From Napa vintages to evergreen scents, a look back at our Q4 engagement events.
At Highstreet, we’ve learned that a remote culture is only as strong as the time you spend away from the “to-do” list. This past quarter, we hosted four virtual employee engagement events designed to let everyone exhale, get a little creative, and enjoy each other without an agenda.
The Tasting Room: From Central Coast to Napa Valley
We bookended the season with two very different wine experiences.
The first event featured Carolyn and Ross Bentley of Just Enough Wine. They walked us through California’s Central Coast, proving that a mini-can can hold a lot of flavor—especially when paired with the right snacks. The Brut Bubbles paired with dates and toasted almonds was a favorite. While the “poolside-ready” Rosé was a contender, the Red Blend was the clear favorite of the night.
Later in the quarter, we headed to Napa Valley (virtually) with Dana Forsyth from One Hope Winery. Beyond the tasting, Dana shared some practical tips—like using Sparkling Brut as a margarita floater—which Highstreet’s Mark put to the test. We also learned that skipping added sulfites is the secret to avoiding the post-tasting headache. When the final poll went out, the Cabernet Sauvignon won by a landslide.
The Creative Studio: Cakes, Centerpieces, and a Puppy
When we weren’t tasting wine, we were testing our hands-on skills with some festive DIY.
The Evergreen Arrangement workshop started with a simple oath: Have fun. As we built our centerpieces, the conversation stayed light, touching on memories of past Highstreet events. However, the highlight of the hour was undoubtedly Highstreet’s new mascot—Ally’s new puppy, Griffin. Griffin immediately became the star of the session.
Finally, we tested our icing skills with a Holiday Cake Decorating class. Everything we needed arrived on our doorsteps, from the 6-inch cakes to the seasonal buttercream. While there was plenty of talent on display, Kim took home the top prize. With some expert help from her daughter, Makayla, they put together a gnome-themed cake that was easily the most creative of the day.
Why Virtual Employee Engagement is Central to Our Culture
It’s easy to get buried in the year-end rush, but Highstreet is built on the people behind the screens. Whether we’re debating wine notes or failing to get our frosting just right, these events are where we actually get to know each other.
We’ve found that the best work happens when you have a real relationship with your team. These sessions aren’t just about wine or cakes—they’re about making a remote company feel a lot less remote.
