1. Stolpman Vineyards Uni White Ballard Canyon (shown below!)
- Producer: Stolpman Vineyards
- Region: Ballard Canyon, California
- Variety: Roussanne and Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13%
Over 20 years ago, Tom Stolpman, our Founding Partner, discovered a remarkable viticultural site on California’s Central Coast, ideal for growing Syrah and Roussanne. Nestled on a rare limestone outcropping and exposed to Pacific Ocean winds, this land is perfect for vine cultivation. We are dedicated to preserving this environment through conscious, dry farming and sustainable practices. In the winery, we emphasize native fermentation and minimal intervention. Our commitment to sensible farming and winemaking allows us to produce vibrant, site-specific wines that capture the unique character of Ballard Canyon AVA, California.
Roussanne is a rich, decadent white grape known for its intense, hedonistic flavors, but it often loses acidity by harvest. At Stolpman, they blend it with zesty Chardonnay to create a balanced wine with a refreshing finish. Their Uni white wine, first made in 2016 for the Uchi sushi group in Austin, Texas, combines the richness of Roussanne with the structure of Chardonnay, reminiscent of Santa Barbara's prized sea urchin. The 2022 vintage, with its cloudy appearance and tactile mouthfeel, offers notes of golden pineapple, white flowers, and Asian pear, balanced by lively acidity and a full-bodied texture.
2. Lorenza Picpoul Blanc Terra Alta (shown below!)
- Producer: Lorenza
- Region: Clements Hills-Lodi AVA, California
- Variety: Picpoul
- Alcohol: 11%
Lorenza was founded in 2008 by mother-daughter duo Melinda Kearney and Michèle Ouellet, inspired by their shared love of Provence rosé. With Melinda’s deep wine industry experience and Michèle’s global perspective from her modeling career, they set out to create intentional, dry rosé in California, reminiscent of the French wines they adored. Over time, they expanded their portfolio to include Picpoul Blanc and red wines like Cinsaut and Carignan, all crafted with Mediterranean influences. Lorenza wines are bright, fresh, and designed to complement everyday celebrations, reflecting their passion for food, wine, and family connection.
The 2023 Lorenza Picpoul Blanc, sourced from the organic Terra Alta Vineyard in Eastern Lodi's Clements Hills, marks the third vintage from this rare California grape, with only 33 acres planted statewide. It has a clear straw hue, offering aromas of lime zest, shale, and honey. The palate is viscous, featuring flavors of grapefruit, lemon meringue, and lime, balanced by savory hints of dried hay and finishing with a zingy acidity.
3. Lieu Dit Chenin Blanc (shown below!)
- Producer: Lieu Dit Winery
- Region: Santa Barbara, California
- Variety: Chenin Blanc
- Alcohol: 12.5%
Lieu Dit Winery focuses on three classic French grape varieties—Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc—to craft wines that are perfect for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions. Their winemaker, Justin Willet, a native of sunny Santa Barbara, California, brings his deep local knowledge to the craft, sourcing responsibly grown grapes from the region's hidden gems to produce consciously crafted wines that reflect the unique character of the area.
Chenin Blanc is the wine world's best-kept secret. Richer than Sauvignon Blanc yet incredibly light, it might just become your new favorite wine—you just haven't discovered it yet. Lieu Dit introduces you to the understated elegance of Chenin Blanc: simultaneously indulgent and refreshingly crisp.
Beloved by sommeliers and chefs for its versatility, Chenin Blanc pairs beautifully with a wide range of cuisines. For Lieu Dit Wines—and many other Chenin Blanc enthusiasts—it’s all about the texture. While the bright aromas are delightful, it’s the wine's captivating and satisfying mouthfeel that truly enchants.
4. Aphros "Ten" Loureiro (shown below!)
- Producer: Aphros
- Region: Vinho Verde, Portugal
- Variety: Loureiro
- Alcohol: 10%
Aphros Wines began at Casal do Paço, a traditional estate in the heart of the Lima Valley, known for its rich biodiversity and ideal terroir for viticulture. Originally a family retreat, the estate was nearly abandoned by the early 21st century. In 2004, Vasco Croft, deeply influenced by Rudolf Steiner's biodynamic principles, took on the challenge of revitalizing the farm. He restructured the vineyards, introduced chestnut orchards, and implemented biodynamic practices, including the use of special plant extracts to minimize copper treatments.
Inspired by a Buddhist monk and the potential of biodynamics in wine, Vasco began producing and bottling wine, leading to a growing demand worldwide. This success prompted the expansion of the estate with two additional Quintas and the construction of a new cellar in 2015. In 2023, Aphros Wines opened a visitor center to share their philosophy and connect with the public through cultural events, making the winery a hub for nature, arts, and community building.
Crafted from 100% Loureiro grapes, Aphros' 2023 Ten Loureiro white wine offers a refreshing taste of the Vinho Verde region. The grapes, harvested in early September, come from vineyards in the cooler, Atlantic-influenced Lima sub-region. This Loureiro expression is bright and lively, with citrus aromas of lemon and orange complemented by subtle white flower notes. A slight sweetness (around 5 grams per liter) balances the wine's crisp acidity, making it an easy and enjoyable drink. Aged for two months "sur lies" (on the lees), the wine develops a pleasing texture with a hint of creaminess. This minimal intervention approach allows the pure character of the Loureiro grape to shine, making Aphros Ten Loureiro an ideal pairing for seafood, light salads, or simply enjoying on a warm afternoon.