Ring in 2021 with Hart Agency's Top NYE Wine & Cocktail Recommendations!

December 30, 2020

There are many New Year's traditions from around the world that promise to bring good luck and prosperity. From eating black-eyed peas to exactly 12 grapes, we're taking a look at those traditions and pairing them with fabulous wines & spirits to celebrate the beginning of 2021. 

BLACK EYED PEAS


Popular in many of the Southern States, eating black eyed peas on New Year's Day is thought to bring about prosperity for the new year. Often served with some sort of pork, because pigs root forward when foraging, which represents forward movement. Cabbage or collard greens are served to symbolize green money, and cornbread to symbolize gold.


Best recommendation to serve with this dish is a California Chardonnay and we're loving Sonoma-Cutrer's from Russian River Ranches. With notes of barrel spice, lime, and pear, it compliments the saltiness of the meal while having the structure to support it.

SOUERKRAUT AND BRATWURST


NYE signs of luck in Germany include various versions of prepared sauerkraut, as well as homemade soft pretzels, lentil soup, bratwursts, and pork. A specialty to serve is seafood such as carp.


German food goes best with German beer, so what we recommend to serve with this feast is Hoegaarden White Ale, which is a wheat beer from Belgium. The soft citrus of orange peel with coriander & herbs has incredible drinkability that is fabulous with food. Awesome to balance fried and salty foods, it's our go-to at the beirgarten.

12 GRAPES


A Spanish tradition is to eat 12 grapes while saying each of the 12 months on each strike of the clock at 12:00 on New Year's. Another version is to make 12 wishes.


We're making frozen sugared grapes to add to our Campo Viejo Cava, along with placing a ring in the bottom of our flute glass to represent prosperity. Simply pour a bottle of cava and a few ounces of Absolut Pears Vodka  into a bowl with a bag of cleaned grapes. Let them soak for about an hour, then strain. Coat grapes with sugar and freeze. For best results and easy garnishing, put grapes on a toothpick or skewer. Add to your glass for some extra sweetness or serve them on the side. What to do with the strained out cava? Can't go to waste - use it for a winter sangria.

RED UNDERWEAR


Looking for love? Another Spanish tradition is to wear red underwear to ring in the New Year. They must be brand new, and it's said to bring love and passion to you. Yellow underwear brings good luck and green brings fortune. Choose wisely!


We're pairing red underwear with decedent red wine such as Layer Cake Malbec. "Richly layered" like cake, these wines are not necessarily sweet but have some of the same characteristics of the cakes you love. Grab some chocolate cake, Layer Cake Malbec, and a new set of red underwear and cozy up while staying in while you ring in the New Year.

PACK YOUR SUITCASE


A Colombian tradition is to pack your suitcase (lightly) and run as quick as you can around the block, so you will travel in the new year. We're taking this one very seriously, as many of us have only traveled from one side of the house to the other thus far.


After this ritual, we're pouring ourselves a cocktail straight from Ryan Reynolds' own collection, with Aviation American Gin.


The Aviation

1.5 oz Aviation American Gin
0.5 oz Maraschino Liqueur
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
0.25 oz Simple Syrup
1 tsp Crème De Violette

Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker with Ice. Shake, then strain into Coupe glass. Garnish with brandied Cherry.

WEAR WHITE


In Brazil, it's customary to wear all white when celebrating the New Year as a representation of peace and prosperity. And since they believe Champagne will keep you energized throughout the whole year, we're matching our white attire with the stunning white label of Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne.


This award winning Champagne is perfectly defined by the cellar master himself,


"The freshness, finesse, and brightness of Brut Premier make it the perfect wine for festive occasions. Its structured texture, richness, and length are distinctly winey. It is a full, complex wine that is both rich and powerful,

whilst remaining a great classic."


— Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Cellar Master



This wine is comprised of around 40% Pinot noir, 40% Chardonnay, and 20% Pinot Meunier, then aged in the winery's cellar for three years. This is the ideal Champagne for 2021!

That's all for now! Thank you for taking this ride with us, and we're looking forward to a healthy & prosperous 2021. No matter how you celebrate the end of 2020 and new beginnings, stay safe & happy!


We hope you enjoy and are able to use these ideas to your advantage.


Cheers and Happy New Year!

The Hart Team

Heart of the Community: A Life Saving Gift for St. Maarten Montessori & CIA

By LEAH GUIDARELLI • April 15, 2026
The Heart of the Community: A Life-Saving Gift for St. Maarten Montessori & CIA Sometimes, the most powerful lessons in a school aren't found in textbooks, but in the profound actions of the community that surrounds it. This week, the St. Maarten Montessori School and Caribbean International Academy (CIA) received a gift that truly defines "life-saving"—an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) donated by the Hart family. The donation is more than just a piece of medical equipment; it’s a commitment to safety and peace of mind. For the Hart family, the gesture is deeply personal—their son was born with a congenital heart condition, making them acutely aware that every second counts in a cardiac emergency. By providing this AED, they are ensuring that the phenomenal staff at Montessori and CIA—already known for their attentive care—now have the tools to respond to a crisis within those critical first few minutes. Empowering the Educators A device is only as effective as the hands that use it. To complement the donation, all school staff members have completed comprehensive training on proper AED use. This means that from the classroom to the playground, students are surrounded by a team ready to act with confidence and care. Building a Safer Campus Schools are more than just places of learning; they are hubs for families and the wider community. This donation: Strengthens Campus Safety: Adds a vital layer of protection for students, staff, and visitors. Promotes Awareness: Highlights the importance of heart health and emergency preparedness in educational settings. Fosters Partnership: Reflects the strong bond between parents and the St. Maarten Montessori School . How You Can Help The spirit of giving continues at [St. Maarten Montessori](https://www.facebook.com/montessorischoolsxm/). Whether it's through fundraisers for their SPED program or supporting local initiatives like food drives, there are always ways to get involved. Let's celebrate the Hart family's generosity and the school's dedication to creating a safe, loving environment where every child can thrive.

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