If you enjoy US wines, you’re probably familiar with a wine you love from California. Luckily, September is California Wine Month, and we couldn’t be more excited! California accounts for over 90% of US wine production, and we have plenty of bottles in-store for you to try. Take a trip with us out West, and see what some of our favorite producers are currently churning out of California.
FIELD RECORDINGS DRY HOPPED PET NAT
This wine is such a unique cross between beer and wine. Not a beer drinker? Don’t fret. This amazing Petillant Naturel from San Luis Obispo County is a unique take on a popular style. Made from 100% Chardonnay and undergoing a secondary fermentation in the bottle, this wine is alive! It's eccentric by way of being dry hopped with Mosaic, Citra, and Amarillo hop varieties. Expect big, zesty notes of lemon pith and fresh baked bread. The hops bring notes of bright tropical citrus, spice and beautiful earthy, pine-oil. Truly a unique and enjoyable gem. $22.99; available at Krog
PAX VERMENTINO
Pax Wines are part of the old guard of California purveyors of natural, biodynamic, sustainably produced, small-batch wines. When the couple moved to California, they focused in on Syrah, but have since expanded into cool, Old World varietals. This white is a Vermentino, which hails from the coastal region of Sardinia, Italy. It's the perfect seafood wine - think oysters on the half shell, lemon curd, and salinity. The weightiness feels like a fresh slice of key lime meringue on a hot day. $31.99; available at Krog
VILLA CREEK CELLARS CHERRY HOUSE ROSE
We've highlighted this winery before and for good reason. Villa Creek Cellars is the definition of natural wine out of Paso Robles. So much so, that half of the duo, JoAnn, is on the board for CCOF, or California Certified Organic Farmers. Falling in love with their parcel in Paso Robles, Cherry House is a dedicated line of wines that are in tune with the environment. This rosé is anything but shy. Mostly comprising of Grenache, expect bold flavors of macerated strawberries and watermelon candies, with juicy and bright acidity, and a long and pleasant finish. You’ll want to revisit this rosé regardless of season. $19.99; available at West End & Fayetteville
BROC CELLARS LOVE RED
When haven’t we raved about Broc Cellars? A Bay-Area winery based in Berkeley, Broc is a mainstay in many of our stores because of their quality and affordability. Winemaker and owner, Chris Brockway, found that California wine was leaning too ‘big’, so he set about crafting the perfect chillable red. A carefully calculated hodgepodge of Old World grapes, Love Red tastes as bright and joyous as it’ll make you feel. Expect blue fruits with lovely spiced, herbaceous qualities that make it lively and expressive. We love this wine! $24.99; available at Krog & West End
UPWELL PINOT NOIR
Upwell is a really cool collaboration born from Cœur Wine Company and California’s small, but very talented winemakers. Their goal is to make amazing, revisit-worthy, high-quality, sustainably produced wines - all under a price point of $20! This California Pinot is wildly approachable. Expect light, juicy red fruits with the influence of oak. It pairs easily with dinner-fare, and is inviting without being pretentious. Tastes even better at a table shared with friends. $16.99; available at Krog & West End
