Live Engraving at Harney Lane for TOAST! Weekend
Some events stay with you long after you pack up your table, and TOAST! Weekend at Harney Lane Winery was one of them. From the moment I arrived, Kelly and his wonderful team greeted me with such warmth and hospitality that I instantly felt at home. Fall in Lodi already has its own kind of magic, but pairing that with genuine kindness and beautiful wine made the entire experience feel extra special.
I spent two full days engraving live for guests, and by the end of the weekend, I had personalized close to 200 bottles and glasses, each one becoming a little keepsake for someone to take home.
A Warm, Welcoming Weekend
One thing about Harney Lane: their team treats you like family. Whether it was checking in on me, helping me get settled, or simply sharing a moment of laughter, they made the entire environment feel joyful, relaxed, and creatively energizing.
This event also gave me the chance to engrave beside wine barrels for the first time, which added the most charming, rustic touch to the entire setup. It felt like engraving at the heart of where the wine itself begins.
My Compact Setup (and Why I Love It)
One of the things I’ve refined over time is my compact and efficient engraving setup. Everything I bring is space-saving and designed to adapt to any venue layout. Especially high-traffic events like TOAST Weekend.
My table included items like:
My engraver and backup tips
Alcohol wipes for the inevitable cleanups
Stabilo pencils for when I need to write a quick rough draft before engraving
An acrylic storage holder to keep my engraver, backup tips and pens organized on the table
A compact carrying case that keeps everything organized
Because everything is streamlined, I can set up quickly, pivot with ease, and most importantly, stay fully present with each guest.
Interacting With Guests (The Very Best Part)
Harney Lane has some of the sweetest and most fun wine club members I’ve ever met. Truly. Everyone was kind, patient, excited, and full of personality.
Some guests brought bottles with very sentimental messages. Others wanted something playful or celebratory. I engraved everything from:
“Happy 50th Anniversary”
“Happily ever after”
“Merry Christmas,
“Cheers to New Beginnings”
“Eat, Drink, & Leave”
“Feliz Navidad”
Every interaction reminded me why I love live engraving so much. Guests shared stories about who the bottle was for, why the message mattered, or how long they’ve been part of the Harney Lane community. Those small conversations made the weekend feel especially heartwarming.
Three Things I Learned from TOAST! Weekend
1. Preparation is powerful.
With nearly 200 bottles engraved, having a well-stocked table and backup tools saved so much time. I created a master checklist that I use before each live engraving gig to ensure I pack and stock everything that I need.
2. Guests love being part of the process.
People lit up watching their bottles being engraved. Letting them peek over the table or share the story behind their message made the experience feel more intimate.
3. Having a reliable assistant makes everything smoother.
My husband helped pre-clean bottles, manage the workflow, and chat with guests. It showed me how valuable it is to have someone you trust by your side.
A Weekend to Remember
TOAST Weekend at Harney Lane reminded me why I do what I do. The people were kind, the energy was joyful, the environment was beautiful, and the creativity flowed from start to finish. And yes, I left with wine.
Thank you again to Kelly and the entire Harney Lane team for creating such a supportive, fun, and welcoming atmosphere. I’m excited to work with you again very soon — wink wink.
If you’re a winery, brand, or planner looking to bring live engraving or personalized calligraphy to your next event, I’d love to help bring your vision to life.
About the Artist
I’m Jairius, the calligrapher and engraver behind White Lotus Lettering — a modern calligraphy studio specializing in live engraving, luxury signage, and heirloom keepsakes for brides and brands. My work blends thoughtful design with meaningful detail, creating pieces that guests remember long after the celebration ends.
If you’re a bride, planner, or brand ready to elevate your next event with intentional, artful touches — I’d love to collaborate with you.
