Memorial Day Weekend with Legends, Legacy—and Legendary Wine
- Gregory Cellars
- May 27
- 8 min read
This Memorial Day, I want to raise a glass to my sister Val and brother-in-law Brian—not just for their military service, but for the way they continue to serve our family and community with open hearts and unwavering support. Their Las Vegas home is always the place to be, especially during holiday weekends, when it transforms into a vibrant mix of fine wine, beautiful art, and nonstop family fun. Whether they’re pouring a spectacular bottle of Hundred Acre, Del Dotto, Quintessa, or TOR, or welcoming us with open arms, they remind me what true hospitality looks like.
Val and Brian are both U.S. Army veterans and are admired leaders in the Las Vegas community—but to me, they’re the generous hosts who turn every gathering into a memory. Their home is practically an art museum, filled with incredible Wyland pieces and creativity around every corner. And let’s not forget the entertainment provided by all six grandchildren splashing in the pool like a synchronized swim team gone rogue! It’s chaos, it’s joy, and it’s exactly the kind of energy that pairs perfectly with a world-class Cabernet and the laughter of people you love. This is also always a welcoming place for Annie and Lucy, when I have to travel solo.
Val and I grew up on the wide-open plains of South Dakota, where hard work and creative fun went hand in hand. From an early age, she was already impressively focused—emasculating wheat for agricultural research like a future scientist, while I was dragging and painting the local ballfields until they looked like Wrigley on opening day. We spent countless hours at the gym, always chasing the next pickup basketball game, and we’d sneak into "The Barn" on the South Dakota State University campus whenever we got the chance—pretending we were students of the game, even if we were still in middle school. Later in my high school and college years, there’s no forgetting the late-night pickup truck rides, dodging snowbanks and garbage cans like they were cones on a slalom course. Or those makeshift car races out by the gravel pits—where victory was as much about speed as it was about nerve. Those were the early laps in a lifetime of memories, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Every Memorial Day, I try to slow down, reflect, and savor something meaningful—with a great glass of wine in hand and my dogs, Annie and Lucy, by my side. This year, that reflection took a slightly different form. As we we had beef brisquit all weekend and then lounged at my sister Val’s house, two exceptional bottles made their way to the table—each linked to a coach or competitor whose legacy stretches far beyond the scoreboard. We opened Phil Mickelson’s favorite: the 2019 TOR Black Magic, and sister Val sent me home with Coach K’s go-to: the 2010 Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Two wines. Two icons. And an unforgettable tribute to excellence. With that, I raise another glass of wine that echoe the energy of our youth -- those long days on the field, diamond, gym floor, ice arena, or track with my sisters, Valerie Lynn and Martha Elizabeth (as my dad called them when there were runners on second and third in the bottom of the seventh and either one of them were up to bat), and the unforgettable coaches who pushed us, shaped us, and believed in us. Like a great wine, their lessons have only deepened with time.
Pairing: Wine + Coaching Wisdom
Let your Memorial Day toast reflect something deeper:
Barolo: For legacy built over decades.
Chablis: For clarity and precision.
Côte-Rôtie: For fire and finesse.
Pinot Noir: For emotional intelligence and resilience.
Etna Rosso: For the bold who rise from the ashes.
The Coaching Mindset Meets the Cult Cellar
There’s something poetic about pairing great wine with great leadership. The best wines, like the best coaches, are all about vision, patience, and precision under pressure. They don’t show their greatness right away. They evolve. They demand respect. And when it all comes together, you taste something unforgettable. Let’s break down these two world-class wines, and the enigmatic men who love them like a coach game planning on a Sunday.
Phil Mickelson + 2019 TOR Black Magic
Phil’s been described as a magician with a wedge and a master of the mental game. His wine of choice? TOR Black Magic, a secretive, limited-production Napa Cabernet that mirrors his style: bold, elusive, and unforgettable.
Tasting the 2019 TOR Black Magic:
Color: Inky purple with dense saturation.
Nose: Black currants, cocoa powder, espresso, and crushed violets.
Palate: Power and polish. Ripe black fruit, graphite, smoky oak, and a long, sinuous finish with tension and finesse.
This wine doesn’t just show off—it stalks the palate like a player lining up a 50-foot eagle putt. It’s cerebral and explosive. Phil might drain putts from improbable angles, but this wine proves he also knows how to select the perfect Napa stunner for a big moment.
Coach K + 2010 Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K) is synonymous with legacy. Five NCAA championships. Countless Olympic golds. And a reputation for building champions on and off the court. So, it’s fitting that his favorite bottle is one of Napa’s true crown jewels: Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2010 vintage is a masterclass in power and structure—a wine that speaks softly but leaves a lasting impression. Thank you Brian and Val to introducing me! Absolutely loved this one.
Tasting the 2010 Bryant Family:
Color: Deep garnet, bricking just slightly at the rim.
Nose: Cassis, cedar box, graphite, aged leather, and baking spices.
Palate: Elegance in motion. Silky tannins, dried dark fruit, and a profound minerality that lingers like a coach’s last words in a huddle.
Coach K doesn’t chase the spotlight—he builds systems that stand the test of time. This wine reflects that: not flashy, but elite. Every sip feels like a lesson in patience and grace under pressure.
This past Memorial Day weekend was about more than just food and wine—it was about making memories with my twin grandsons, Luke and Liam. We packed our days with nonstop adventure: swimming with Annie and Lucy, high-speed thrills at K-1 racing, competitive rounds of atomic golf and pickleball, and even some serious lifting sessions in the home gym. We cooled off at the water park and took in the natural beauty of the Colorado River by kayak. Through it all, Grandpa made sure the boys were well fueled with world-class breakfasts every morning—because nothing says love like strawberry pancakes, extra crispy hashbrowns, sausage, ham, and grilled cheese egg sandwiches.
Other notable coaches with their favorite wines that align with their personalities and legacy.
Bill Belichick – Château Lafite Rothschild (Pauillac, Bordeaux)
Why it fits: Quiet. Legendary. Ruthlessly consistent. Lafite is Belichick in a bottle—structured, serious, and built for the long game.Pairing: A classic Bordeaux blend, aged to perfection—best sipped while watching game tape with your dog snoring next to you.
Steve Kerr – Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast (e.g., Littorai or Hirsch Vineyards)
Why it fits: Zen, balance, finesse—Kerr’s coaching style (and roots in the Pacific Northwest) align with elegant, expressive Pinot Noir. Dog-friendly tip: These cooler-climate vineyards are some of the most dog-welcoming spots in California.
Deion Sanders (Coach Prime) – Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville, Napa)
Why it fits: Flash meets substance. Prime Time wouldn’t sip anything less than iconic, rare, and headline-worthy. Screaming Eagle is bold, luxurious, and unapologetically elite. Tasting vibe: Pop it with a showstopper BBQ spread and a crowd of fans—fur and human.
Nick Saban – Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet
Why it fits: Dependable, high-quality, and classic—Silver Oak is the Bama dynasty in a bottle. Structured and always on point.Pairing: Game-day ribs with a serious wine glass in hand.
Gregg Popovich – Santa Cruz Mountains Syrah (e.g., Rhys, Big Basin)
Why it fits: Pop is famously a wine nerd—he even built a cellar at the Spurs' practice facility. He’s into under-the-radar wines with depth and personality. Cool-climate Syrah from Santa Cruz is thoughtful, spicy, and a bit unconventional—like his coaching philosophy. Dog-loving note: Many of these wineries are laid-back and perfect for wine-lovers with leashes in tow.
Dan Campbell – Zinfandel (e.g., Ridge or Turley)
Why it fits: Raw power, full throttle, and unfiltered passion—Zinfandel is bite-your-face-off football in a bottle. Dan Campbell would drink a Zin that growls back. Pairing: Grilled meat, big laughs, and a pit bull pup by your side.
Pat Summitt – Barolo (Italy – Nebbiolo)
Legacy: The winningest NCAA D-I basketball coach when she retired, Pat Summitt was grit, leadership, and class all rolled into one. Wine match: Barolo—serious, structured, age-worthy, and commanding. This “king of wines” is actually a queen in this context. Tasting vibe: Sip with reverence. This is a wine that demands your full attention—just like Pat did.
Jill Ellis – Chablis (Premier Cru or Grand Cru – Chardonnay from Burgundy)
Legacy: Two-time World Cup winner as USWNT head coach, Ellis built dynasties with strategy and cool-headed resolve. Wine match: Chablis—precision, minerality, and elegance. It’s Chardonnay with steel in its spine. Pairing: Oysters, grilled chicken, or post-match poise. Serve chilled and sharp.
Karch Kiraly (coaches the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team) – Etna Rosso (Nerello Mascalese – Sicily)
Legacy: A rare coaching mind who adapts with humility. His leadership of women’s volleyball has been globally dominant. Wine match: Etna Rosso—volcanic soil, energy, and elegance in one glass. Athletic and cerebral. Pairing: Charred veggies, grilled fish, and a huddle around the campfire with your setter pup.
Becky Hammon – Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley (Oregon)
Legacy: Groundbreaking NBA assistant coach, now a WNBA champion as head coach. Quiet power and steady vision. Wine match: Oregon Pinot Noir—layered, transparent, and driven by place. It doesn’t shout. It leads. Tasting tip: Take it slow. Let it unfold like a perfectly executed pick-and-roll.
Geno Auriemma (honorable inclusion as a major supporter of women’s basketball) – Super Tuscan (Tuscany – e.g., Tignanello, Sassicaia)
Legacy: Architect of the UConn dynasty, mentor of countless greats. Elegant, expressive, and commanding. Wine match: Super Tuscan—traditional roots with an experimental twist. Structured, polished, and powerful.
Final Whistle (and Wagging Tail)
If you’re building a cellar or planning a celebration, take a cue from greatness:
Pick wines with meaning.
Trust the long game.
Celebrate what endures.
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