Christmas Gaga 2025

’Twas a fortnight before Christmas at La Jolla’s Torrey Pines Lodge,
Where 70 LWFS members and guests, in black tie and brocade, formed a holiday cavalcade—
A graceful procession marking the 74th year of the La Jolla Wine & Food Society.

Member medallions gleamed, name tags softly aglow,
As a Champagne Reception whispered of pleasures yet to come—
And set the tone for an evening of elegance.
Round tables were set, flowers placed just so,
And each course arrived with effortless grace.

Two white wines led the way, like reindeer drawn near—
Grand, expressive, and shaped by stone and citrus—
Guiding the evening forward with balance and quiet power.

And one might imagine—just for a moment—
That from the far end of the cellar,
A familiar voice called names into the winter air:

“Now Ruinart, luminous and refined;
Now Rosé, graceful, delicately inclined;
And Francis Orban, come forward to view,
with orchard fruit and brioche carried with you.

On Corton-Charlemagne, noble and bright;
On Chablis Les Clos, precise as starlight;
On Mazis-Chambertin, stride steady and sure;
On Clos de la Roche, deep, resolved, and pure.

And Le Méal of Hermitage—carry us through the night;
And Rieussec, appear golden as dessert draws near.”

Thus, the Trustworthy Wines pulled the evening forward,
Course by course, glass by glass,

Until Dessert arrived, glowing with Sauternes—
Lifted by age, patience, and grace, and the night found its gentle landing.

 And through it all, the Harpist’s gentle strings
Wove warmth, friendship, and seasonal cheer into the hall.

But I heard Santa exclaim, ere he drove out of sight:

 “What a well-kept cellar. Happy Christmas to all.” 

 So ends a Christmas Gala worthy of 74 treasured years—

Rich Smith, LWFS