Melinda Kearney is the kind of host who brings the heart of Napa Valley to the table—literally and figuratively. As a seasoned winemaker and co-founder of Lorenza Wine, Melinda’s gatherings are a sensory experience grounded in seasonal ingredients, thoughtful pairings, and an eye for design that feels both effortless and elevated. Whether it’s a cozy Donabe pot dinner or a Fourth of July bash by the fire, her style is rooted in connection, creativity, and the kind of hospitality that lingers long after the last glass is poured.

Q: When planning a gathering at home, where do you start?

As a food-centric person, I start with the menu around seasonal ingredients. I'll do a theme like "Bubbles and Birds", a Donabe pot, or Daniel Boulud's stuffed pumpkin and build the menu to balance it. I look at textures, colors and flavors and the variety of wines to open to make it all come together.

Q: Please share your go-to ways to break the ice or things to do to enterain guests:

A large silver ice bucket by the door is filled with a variety of our Lorenza wines, NA bubbles, Sparkling and Rosé. I hand my guests their choice when they arrive and they can help themselves after that.

When hosting a number of people, it can be a group effort. Often there are easy details to be done such as lighting the candles, taking a prepared platter or a stack of plates to the table, opening and decanting wine. Having a little job is a nice way to feel connected.

If we have a new guest, I'll keep them close and introduce them around or they'll help me in the kitchen for a little while.

Q: Favorite way to set the table on a budget?

I often use greenery from my yard for the table. Rarely do I purchase flowers, instead I will fill a variety of low vessels with small branches and leaves, or potted succulents plus objects from my home, like small birds, crystals and figurines. And everything looks amazing under candlelight. During the holidays I forage evergreen branches that reach the ceiling and make for a simple but dramatic backdrop.

Q: What makes a gathering truly memorable?

A great gathering is memorable if people find their way into their hearts through laughter, music, conversation, dancing—connection. It's a chance to explore our senses and explore a different side of ourselves for a few hours.

Q: What advice would you give someone overwhelmed by hosting?

Try to look at the gathering from a high level; how you want your friends to feel as they leave at the end of the evening. Send everyone a text before they arrive to tell them how excited you are to be together. Make a simple dinner, set the table early, set the nibbles out, chill the wine, put on the music and go get dressed.

A relaxed hostess makes the evening! And as we all know the point is to feel connected.

Q: Most memorable gathering?

Living in Napa Valley and in the wine business I have experienced some of the most incredible gatherings. One of my most memorable meals was Dinner in the Dark. Several courses, wine and conversation at a table of 8 friends in a completely dark room with 100 other people. I loved it!

To see more of Melinda’s seasonal menus, wine pairings, and beautifully gathered moments, follow @lorenzarose and @minzey on Instagram, or visit Lorenza Wine to explore the latest vintages. Feeling inspired to host your own gathering? Sign up for a free Partytrick account to discover curated event templates, expert hosting tips, and everything you need to bring your next gathering to life.