This month’s theme:  “A Holiday Celebration of Gratitude" Finca Abril, Pie de Palo Malbec  |  Mendoza, Argentina; Red Wine, Malbec: Finca Abril is a winery that knows how to make a Malbec sing. Nestled in the heart of Mendoza, they harness the perfect combination of sun, soil, and elevation to create wines that are bold, rich, and incredibly smooth. Their Pie de Palo Malbec is the kind of wine that makes you sit up and take notice. We chose it because they’re not just about producing great wine—they’re about producing the best, and it shows in every glass. "Bold, velvety, and just plain delicious." Think ripe blackberries, juicy plums, and a hint of spice. Pair with steak, a hearty stew, or just good friends. It’s the perfect wine for a cozy December night. Tullia, Brut Prosecco di Treviso |  Veneto, Italy; Sparkling White Wine, Glera, Pinot Nero: Tullia is the Italian winemaker that’s all about fun, fizz, and feeling fabulous. They craft Prosecco that is sparkling in every sense—bubbly, effervescent, and full of personality. We picked Tullia because they’ve mastered the art of making every sip feel like a celebration. This is the bottle you’ll reach for when you want to add a little extra sparkle to your December. "Bubbly, crisp, and so much fun." Fresh apple, a little citrus zest, and delicate floral notes make it the life of any party. Pair with seafood, creamy pastas, or toast the season just because. It’s the perfect sparkle to light up December. Bodegas Santalba, Ermita San Felices Crianza Rioja | Rioja, Spain; Red Wine, Tempranillo, Grenache, Viura, Malvasia Riojana: Bodegas Santalba is a family-run gem that’s been making Rioja wines for generations. Their focus? Tradition with a twist. By blending old-school techniques with modern innovation, they’ve created a Crianza that embodies the true spirit of Rioja. We picked them because this wine is a perfect example of how they balance the rich history of the region with a contemporary, approachable style. Every sip tells a story. "Rich, toasty, and oh-so-satisfying." Ripe berries, a touch of vanilla, and just the right hint of oak. Pair with roasted lamb, hearty tapas, or cozy nights with good company. This one feels like a celebration of all things December. Gustav, Grüner Veltliner | Niederösterreich, Austria; White Wine, Grüner Veltliner: Gustav is all about precision. They craft wines with a sense of place that’s as refreshing as the Alpine air in Austria. This Grüner Veltliner is no exception. We picked Gustav because they know how to bring out the pure, vibrant flavors in their wines, creating something that’s both elegant and easy to enjoy. This wine is like a crisp mountain breeze—refreshing and unforgettable. "Zippy, fresh, and totally vibrant." Green apple, citrus, and a little hint of white pepper make it pop. It’s a dream with sushi, roasted veggies, or anything light and fresh. Perfect for balancing out the heaviness of holiday feasts. Clovis, Côtes du Rhône | Rhône Valley, France; Red Wine, Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan: Clovis is all about classic French style with a laid-back vibe. They craft wines that are easy to drink, but never easy to forget. We chose Clovis because they bring that quintessential Rhône flavor to life in a way that’s approachable yet sophisticated. It’s wine that makes you feel like you’re hanging out in the sun-drenched Rhône Valley, without leaving your couch. "Smooth, juicy, and just what you need." Red cherries, a little spice, and soft tannins make this one a crowd-pleaser. Pair with roasted veggies, a hearty stew, or even burgers. It’s cozy in all the best ways. Circa, Pinot Grigio 'Stelvin' | Veneto, Italy; White Wine, Pinot Grigio: Circa is all about making crisp, fresh, and refreshing wines that capture the essence of Italy. Their Pinot Grigio is the kind of wine that’s always in style—no frills, just pure, clean flavors that let the grapes shine. We picked Circa because they’re the masters of creating wines that are perfect for any occasion, and this one is no exception. "Light, crisp, and oh-so-refreshing." Pear, melon, and a hint of citrus make it effortlessly drinkable. Pair with chicken, creamy pastas, or a charcuterie board. It’s a white wine that’ll keep the party going all December. Gioventù, Chianti DOCG 'Organic' | Tuscany, Italy; Red Wine, Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo: Gioventù is the cool kid in the Chianti world. They’re all about organic farming and sustainable practices, but don’t think they sacrifice flavor for sustainability. Their Chianti is bright, juicy, and full of life. We picked Gioventù because they bring a fresh twist to the classic Chianti style, while staying true to the essence of Tuscany. "Bright, juicy, and unapologetically Italian." Red cherries, a touch of cranberry, and earthy herbal notes. Pair with pizza, pasta, or any dish that makes you crave Italy. It’s comfort food’s best friend this December. Erste & Neue, Gewürztraminer DOC |  Alto Adige, Italy; White Wine, Gewürztraminer: Erste & Neue are wine pioneers, creating wines that reflect the unique alpine climate of Alto Adige. Their Gewürztraminer is one-of-a-kind—bold, aromatic, and full of personality. We picked Erste & Neue because they combine old-world craftsmanship with a bold new vision. This wine is as memorable as your favorite holiday tradition. "Aromatic, exotic, and unforgettable." Rose petals, lychee, and a little spice bring this wine to life. Pair it with spicy dishes, Asian cuisine, or even blue cheese. It’s a total showstopper and the perfect way to elevate your December table.

November 2024: "Festive Vibes"

This month’s theme:  "Festive Air" Guess who our November Club Sommelier is? It's Gerri-Lynn Becker! At the age of 8, the wine bug bit Gerri-Lynn. It wasn’t the taste, or the sight of rolling vineyards, it was the simple aroma of fermenting grapes from her Italian neighbors’ garage. For 20 years, wineries, wine bars, tasting rooms and wine clubs have relied on Gerri-Lynn’s expertise to help build member-centric wine programs. From curating wines, building customer service centers and creating loyalty programs, to coordinating wine-themed events and wine country excursions, Gerri-Lynn has a wealth of experience and a keen sense of smell. And her favorite wine, always happens to be the one that is open. As the CEO of Gold Medal Wine Group and the visionary behind beloved wine clubs such as, Wine of the Month Club, and California Wine Club, she's got a knack for knowing exactly what people want to sip on. Trust us, she knows her wines!  Laurence et Rémi Dufaitre , Premices | Beaujolais-Villages, France; red, gamay:  “Laurence and Rémi Dufaitre are a husband-and-wife team breathing new life into the Beaujolais region. They're passionate about producing wines that are both traditional and innovative. Their commitment to sustainable farming practices and low-intervention winemaking ensures that their wines are pure expressions of the terroir. What sets them apart is their youthful energy and modern approach to winemaking, resulting in wines that are both elegant and approachable. ”Bursting with juicy red fruit flavors like ripe raspberries and cherries, it's a splash of summer in your glass. The berry and cherry flavors make this an easy pick for Thanksgiving, especially your Great Grandmother’s cranberry stuffing recipe! You'll also pick up hints of floral notes, adding a touch of elegance. This Beaujolais is incredibly easy-drinking with soft tannins and a refreshing acidity. This also works quite well with grilled salmon, or a charcuterie board with soft (but not stinky) cheeses.” – Gerri-Lynn Becker” — Molly Austad Gaspard, Chenin Blanc | Loire Valley, France; white, chenin blanc: “Gaspard, a true winemaking visionary from the heart of the Loire Valley, is crafting wines that are as unique as the region itself. With a deep-rooted passion for sustainable viticulture and a keen eye for detail, Gaspard is pushing the boundaries of traditional winemaking. His wines are a testament to the diversity of the Loire Valley, showcasing the region’s incredible range of grape varieties and terroir. “Gaspard's Chenin Blanc is a bright and refreshing white wine that's perfect for the changing seasons. It's bright and zesty with lemon-lime flavors and a hint of tropical fruit. It's the perfect pick-me-up, especially on those chilly fall days. You can pair this beauty with just about anything. Think roasted chicken, grilled fish and steamed shellfish. No matter what you're craving, this Chenin Blanc is the perfect pour.”— Gerri-Lynn Becker Les Vignerons D`Estezargues, Grandes Vignes Rouge | Occitania, France; red, cinsault grenache: When you think of wine, you might picture a lone winemaker tending to their vines. But sometimes, great things can happen when a community comes together. That’s the story of Les Vignerons d’Estézargues, a cooperative of passionate winemakers in the heart of the Languedoc region of France.What sets this cooperative apart is their dedication to preserving traditional winemaking techniques while embracing modern innovation. By pooling their resources and expertise, they’re able to produce wines that are both authentic and exceptional. “A taste of the French Riviera. It's dripping with juicy berries and a touch of floral notes – think raspberries fresh from the patch, sweet strawberries and a single wildflower tucked behind your ear. It's got this perfect balance, not too sweet, not too tannic, just right. Pair it with roast duck, savory braised meats of any kind and roasted root vegetables. Still craving barbecue? Try a sweet and spicy tangy sauce with this wine. Trust me, it'll elevate your meal to the next level.” – Gerri-Lynn Becker Chemins de Bassac, Roussanne | Languedoc, France; white, roussanne: “Imagine trading the bustling city life for a tranquil vineyard in the heart of the Languedoc. That’s exactly what Bruno and Thama Triguero did when they took over Chemins de Bassac. These former architects from Brazil brought a fresh perspective to this historic estate, infusing it with a vibrant energy and a commitment to organic and biodynamic practices. With every sip, you'll taste the fruits of their labor and the love they pour into each bottle. Whether you're cozying up by the fire or entertaining guests, this Roussanne is sure to impress! It's got these amazing flavors of peach and apricot, like a summery dream. But don't be fooled, it's not too sweet. It's got this crisp acidity that keeps things balanced, and a long, satisfying finish that'll leave you wanting more. Perfect for chilling by the fire with some pasta and cheese, or impressing your date night crew with a charcuterie board. It's also a total crowd-pleaser for dinner parties, whether you're serving up roasted chicken or a seafood feast.”— Gerri-Lynn Becker Rimbert, For Me Formidable | Saint Chinian, France; red, merlot: “Jean-Marie Rimbert is a winemaker who's not afraid to buck the trend. A true champion of the often-overlooked Carignan grape, he's revitalized this variety and shown the world its potential. With a hands-off approach to winemaking, Rimbert lets the natural character of the grape and the terroir shine through. His wines are a testament to his passion and commitment to producing authentic, terroir-driven wines that are both delicious and thought-provoking. A bold and beautiful Merlot from the Saint-Chinian region. It's got these dark, juicy flavors of blackberry and plum, and a spicy kick that adds some complexity. The tannins are pretty firm, giving it a serious structure. It's the kind of wine that's perfect for a cold winter night. The wine's rich fruit flavors complement with a juicy steak, a hearty beef stew, or even some spicy BBQ.”— Gerri-Lynn Becker Koppitsch, Dio | Burgenland, Austria; white, chardonnay: I “Alexander and Maria Koppitsch aren't just winemakers; they're guardians of a centuries-old tradition. With a deep-rooted commitment to biodynamic farming, they're redefining Austrian wine, one bottle at a time. They're deeply connected to their land, the beautiful Neusiedlersee region. Their wines are a love letter to this place, capturing its unique character in every sip. Every bottle tells a story – a story of tradition, innovation, and a whole lot of heart.  A Chardonnay that's out of this world, a true masterpiece. Juicy apple and pear flavors, with a citrusy twist and a mineral undertone. It's the perfect balance of rich and refreshing. The finish is long and complex, with a touch of oak that adds depth. Pair it with grilled seafood or a creamy risotto, or if you're feeling fancy, a big bowl of buttery popcorn! It's a versatile wine that's perfect for any occasion.” – Gerri-Lynn Becker Tire Pé, Vin Vite | Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France; red, merlot: “Tire Pé’s name is inspired by a local legend about some mischievous animals, which just goes to show that this chateau has a bit of personality. Located in the beautiful Gironde-sur-Dropt region, Tire Pé is all about sustainable winemaking. The Barrault family, the folks behind the magic, pour their hearts into crafting wines that truly represent their vineyards. Their wines are elegant, expressive, and full of character. They're like the cool, sophisticated friend you want to hang out with. This Bordeaux Merlot is a total crowd-pleaser and easy favorite. It's packed with juicy cherry and plum flavors, and it's got a smooth, velvety texture that's easy to drink. It's the perfect wine for a chill night in. Pair it with a hearty beef stew, or a juicy burger.” – Gerri-Lynn Becker  Marc Pesnot, Coeur de Raisin | Loire Valley, France; white, melon de bourgogne: “Marc Pesnot is a real wine geek, obsessed with showcasing the unique character of the Loire Valley. He’s a stickler for detail, tending to his vineyards with love and care. His gentle, traditional winemaking techniques let the grapes shine, creating wines that are both elegant and expressive. He’s fascinated by the different soil types in his vineyards, and he vinifies each one separately to highlight its unique qualities. It's like he’s unlocking the secrets of the earth, one bottle at a time. His wines are a true reflection of the Loire Valley’s incredible diversity, taking you on a geological journey with every sip. A melon of a wine – unique and delicious! This white wine is a bit of a hidden gem, with flavors of ripe melon, peach, and a hint of citrus. It's got a refreshing acidity that balances the sweetness, making it a perfect weeknight or pre party sipper. Pair it with grilled seafood or a light salad, or spice things up with some Asian cuisine or a charcuterie board.” – Gerri-Lynn Becker