Robb Report

We asked winemaker Kurtis Ogasawara about the most underrated wine regions and the best wine region to visit. His response? Japan is an underrated and exciting wine region, where passionate winemakers are experimenting with native varieties and pushing boundaries. Meanwhile, Napa Valley is his top destination for wine lovers, as it is his homebase, offering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. #houseofrobb #wine #napavalley #japanesewine

“One watch that’s probably the holiest grail I’ve held was John Lennon’s Patek Philippe 2499.” At House of Robb San Francisco, Eric Wind recounts holding one of the most iconic and valuable watches in history: John Lennon’s Patek Philippe 2499, retailed by Tiffany & Co. and gifted to him by Yoko Ono. He describes the profound experience of wearing the watch, noting the worn leather strap and stretched pin buckle, which bore the marks of Lennon’s use. Recently involved in a high-profile court case, the watch was returned to Yoko Ono and the estate. Wind believes that if it were to go to auction, it could fetch an estimated $40 to $50 million.

“So she’s definitely my style icon. And she’s given me confidence as a tall woman to really just, like, love my height. It’s one of my favorite things about myself.” At House of Robb San Francisco, WNBA L.A. Sparks forward Cameron Brink opens up about the challenges of finding stylish, well-fitted clothing as a tall woman, crediting her mother for playing a pivotal role in helping her embrace her height and personal style. Brink shared that her mom hasn’t just inspired her fashion sense but has also given her practical tips, like how to find clothes and shoes that actually work for her height. That support has been a game-changer, helping Brink feel confident both on and off the court. For her, style isn’t just about looking good—it’s a reflection of self-esteem and empowerment.

“We wanted some power. We wanted elegance and finesse. We wanted intensity of fruit. We wanted freshness.” At House of Robb San Francisco, winemaker Kurtis Ogasawara sheds light on the intricate process of creating a standout wine, emphasizing the delicate balance of power, elegance, finesse, and freshness. He highlights three key varieties used in Ode to Soul: Cabernet Sauvignon for its structure and power, Cabernet Franc for its aromatic finesse and fragrance, and Petite Bordeaux, which, despite being only 1% of the blend, adds a crucial complexity and harmony to the wine. Ogasawara calls that 1% the “kiss at the end,” transforming the wine into something truly special. cc: Robert Mondavi Winery.

“At the heart of Ode to Soul is paying homage—to the land, the vines, and those who came before us.” At House of Robb San Francisco, Asani Swann, MBA and Carmelo Anthony took us through the inspiration behind their wine Ode to Soul, sharing its deep-rooted connection to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville. Guests gained a deeper appreciation for the wine’s story with a stand-and-sip moment, tasting the expressive Cabernet blend while immersing themselves in its rich history and craftsmanship. More: bit.ly/3CUbgul cc: Robert Mondavi Winery.

At House of Robb San Francisco, we had the pleasure of partnering with A. Lange & Söhne, who showcased some of their most exceptional timepieces. Among the highlights: the Zeitwerk, a mechanical masterpiece with a fully digital display, and the iconic Lange 1, known for its asymmetric dial and signature outsized date. For those looking to experience these timepieces firsthand, A. Lange & Söhne’s San Francisco boutique, which opened last year, is located at 140 Geary Street near Union Square.

Coffee futures have surged to an unprecedented $4.30 per pound, marking a 13-day streak of record-breaking highs, according to reports from coffee-news website Sprudge. This represents a more than 7% increase in just over a week, driven by a combination of climate change, reduced output, low global supply, and the threat of tariffs. Brazilian producers, who account for about half of the world’s Arabica coffee, are also contributing to the spike by holding back unsold stock as prices continue to climb. With 85% of Brazil’s coffee already sold, the remaining 15% is being strategically withheld, further tightening supply. #CoffeePrices #Commodities #Inflation

NBA All-Star Weekend just got even more elevated. House of Robb San Francisco is bringing together some of the biggest names in basketball, fashion, art, and wine for an exclusive penthouse retreat on February 14. Featuring Eric Wind, Brent Faiyaz, Cameron Brink, Gardy St. Fleur, Wilson Chandler, Carmelo Anthony, Asani Swann, MBA, and Kurtis Ogasawara, the event will dive into the intersection of luxury, culture, and influence. We’ll be sharing exclusive content from the panels, luxury tastings, and premium offerings from The Vault, Robb Report’s editor-curated shopping experience. Stay tuned for more.

Private-school tuition in the U.S. has soared to unprecedented levels, with annual costs for day schools hitting a record $49,284—a 7.4 percent increase from the previous year, according to a recent report by S&P Global Ratings. Inflation, rising material costs, and teacher salary adjustments are driving the surge, pushing schools to pass on expenses to families. Despite the steep prices, demand for private education continues to grow, with 60% of schools seeing enrollment increases in 2024. To fund infrastructure upgrades and other projects, private schools have increasingly turned to municipal bonds, issuing over $800 million in 2023 alone. These investments aim to modernize facilities and make campuses more appealing to prospective families, even as the cost of admission reaches historic highs. But as costs climb, will families start exploring alternatives like vouchers or public schools? #EducationNews #PrivateSchools #InflationImpact #EnrollmentTrends

Ahead of the season three premiere of "The White Season," we asked top designers, travel advisers, jewelers, chefs, and sommeliers—plus a casting director, a mafia expert, and even a former mobster—to take a turn in the showrunner’s chair.