california dreamin’

As a California 90s kid (80s babies, wya?), I grew up around Cabernet, Chardonnay and the neglected White Zinfandel. Though my mom only drank the occasional wine cooler on holidays, my dad is a long time fan of big reds. Being from Buffalo, NY, I kind of imagine that the Cabernet Sauvignon and grilled steak pairing was something of a California dream.

When family would visit from the east coast, we would take the hour and a half drive from Sacramento to Napa. Adults would wine taste, kids hung around awaiting to eat out, a break from the Thanksgiving leftovers that sat waiting at home. Our out of state family always looked forward to these trips to wine country, and as a kid I was just down for the ride. I knew there had to be something special about wine, specifically wine from California.

Fast-forward to the current day where wine is life. Wine tasting is no longer reserved for the weekends; and I’ve driven all over California for natural wine. These wines are a true expression of the California landscape; all made in reflection of the land. Tasting and learning about wines made in California gives me the sense of pride and comfort that I associate with home. Though there are many critiques about wines from California, and some I do agree with; the world of natural wine has blossomed here, and here I have never felt more at home.

By way of tastings and conversations with winemakers, I discover more about California. The people, winemaking styles, farming techniques and respect for the environment shape the new wave of California wine. By following along, you’ll get to know the stories behind the bottles, and the small producers at the heart of their inception. Natural wine is beyond the bottle and California is more than oaked Chardonnay and overblown Cabernet.

Are you ready to revisit California, naturally?

Cheers + love,

Nad