With all the amazing wine I get the opportunity to drink I thought it would be fun to share a running list of the most interesting, exciting and fun wines I’m crushing on at the moment. Hopefully, this will highlight some smaller, off the beaten path wines and introduce you to something new and fun! Happy reading!

Anaba Wines

Anaba Wines is a Sonoma Winery producing some of the most elegant, exciting Sonoma Pinot Noir Wines I’ve had in a while. It’s no surprise their amazing Winemaker Katy La Rue has a talent for beautiful, elegant wines that I adore. Read my interview with Winemaker Katy La Rue here.

Chev

Chev is the newest brand from Michael Browne (former Co-Founder of Kosta Browne) and also Winemaker behind CIRQ Wines. Chev Wines are just as beautiful as CIRQ coming from Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. These aren’t on the market yet but stay tuned as they become available for purchase soon! Read my interview with Winemaker Michael Browne here.

Chenoweth Wines

Chenoweth Wines is another Sonoma Wine producer who shared their wines with me and I immediately fell in love.  Each bottle had a unique flavor profile reflective of the vineyard and region of California it originated from. These are also well priced for the high-quality value.

Coursey Graves

One of the newest tasting rooms in downtown Healdsburg is Coursey Graves. After visiting this chic downtown tasting room and tasting with winemaker Cabell Coursey I immediately fell in love. The Pinot Noir & Chardonnay varietals were spectacular and they also offer a Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Cabell has quite an extensive winemaking history at well-known wineries such as Kosta-Browne, Dumol,  Flanagan Wines, as well as his own brand he currently makes wine for Works & Days in addition to Coursey Graves.  If you visit be sure to tell them The JSF sent you!  114 Mill Street, Healdsburg. 

Winemaker Cabell Coursey during our tasting at Coursey Graves tasting room.

Another brand from winemaker Cabell Coursey is Works & Days.  This Chardonnay is made in a totally different style than Coursey Graves, yet they’re both fabulous for Chardonnay lovers.

CIRQ

After a recent tasting with CIRQ Wines, led by Owner + Winemaker Michael Browne tasting their entire line up of vintages from CIRQ Wines it’s hard not to be obsessed with these Pinot Noir Wines. Stay tuned for a full blog post sharing all about the CIRQ Wine Tasting and what makes these wines so special both inside the bottle and out. Read my interview with Winemaker Michael Browne here.

Michael Browne hosting me on this incredible guided tasting. We literally tasted every single CIRQ Wines vintage and it was so so spectacular. Thanks, Michael for sharing these beautiful wines with me!

Donum Estate

Another brand I can’t stop thinking about and enjoying wines from is Donum Estate. Donum Estate is a Carneros Winery making some of the most fabulous Pinot Noir Wines in the region. Read more about their winery and their stunning Carneros Estates on the blog here.

Their Rose of Pinot Noir is absolutely lovely. I adore the soft pink color and the easy to drink, light and delicate flavors.

Talk about my dream tasting… And yes, I tasted all of these during my most recent visit to Donum Estate.

Mail Road Wines

These Santa Barbara Wines made by Matt Dees are beyond elegant, beautiful and exciting. I tasted them for the first time at Sta. Rita Wine & Fire weekend and immediately fell in love. If you know the name Matt Dees that’s because he’s also the winemaker for Jonata, The Hilt and Mail Road Wines.

The Hilt

Winemaker for The Hilt and Mail Road Wines Matt Dees. I’ve been enjoying his wines for a few years so was beyond thrilled to finally meet him in person.

Temperance Cellars

A winery which I just discovered from one of my favorite winery regions in California (Santa Barbara’s Wine Country) is Temperance Cellars.  Their Pinot Noir wines are beautiful with earthier, with an old-world style and amazing body, flavors, and tannins which I’m guessing will make this very great to age. As if the Pinot Noirs are not lovely enough, the Chardonnays are mind-blowing with both rich flavors, yet subtle stone flavors showcasing the terroir of each vineyard.  Learn more on their website here.

 Thanks to the above brands for hosting me for a complimentary visit or tasting and/or sharing wine samples with me to taste these wines. 

Trombetta Wines

Another winery I’ve recently discovered is Trombetta Wines. This family-owned gem is creating beautiful Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Rose Wines made by The Trombetta daughter, Winemaker Erica Stancliff. Learn more about Trombetta Wines here.