Sip on the Sunny Side

Warm weather not on your radar? Believe us, all it takes is one sip of the right wine to transport you. Our sun-soaked tasting has you basking in some of the world's best warm climate wines whilst learning their unique characteristics.

Bonus: Armchair travel at its tastiest.

Tasting for sun seekers: 

  • Rhone White Wine – Made from Roussanne, Marsanne and/or Viognier (possibly Bouboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc Picpoul, Pcardan or Muscat-Blanc too).  Waxy, plump, ripe fruit (honeysuckle, apricot), low acidIty, sometimes with aged in oak. 

  • Napa Chardonnay – (avoid cool climate Sonoma locations).  Gold color, stone-fruit, lemon crème, toasted hazelnut, honeyed almond. 

  • Napa Cabernet (or a blend with Merlot) – Dark, fruity with blackberries and cassis, baking spices, juicy, powerful, big. 

  • Australian Shiraz – Choose one from McClaren Vale or Barossa. Red plum, blackberry, exotic spices, meaty notes. 

  • Priorat or Montsant, Spain – Made from Grenache, Carignan and perhaps Cabernet, Syrah, Merlot. Blue and black fruits, powerful, herbal notes, baking spices (aged in oak). 

gary mendel