Alex Leader, owner of Leaderglass in Sonoma, has added glassblowing to the list of available experiences. Leader has been working as a glass artist since the 1990s and recently expanded his studio to accommodate corporate and private parties. Guests receive a demonstration and then make a piece of glass art (ornament, paperweight, cup, vase or bowl) to take with them as a keepsake. Talk about a cool souvenir!
He’s created wine glasses (“as a glassblower, that’s one of the techniques we’re always trying to master,” he says), lighting fixtures and art pieces, including some made from up-cycled wine bottles. Pieces are available at his studio.
Leader has also worked with local companies on a number of projects, including designing custom trophies for Sonoma Raceway and Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, and producing “smell jars” for Cairdean Estate. “They’re bell jars that are 16 inches in diameter, with a spout on the side that fits a wine barrel bung,” he says. “They’re used in a sensory experience: Aromatic elements [like lavender or tea leaves, for example] are placed under the jars, then wine tasters can take a deep whiff through the spout and try to match the smell to a wine’s aroma.”
