Another very popular pour at the Santa Barbara wine event was the always crowd-pleasing 19 Crimes Red Blend . This Australian favorite stands out thanks to its bold personality and unique twist—it’s aged in rum barrels, giving it a warm, slightly sweet depth that makes every sip interesting. This wine is rich, smooth, and full of character, with just enough edge to feel adventurous without being overwhelming. The rum-barrel aging adds a subtle spice and warmth that makes it f

Another lovely pour from the Santa Barbara wine event was the Kendall-Jackson Unoaked Chardonnay , a refreshing option for those who prefer their Chardonnay without the influence of oak. This wine is bright, clean, and pure, allowing the natural fruit flavors of the grape to shine through. Without the buttery or vanilla notes that come from oak aging, this Chardonnay feels crisp and lively, making it especially appealing to drinkers who enjoy a lighter, more refreshing style

Another standout from the Santa Barbara wine event was the Edna Valley Chardonnay 2023 , a wine that immediately impressed with both its elegance and balance. This Chardonnay opens with inviting notes of apricot and pineapple, followed by a gentle hint of cinnamon that adds warmth and character. What truly makes this wine shine is its beautifully blended acidity—it’s crisp without being sharp, smooth without feeling heavy. Each sip feels bright, refreshing, and thoughtfully c

While attending a wine tasting event in beautiful Santa Barbara, California, we were poured an absolutely delightful Chardonnay called The Magistrate —and it instantly stood out from the crowd. At just $11.99, this wine is truly a smart investment. It delivers far more than you’d expect at this price point, making it a wonderful option for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions. The label is what first catches your eye. With its clever, legal-themed design, The Magistr

Another memorable pour at the Austin wine event was 19 Crimes “The Mummy” Chardonnay . Retailing at $9.95 , this is a full-bodied Chardonnay  with bold fruity flavors and a vanilla finish  that definitely makes a statement. What really sets this wine apart is the experience. With a 16% alcohol content , it’s a powerful sip—one that’s best enjoyed slowly and in smaller pours. A fun bonus is the QR code on the bottle , which brings the mummy to life when scanned. This makes it

Another great pour at the Austin wine event was Hahn Chardonnay 2023 , and this one truly stood out as an affordable gem. Retailing at just $10.98 , it delivers a beautifully balanced blend of bright citrus, smooth vanilla, and gentle oak . This Chardonnay is versatile and food-friendly, making it a great pairing for scallops, pasta, or fresh salads . It’s approachable, well-rounded, and easy to enjoy—perfect for both everyday sipping and casual entertaining. If you’re lookin

Also served at the Austin wine event was the perfectly themed “Love Is Wine” Chardonnay , made by Cupcake Vineyards  in collaboration with Netflix and the hit show Love Is Blind . This bottle is as fun as it is flavorful—and yes, you just might fall in love  with it. This Chardonnay is creamy and buttery , with lovely hints of apple and apricot  that make it smooth, approachable, and easy to enjoy. It’s comforting without being heavy, and clearly designed to appeal to a wide

Also poured at the Austin wine event was Chloe Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 , a California wine that made a strong impression. This Cabernet delivers a bold, rich flavor  with notes of black cherry, ripe plum, and dark chocolate , finished with subtle hints of roasted coffee  that add depth and warmth. Smooth yet expressive, this is a wine that feels both approachable and indulgent—easy to enjoy while still offering plenty of character. The bottle itself is beautiful, making it an

While attending a wine event in Austin, TX , the hostess offered a great variety of wines, and one that really stood out was Intercept Chardonnay 2021  from the Charles Woodson Collection  in Monterey, California . As a former NFL Hall of Fame cornerback, Woodson’s football legacy clearly inspired the name—and the concept behind this wine. This Chardonnay is well-rounded and polished , making it an easy and enjoyable sip for a wide range of palates. It feels thoughtfully craf

Another fun and memorable pour at the Sacramento wine event was Witness Mark Chardonnay 2021 . This California gem, retailing at $14.99 , delivers a bright and refreshing flavor profile with notes of lemongrass, nectarine, and fresh ginger —a unique and lively combination that really stands out. Beyond the taste, the label steals the show . It’s clever, playful, and instantly sparks conversation, making it a perfect bottle to bring to a friend—especially as a tongue-in-cheek

At the Sacramento wine event, another standout was Shannon Ridge Chardonnay  from the High Elevation Collection  in Lake County, California . This Chardonnay offers a warm, inviting flavor profile with notes of baked pear, yellow apple, cinnamon, orange peel, and vanilla cream , creating a rich yet approachable experience. Smooth and comforting, this wine feels versatile enough for both casual evenings and more formal gatherings. The regal-looking label  adds an elegant touch

Also poured at the Sacramento wine tasting event was Butternut Chardonnay  from the Miller Family Wine Company . Retailing at $12.30 , this is a full-bodied, well-balanced Chardonnay that leans into a richer style. The flavor profile features pear and apple cobbler , giving it a warm, baked-fruit character that many Chardonnay fans enjoy. While this particular blend wasn’t a personal favorite for me, I can absolutely see the appeal for those who prefer a richer, slightly swee

At the Sacramento wine tasting event, one of the most eye-catching and fun bottles was Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon – 60th Anniversary Grateful Dead Edition . The artwork on this bottle is absolutely stunning, making it a collectible as much as a wine. But it’s not just a pretty label—the Cabernet itself delivers a bold and enjoyable California flavor , rich with dark fruits and smooth tannins. Perfect for casual sipping, entertaining friends, or celebrating a milestone in

🍷 Sacramento Wine Tasting Highlight: Folly of the Beast Chardonnay 2019  🍷 Another intriguing pour at the Sacramento wine tasting was Folly of the Beast Chardonnay 2019 , a well-balanced and elegant California Chardonnay that impresses both in flavor and presentation. On the palate, it delivers the classic Chardonnay experience—smooth, layered, and refined—while its unique artwork by Hunter Patrick  adds a whimsical, artistic touch, featuring a striking whale theme that mak

At a lively wine tasting party in Sacramento, CA , the hostess offered a variety of wines to suit all palates, and one standout was Angeline Vineyards Chardonnay . This wine impressed with its balanced combination of apple, pear, and tropical fruit flavors , making it a crowd-pleaser for every guest. Smooth and approachable, it’s a Chardonnay that feels elegant yet friendly—perfect for sharing at a gathering or enjoying on a quiet evening. The label itself is beautiful, addin

At the Nashville wine tasting event, I had the pleasure of trying Diora Monterey Chardonnay , a wine that combines bright citrus notes with a gentle oak influence  for a charming, well-balanced experience on the palate. Crisp, refreshing, and smooth, this Chardonnay captures the essence of Monterey’s coastal terroir, making it perfect for both casual sipping and pairing with light dishes. Retailing at $14.99 , Diora offers excellent quality at a reasonable price—a delightful

Also sampled at the Nashville wine event was “The Oak” Chardonnay  from the California Landscape Series , and this one truly stood out as a great value wine. As the name suggests, it delivers a lovely oak presence, but in a subtle and well-balanced way. This Chardonnay offers an abundance of fruit , complemented by a gentle touch of French oak  that adds depth without overpowering the palate. It’s smooth, approachable, and easy to enjoy—perfect for both casual sipping and pai

Also poured at the Nashville wine event was Bougie Chardonnay 2019 , a high-class wine from California’s Central Coast  that definitely lives up to its name. This Chardonnay brings a polished, elevated feel while still being fun and approachable. Smooth and well-structured, Bougie Chardonnay pairs beautifully with meaty fish like halibut or cod , making it a great option for a seafood-focused dinner or special meal. It’s the kind of wine that feels intentional and stylish wit

Another great introduction at the Nashville wine event was Tilia Chardonnay 2024 , a wine made with organic grapes , making it a nice choice for all the “healthier” wine enthusiasts in the room. It was refreshing to see an organic option that didn’t sacrifice flavor or quality. This Chardonnay is clean, approachable, and easy to enjoy—perfect for sipping at an event or bringing home for everyday enjoyment. It offers a smooth, balanced profile that appeals to a wide range of p

At a lively wine event in Nashville, TN , surrounded by a fun atmosphere and plenty of character, one wine really stood out: Costières de Nîmes by Mary Taylor , a fantastic red from France . This wine felt perfectly at home in Music City, especially alongside the hearty steaks the local cowboys love. Rich yet approachable, this red pairs beautifully with grilled meats, bringing out bold flavors without overpowering the meal. It’s the kind of wine that feels both rustic and re