WELCOME To Maenad Cellars Where It Is Ladies Night, Every Night

Meet The Maenads - The Party Began Circa 490 BC

In the shadowed groves and moonlit hills of ancient Greece, the Maenads, wild nymphs and devoted followers of the ecstatic god Dionysus, gathered in fervent throngs. Their nights were a liberation from the constraints of the everyday, a descent into a revelry fueled by the intoxicating spirit of the vine and the primal rhythm of drums. Under the benevolent gaze of the wine god, these women shed their societal roles, embracing a freedom that pulsed with untamed joy. Adorned with ivy and crowned with vine leaves, they danced with abandon, their movements a fluid expression of pure exhilaration. The air thrummed with their ecstatic cries and the intoxicating aroma of spilled wine, a symphony of unbridled pleasure echoing through the ancient landscape.

Inspired by this legendary spirit of feminine liberation and Dionysian delight, Maened Cellars celebrates the modern woman's right to uninhibited joy and self-expression. Our wines are crafted for those who embrace their passions and seek moments of pure, unapologetic pleasure. Like the Maenads of old, we believe in the power of gathering, of letting loose, and of savoring life's rich experiences without reservation. Maened Cellars is an invitation to pour a glass of fine wine, to gather with kindred spirits, and to move to the rhythm of your own heart – to dance as if no one is watching, empowered by your own spirit and the exquisite pleasure of the moment.

The Original "RAVE"

Their name, which comes from μαίνομαι (maínomai, “to rave, to be mad; to rage, to be angry”), literally translates as 'raving ones'

In ancient Greece, the Maenads were devoted followers of Dionysus, the god of wine, revelry, and the harvest. These wild women danced through the vineyards, celebrating the bounty of the earth and the joy of life. Inspired by their spirit, the Maenad Society is a new wine club for modern-day Maenads, women who share a passion for wine and a love of good company.

Embrace the Frenzy

THE MAENAD SOCIETY

About the Maenad Society

The Maenad Society is more than just a wine club; it's a community for women who want to connect over their shared love of wine. Members will have access to exclusive events, tastings, and educational opportunities, as well as a network of like-minded women from across the country. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or just starting your journey into the world of wine, the Maenad Society is the perfect place to find your tribe.

Join the Maenad Society today and experience the joy of wine, the camaraderie of friendship, and the spirit of the Maenads.

Benefits of Joining the Maenad Society

• Access to exclusive events, tastings, and educational opportunities

• A network of like-minded women from across the country

• Discounts on wine purchases

• A subscription to our quarterly newsletter

• And more!

We look forward to welcoming you to the the Celebration!

Abigail (Abby) Watt is a native of New Zealand and earned a bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Enology from Lincoln University in Canterbury, NZ, in 2010. After graduating, she immediately embarked on a career in the wine industry by working as an intern for the 2010 harvest at Hartford Family Winery in Sonoma County, California.

This was followed by a series of harvest internships in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, including Chard Farm Winery (2011, Central Otago, NZ), Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery (2011, Sonoma County), Agnew Wines Pty., Ltd. (2014, Hunter Valley, Australia), and Domaine Dubreuil Fontaine (2014, Burgundy, France). In addition to a long list of internships, Abby was an assistant winemaker at Peay Vineyards on the Sonoma Coast from March 2012 to November 2013, the harvest red winemaker for Maude Wines during the 2016 harvest, and assistant cellar master at Weingut Koehler Ruprecht in Pfalz, Germany, that same year.

By mid-2018, Abby was working as the head brewer for The Shakespeare Hotel and Brewery in Auckland. A year later, she was named assistant winemaker for Kosta Browne, a label of the Duckhorn Wine Company located in Sonoma County. She then joined Medlock Ames in mid-2020 as an associate winemaker and was promoted to winemaker in September 2021. Among her duties is overseeing all activities in the Bell Mountain vineyard owned by Medlock Ames.

When not involved in the multitude of chores associated with the winery, Abby enjoys cooking, baking, traveling, beer, and spending time outdoors, preferably near a beach!

Meet our Consulting Winemaker: Abby Watt

Vintage 2023

With half the average rainfall during the winter and spring, there was very minimal vegetative growth. Cooler spring temperatures and a spurt of heavy rain during flowering led to a very light crop. The combination of these both created concentration, depth, and substantial density in the fruit. Several short heat spikes and a smaller crop load created optimal conditions for early ripening. We were fortunate to pick everything early, escaping any smoke damage from the devastating wildfires throughout California. Although one of our smallest vintages in history at Bell Mountain, this is offset by the exceptional quality of our 2023 wines

APPELLATION: ALEXANDER VALLEY VARIETAL Cabernet Sauvignon , 100% Alc 14.6%

Winemaker: ABBY WATT Aging 21 months 45% French Oak 55% Once Used) PRODUCTION: 650 CASES MEMBER PRICE: $125

MAENAD 2023 CABERNET SAUVIGNON - BELL MOUNTAIN VINEYARD ALEXANDER VALLEY

MAENAD 2023 CABERNET SAUVIGNON ALEXANDER VALLEY

APPELLATION: ALEXANDER VALLEY VARIETAL Cabernet Sauvignon , 100% Alc 14.6% Winemaker: ABBY WATT Aging 18 months 35% French Oak 65% Once Used) PRODUCTION: 1000 CASES MEMBER PRICE: $110

APPEARANCE: Deep ruby red, with a slight purple hue at the rim,

PALATE Of Bell Mountain Vineyard’s 44 acres of vines, 50% are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, a testament to our passion for this grape. Our vineyard is situated in the southeast corner of Alexander Valley at the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountain Range giving us well-drained, gravelly-clay soil with a compacted layer of volcanic ash underneath. This location has the hot Alexander Valley summers combined with cool nights that is just what the Cabernet Sauvignon grape is looking for to maximize sugar, acid, and tannin development.

The 2020 Bell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic well-made wine that showcases why Cabernet triumphs at Bell Mountain Vineyard. Aromas of rich concentrated blueberry, leather and baking spices jump out of the glass. The wine has a powerful entry with fruit flavors of strawberry pie, stewed raspberry, and blueberry preserves. Bright spice, walnuts and fresh herbs flavors are balanced with Bell Mountain’s distinctive fresh acidity and medium tannins. A palate pleasing cabernet that begs for grilled steak, lamb chops or cheese alongside.

Winemaker Notes: The 2023 vintage in Alexander Valley presented us with a beautifully balanced growing season, allowing our Cabernet Sauvignon to develop with exceptional depth and complexity. Careful vineyard management on our estate, coupled with the region's characteristic warm days and cool nights, has resulted in a wine that truly embodies the terroir of this esteemed appellation.

Upon pouring, this Cabernet Sauvignon displays a deep, alluring ruby hue, hinting at the concentration within. The nose is immediately expressive, revealing layers of ripe blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark cherry, seamlessly interwoven with notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and a subtle hint of graphite. Elegant nuances of violet and a touch of sweet spice from premium French oak aging add further intrigue. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet remarkably refined, with a velvety texture and well-integrated tannins that provide both structure and a graceful mouthfeel. The vibrant acidity lifts the rich fruit, leading to a long, persistent finish echoing the dark fruit and subtle oak notes. This is a Cabernet Sauvignon built for contemplation and longevity, a testament to the exceptional quality of the 2023 Alexander Valley vintage. Enjoy now with decanting or cellar for further evolution over the next decade and beyond.

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