Courtesy of Dave Bryant (aka "D2")

When you think of Yale a few things come to mind, the rich educational history, alumni that include five presidents, forty-five cabinet members, over five-hundred members of congress, and Handsome Dan, Yale’s bulldog mascot.

The fact that they own an entire building in the middle of New York City shouldn’t surprise you. The, “impressive 22-story neoclassical clubhouse and 11,000 members, The Yale Club of New York City is unquestionably the largest private club in the world.” So what would happen when select members of the Napa Valley Vintners invaded NYC and held an event at the club? Pandemonium! Well, not exactly…

Some were young recent graduates discovering wine for the first time, and others had expansive cellars that could pay my salary with a few bottles of first growth Bordeaux. One common theme, everyone loved wine and had a great time tasting some of Napa’s finest wineries. Crushpad showcased wines from commerce clients, vineyard designates, and even a barrel sample of 2009 Cabernet. We were met with open arms and plenty of interest in making their very own barrel of wine.

Who knows, maybe the next president (or member of congress who gets caught in an awkward photo) will be a winemaker with Crushpad.