September 27, 2024 – A group of Asia Society VIP guests and Groundbreaker and Innovator members enjoyed a tour of the exclusive Cornell Vineyards. These vineyards are located in Sonoma County, high above the rugged terrain that makes up the Mayacamas Mountain Range. Led by vintner, investor, and Asia Society Trustee Henry Cornell, the tour involved a walk up the grassy hillside to a view of the vast 250 acres that Henry and his wife Vanessa accumulated since first purchasing the property in 2000. While there, our group surveyed all the vines that have been replanted and rejuvenated since the devastating Tubbs Fire of 2017 and Glass Fire of 2020. We then sat down to enjoy a premium tasting of four signature wines - a celebration of the hard work of two of their female winemakers, Elizabeth and Françoise. Highlights of the tasting included their 2021 Estate Grown Courtship, which represents not only the love between the owners, but the bond between the land and the young vines they originally planted over twelve years ago. After sampling additional pours of their Estate Cabernets Sauvignons, the group was then treated to a delightful lunchtime meal and wine pairing prepared by their exclusive chef. Vanessa Cornell joined and attendees had the opportunity to discuss challenges in the winemaking industry and how it intersects with Asia Society's pillars of business, policy, and arts & culture. A magical place that has been reborn over the years, Cornell Vineyards strives to create complex wines that represent a mutual commitment and deep connection that remains true to their mountain estate.