintage a true classic Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon boasting mouthwatering dark blue and black fruit flavors with integrated tannins and singing acidity. Find it at Ludwig’s Fine Wine (San Anselmo), $100
2023 Gamble Family Vineyards Gamble Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
Hand selected by the winemaker, this sauvignon blanc features a mix of fruit from two clones originating from the Loire region and two clones originating from Bordeaux. Find it at Bottle Barn (Santa Rosa), $55
Beringer Vineyards 2020 Private Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The pinnacle of Beringer’s portfolio, this expressive and layered cabernet features fragrant perfumed floral aromas alongside red and dark berry fruits. www.beringer.com, $175