5 California Wines Under $30 You Should Always Have on Hand
When you hear “California wine,” do mass-produced, over-oaked vinos instantly come to mind? Same. That’s why we turned to a few of our favorite sommeliers for their expert recommendations—boy, did they deliver. Here, our five favorite affordable sippers that prove California’s just as hip and delicious as Oregon.
Piedrasassi, PS Syrah, Santa Barbara 2014
Winemaker Sashi Moorman makes some of the very best Syrah outside the Rhone Valley. In fact, we’d venture to say that in a blind taste test, most people would mistake this for a much pricier bottle. Save it for your next cookout: Dark cherry, blueberry and spice notes pair well with slow-roasted meat and grilled steak. - Michael Engelmann, Wine Director at The Modern
2016 QTR Chenin Blanc, Napa Valley, USA
Imagine a gorgeous midsummer evening, in vino form. Soft quince, honeysuckle and almond aromas linger long after you’re finished sipping. Try this bottle with crackers and soft, mild cheese—or better yet, ricotta gnocchi. - Daniel Pilkey, Head Sommelier at Maple & Ash
Liquid Farm 'Vogelzang Vineyard,' Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, CA 2016
When you have a bunch of friends over and need a bottle everyone will love, look no further than this pick. Hints of under-ripe strawberry, tart raspberry and lemon sorbet will delight even the biggest wine snob. And it’s so bright and refreshing, you can drink it all day. - Amy Racine, Wine Director at John Fraser Restaurant Associates
2015 Sandhi Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County
Generally, elegant Pinot Noir will break the bank, but this sipper is an exception to the rule. Full of nuance (think: fresh raspberry, cola and tobacco), it has a lovely, bright acidity and a long finish. Enjoy it with your go-to chicken dinner any night of the week. - Katie Owen, Wine Director, Winc Wines
2015 Onward Malvasia Bianca, Suisun Valley, CA
This Malvasia Bianca is intensely fruity and floral, while the palate is surprisingly clean and bone dry. And the best part? It was created by a badass female winemaker. Sip it with grilled veggies (like baby asparagus). - Kathryn Coker, Owner of Esters Wine Shop & Bar
