Playdates for kids are all well and good, but they aren’t nearly as fun as when couples get together to play games.
One of our favorite new things to do with our friends is have a retro game night. That friends pull out all the old video games and we race each other and see who will come out on top.
Sometimes we have duels, sometimes we see how can defeat evil (digital) viruses and almost-always I lose. But it’s all kinds of fun.
And no parents-only night of gaming would be complete without finding a fun wine to pair with some tasty cheese or snacks.
This month, we tried JaM Cabernet at our evening of fun, and it didn’t not disappoint.JaM Cellars makes three easy-to-love, everyday California wines Butter Chardonnay, JaM Cabernet and Toast Sparkling. Since we had tried the Butter Chardonnay in May, we were all looking forward to trying the JaM Cab! It is an easy to drink Cab that doesn’t need a fancy meal to be enjoyed. We had it with the best of snacks, everything from fancy cheeses to a delectable taco dip. The JaM Cab was bursting with juicy, dark berries and velvety fruit.
If you’re wondering (Because I was) the name JaM comes from second-generation Napa Valley vintners John and Michele, (“J” and “M”). They made these wines in a style they love to enjoy with their friends any day of the week.
It was certainly a highlight of our evening with friends! You can find the JaM Cellars in your area using their handy wine finder!
One thing my husband and I talk about a lot is how busy the culture is here. I’m not sure if I notice it more because I didn’t always live in American culture (I spent several of my teen years living in Asia) or if we’re just that kind of people who likes to observe the good and bad in various cultures… but it’s something we notice every day.
People love being busy, they love talking about how busy they are, and to do something with friends it typically needs to be planned out weeks, or sometimes months in advance.
Everything has to be perfect.
I miss easy every-day-ness of being involved in the lives of almost everyone in my neighborhood. I miss people showing up unannounced just to be with you.
I don’t think we’ll ever quite be that way fully here, it’s a different culture and all, but what I love, is simple nights when people get together to share wine, and a laugh and some games. It’s moments like this I keep in my heart because they mean more than a thousand “busy” hours that don’t bring you closer to anyone.
How have you stopped to enjoy your friends lately? There’s still time this Summer to enjoy some wine with friends! Even if you kids are already back to school (mine start tomorrow) there are evenings we can get the ids to bed early (it’s a school night after all) and slow down for the evening with some good friends and maybe a game or two. It doesn’t have to be complicated, it doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s just time spent investing in one another, and there’s little more important than that. JaM Cellars makes it easy by providing the perfect hostess gift, and even a fun Summer playlist to keep your impromptu party going.
Who will you invite over to relax with? Have you ever tried JaM Cab? Tell me in the comments! You can also find daily inspiration by following #JaMCellars @JaMCellars on social media! Don’t forget find the JaM Cellars in your area using the handy wine finder!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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