July 2025: Chill Reds & Summer Whites – Wines for the Heart of the Season
July Theme: Chill vs. Thrill – Summer Wines by Climate
July means peak summer: smoky grills, golden sunsets, and lazy, late-night hangs. This month, we curated a wine box that celebrates warm nights, cool glasses, and chill energy—whether you’re pairing with grilled salmon or spicy tacos, lounging poolside or hosting a backyard hang.
We’re bringing together the best of both worlds: cool-climate elegance and hot-climate ripeness, from the coastal hills of California to the Finger Lakes of New York. From Pinot Noirs that whisper to Cabs that roar, plus zesty whites and aged Rieslings that sing with food, July’s collection is sun-drenched and grill-ready.
So grab the corkscrew, queue up your favorite playlist, and let this month’s wines turn your summer meals into mini celebrations.
Presqu’ile, Pinot Noir 2021Santa Barbara County, California, USA – red; pinot noir (cool climate)A coastal Pinot that whispers rather than shouts. Presqu’ile brings Santa Barbara’s ocean-cooled elegance to life—fresh, floral, and effortlessly chill.Tasting Notes: Cranberry, pomegranate, and soft herbs with a silky finish.Pair With: Grilled salmon, beet salad, or herby roast chicken.Vibe: Salty air, dusky skies, and breezy evenings with friends.
Merriam Vineyards, “Diana’s Vineyard” Pinot Noir 2021Russian River Valley, California, USA – red; pinot noir (cool climate)From foggy mornings and sun-dappled afternoons comes this expressive Pinot. Polished and structured, with a deeper mood beneath the surface.Tasting Notes: Cherry liqueur, rose petal, and savory spice.Pair With: Duck breast, mushroom skewers, or grilled pork tenderloin.Vibe: Still ponds, layered conversation, and good jazz on vinyl.
Painted Fields, “Curse of Knowledge” Cabernet Sauvignon 2021Sierra Foothills, California, USA – red; cabernet sauvignon (hot climate)California Cab with attitude—brooding, bold, and ready for summer feasts.Tasting Notes: Dark currants, graphite, and mocha.Pair With: Grilled ribeye, smoked brisket, or portobello burgers.Vibe: Backyard swagger meets serious flavor.
Risk Winery, Old Vine Zinfandel 2021Lodi, California, USA – red; zinfandel (hot climate)Old vines, big vibes. Juicy, spiced, and crowd-pleasing, this Zin brings Lodi heat and ripe fruit in balance.Tasting Notes: Blackberry jam, black pepper, and baking spice.Pair With: BBQ chicken, baked beans, or grilled sausage pizza.Vibe: Paper plates, loud music, and second servings.
Risk Winery, Chardonnay 2022Lodi, California, USA – white; chardonnay (hot climate)A lush, golden-hour Chardonnay with tropical fruit and creamy charm.Tasting Notes: Pineapple, honeydew, and soft vanilla.Pair With: Lobster mac, grilled peaches, or buttery corn on the cob.Vibe: Sunset glow, flip-flops, and indulgence without apology.
Red Tail Ridge, “The Farmer’s Muse” Riesling 2016Finger Lakes, New York, USA – white; riesling (cool climate)Cool climate, cool confidence. This aged Riesling brings complexity and zip to the table.Tasting Notes: Lime zest, petrol, green apple, and lanolin.Pair With: Grilled sausages, spicy shrimp, or apple slaw.Vibe: Nerdy in the best way—smart, sharp, and food-loving.
707, Sauvignon Blanc 2023Sonoma County, California, USA – white; sauvignon blanc (hot climate)Bright, juicy, and practically made for patios—this Sauv Blanc bursts with tropical charm.Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, kiwi, and guava.Pair With: Fish tacos, grilled chicken, or spicy Thai salad.Vibe: Playlist on, sandals off, and sunshine everywhere.
Parker McCollum Wines, Sauvignon Blanc 2020El Dorado, California, USA – white; sauvignon blanc (cool climate)A crisper, leaner style with clean minerality and herbal lift—serious refreshment.Tasting Notes: Lemon peel, green apple, and lemongrass.Pair With: Grilled asparagus, chèvre crostini, or shrimp ceviche.Vibe: Linen shirts, clean lines, and crisp clarity.
June 2025: Grill Mates – Wines Made to Play with Fire
♨️ June Theme: Grill Season Wines – Made to Play with Fire
June’s Eater Wine Club box brought the heat—literally. From smoky reds to chill-ready whites, our June theme was all about wines that shine next to a grill. Consider this your delicious recap (or a reminder to grab a few leftovers while they last).
We’ve gathered wines with bold spirit, big flavor, and easy-sipping charm—from juicy Cabernets and classic Pinots to crisp, cool whites that cut through the heat. It’s a box that celebrates the great American cookout, with a little French flair and a whole lot of flavor.
So light the grill, pass the tongs, and pour something that can stand up to the sizzle.
2018 Phamus, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA, red; cabernet sauvignon| Napa power in a bottle — Phamus delivers classic structure and bold character with a smoky edge that’s begging for BBQ.Tasting Notes: Black cherry, vanilla, toasted oak, and a touch of cocoa.Pair With: Ribeye, portobello burgers, or grilled port ribs slathered in sauce.Vibe: Golden hour, grill tongs in one hand, glass in the other.
2019 Irvine & Roberts, ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir, Rogue Valley, Oregon, USA, red; pinot noir| Elegant but earthy — this Oregon Pinot brings bright acidity and soft tannins, perfect for balancing charred meats and flame-licked fare.Tasting Notes: Cherry, pomegranate, forest floor, and a hint of spice.Pair With: Grilled salmon, lamb skewers, or mushroom kebabs.Vibe: Long twilight dinners and linen napkins on the picnic table.
2018 Chasing Rain, Red Blend, Red Mountain, Washington, USA, red; red blend| A plush, dark-fruited blend with rich texture and serious BBQ potential. Chasing Rain brings Washington heat to your glass.Tasting Notes: Blackberry, mocha, plum, and baking spice.Pair With: Smoked brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, or grilled eggplant stacks.Vibe: Slow-cooked Sundays with a blues playlist.
NV Story Vintners, Select Zinfandel, Sierra Foothills, California, USA, red; zinfandel| Old-school Zin with modern charm — jammy, punchy, and made for bold food and bold moods.Tasting Notes: Raspberry jam, cracked pepper, cinnamon spice.Pair With: Sticky BBQ ribs, sausage with peppers, or grilled pizza.Vibe: Loud laughter, loud flavors, and nights that go late.
2022 Irvine & Roberts, Estate Chardonnay, Rogue Valley, Oregon, USA, white; chardonnay| Cool-climate class — this estate Chardonnay is crisp and refined with a kiss of oak. Grill-friendly without being too heavy.Tasting Notes: Lemon curd, white peach, and toasty almond.Pair With: Grilled chicken thighs, corn on the cob, or seafood skewers.Vibe: Breezy patios and fresh-out-of-the-garden meals.
2022 Côtes et Mer, Blanc Sec, IGP Côtes de Gascogne, France, white; blend| French freshness at its best — this dry white cuts through grilled fare with zingy citrus and herbal snap.Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, green apple, fennel, and sea breeze minerality.Pair With: Grilled veggies, goat cheese, or shrimp tacos.Vibe: Picnics by the sea, linen shirts, and sunshine.
2023 Fulcrum Wines, Madman White, North Coast, California, USA, white; white blend| Wildly refreshing and totally crushable, this aromatic white blend brings brightness to any grill session.Tasting Notes: Stone fruit, lemon blossom, and a kiss of salinity.Pair With: Spicy chicken wings, grilled peaches, or Thai slaw.Vibe: Backyard chaos, clinking glasses, and pure summer joy.
2022 Stuhlmuller Estate, Chardonnay, Alexander Valley, California, USA, white; chardonnay| Rich, round, and California classic — this Chardonnay has the texture to match buttery grilled corn and roasted mains.Tasting Notes: Pineapple, baked apple, vanilla, and subtle oak.Pair With: Lobster tails, charred corn salad, or roast chicken over coals.Vibe: A full table under string lights with seconds all around.
Missed June’s box?No worries—grill season is still going strong, and we’ve got more bottles on deck for July. But if you spot any of these on the shelf, grab them while they last. They’ll bring the fire, all summer long.