California Sipping on a Winter's Day

Six Sensational Wines from Mendocino, Napa, Paso Robles, and Sonoma

Freezing. Frigid. Frosty. What can I say about this very cold New York City winter that hasn’t already been said? Staten Island Chuck, our scrappy local groundhog, has predicted an early spring, but it can’t come soon enough. Thankfully, temperatures are milder this week, but I still plan on escaping to warmer and sunnier locales via my wineglass.

A few days ago, I hosted a California Dreaming wine tasting at The Cornell Club-New York and showcased six sensational sips from Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and Mendocino. According to the Wine Institute, California produces 81% of the wine in the U.S. and is the world’s 4th largest producer. But it’s not just about volume; the quality and diversity of California wines are astounding. Here are the six wines I selected for California Dreaming. (Note: Vintages may differ from those currently available on the winery websites.)

Ballentine Vineyards Sparkling Malvasia Bianca, Betty’s Vineyard 2022
Napa Valley, $55

The Malvasia Bianca grape was first mentioned in Italian literature in the 1600s and arrived in California with Italian immigrants. Ballentine’s traditional method Malvasia Bianca is festive and refreshing with vibrant flavors of stone fruit, green apples, Meyer lemon, and freshly baked bread. A really pretty bubbly!

Ballentine Vineyards Chenin Blanc, Betty’s Vineyard 2022
Napa Valley, $35

Chenin Blanc’s roots are in France’s Loire Valley, but Ballentine is Napa Valley’s largest grower of this elegant white grape variety. Chenin Blanc can be made in various styles, and this stellar expression from Ballentine is dry but fruity. Lively acidity adds some oomph to its fresh citrus, ripe pear, and lemon curd flavors.

Bonterra Organic Estates ‘The Roost’ Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2022
Mendocino, $35

Chardonnay is the Golden State’s most planted white grape variety, but there are infinite styles. Bonterra’s expression from their Blue Heron Vineyard perfectly balances richness and freshness. Juicy and luscious with a hint of sea breezes, The Roost is a sip of sunshine from the largest winery to achieve the rigorous Regenerative Organic Certified status. 

Gundlach Bundschu Dry Gewürztraminer 2023
Sonoma Valley, $29

Founded in 1858, Gundlach Bundschu is California's oldest family-owned winery. Gewürztraminer was one of the original varieties planted by German immigrant Jacob Gundlach. This aromatic, spicy, sultry, and tropical white wine from Gundlach Bundschu's Regenerative Organic Certified® Rhinefarm Estate is a delicious tribute to his legacy. 

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘S.L.V.’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Napa Valley, $250

In 1976, Napa Valley reached icon status when the region's Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon triumphed over French wines in the legendary Judgment of Paris blind tasting. The winning red was 1973 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon -- a bottle of that history-making wine resides in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. The grapes for the 2021 S.L.V. were sourced from the revered S.L.V. vineyard, which was first planted in 1970. A bold, complex, and regal red. 

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery ‘ISOSCELES’ 2021
Paso Robles, $85

Inspired by the First Growth producers of Bordeaux, JUSTIN ISOSCELES 2021 is a charming blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Isosceles is JUSTIN's flagship wine and one of the ambassadors for the powerhouse Paso Robles wine region. And if you're planning a trip to Paso Robles, which I heartily recommend, enjoy a bottle of ISOSCELESwith a gourmet meal at the Michelin-starred RESTAURANT at JUSTIN. 

Upcoming Appearances

Charleston Wine + Food Festival
March 5-9

I’m looking forward to heading back to the Holy City for one of my favorite festivals. I'll lead two sold-out seminars at the Charleston Wine + Food Festival — Around the World with Pinot Noir and the United States of Sparkling.

Rhode Island Wine Experience
March 27-30

I can’t believe that I’ve never been to Providence! I’m excited about participating in the inaugural Rhode Island Wine Experience and being on the Women in Wine panel on March 29.

The Wines of New York State at Astor Center
May 9

As a native New Yorker, I am so proud of the beautiful wines produced in the Empire State. From the Finger Lakes to the North Fork, I’ll lead an in-depth tasting of some of New York's most exciting wines.