The MONA Wine Experience: A Perfect Example of Personalization

One of the most fun events I recently worked on was a Christmas party for a group called MONA—a tight-knit crew at my gym the Williamsburg Athletic Club. The goal? To select wines that reflected the group’s fun-loving, health-conscious personality, while also adding a touch of festive indulgence.

FitVine: A Playful, Low-Calorie Option

Since my gym friends are all about fitness, I added a bottle of FitVine—a low-calorie wine that fits perfectly with their healthy lifestyle. It’s a bit cheeky, but that's what I love about it. Though its reputation isn’t flawless, it’s still a fun way to tie in our group’s fitness goals with a little indulgence.

Freakshow: Bold and Dramatic

To match the lively personality of our trainer Mimi, I chose Freakshow, a bold red with plenty of character. It’s a wine as theatrical as Mimi’s antics—full of drama, fun, and energy. Just like the workouts she leads!

Tasmanian Whites: Honoring Our Roots

To honor the Australian roots of the gym’s founders, I included two crisp, refreshing white wines from Tasmania. These wines tied the celebration back to the gym’s origins and gave our group a taste of something unique and special.

Classic Pairings: Cabernet Sauvignon and Côtes du Rhône

For the main course, I chose a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Côtes du Rhône. Both wines were classic food-friendly options that paired beautifully with the hearty Italian dishes on the menu, enhancing the flavors and creating a memorable dining experience.