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.
May 2025: From Coast to Coast – A Celebration of American Winemaking
This month’s Eater Wine Club collection is a coast-to-coast tribute to American winemakers who pour their hearts into every bottle. From California’s sun-soaked valleys to New York’s cool-climate hills, these wines come from wild-hearted vineyards and passionate producers who believe that great wine begins in the soil and ends at a table surrounded by friends.