With Earth Day just around the corner (April 22), let’s raise a glass to Mother Earth with these 15 mighty delicious sustainable California wines.
ONEHOPE Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker Mary Coyle is a leader making insanely flavorful and balanced wines while remaining wholly certified organic. Of the many beautiful bottles from which to choose, this Cab is perfect for cooler nights with its bold berries on the nose that melt into floral and chocolate to the taste. $85
2022 Flowers Sonoma Coast Rosé
This buzzy, happy bottle (featured image, top of page) is a love letter to the best flavors in ripe strawberries, grapefruit and watermelon. It comes alive on nose and keeps the party going well into sipping thanks to its gorgeous minerality. Bonus: the 2023 vintage will come available in coming weeks as well, and it is just as stunning. $40
Sullivan Rutherford Estate 2021 Coeur de Vigne
A nod to Old-World wines of the highest regard but with New-World touches that take it over the top, enjoy every sip of this stunning varietal, a magical blend of red and black fruits, dark chocolate and a touch of a savory richness that lingers on the palate. $100
Signorello Estate Hope’s Chardonnay 2020
Mango and pineapple lovers, unite! A modern expression of California Chardonnay, the two fruits are ever-present on the nose of this wine. To the taste, expect a bit of oak but also orange and a gentle acidity to join the fun. $100
Sonoma-Cutrer Rosé of Pinot Noir 2022
A Russian River Valley icon, this female-led winemaking team has another winner on its hands with this pretty pink pleaser. Every sip offers notes of summer strawberries, watermelon, rose and citrus. $20
Pedroncelli 2022 Giovanni & Giulia Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc fans will smile when the familiar fragrances of grass and peach emanate from this bottle. Certainly, the palate will be pleased as well with every refreshingly crisp sip and slightly honey finish. $22
This bottle of California wine was made for patios, pools and outdoor parties. Refreshing and lightly zesty, there are nearly endless layers of aromas and flavors here, notably spring flowers, lime, granny smith apples, peach, guava and even jasmine. $30
2021 Skipstone Faultline Vineyard
Winemaker Laura Jones is a magician with vines and ever-so precise in everything she crafts–this California wine being no exception. Blue fruits – especially boysenberries – are front and center in this blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, but there are also sneaky delicious notes of espresso, flowers and an array of lovely spices in every sip. $225
Cass 2021 Late Harvest Roussanne
Mmmmm…marzipan. The sweet treat is balanced beautifully in this bottle with complementing flavors of honey, orange blossoms and Meyer lemons. There is more zest in it than one would think, which makes it extra special. $29
2021 Cliff Lede “Rhythm” Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District
A stunning new release from the Napa innovator, though red, the wine smells like spring thanks to its enchanting mix of floral notes. When tasting it, expect black fruit aplenty, but also baking spice and a touch of anise, all balanced with an ultra-long finish. $125
Saini Vineyards 2023 Chenin Blanc
Honey and almond and chamomile, oh my! A trio of dreamy aromatics dominate the nose in this sustainable sipper, each followed by a vibrant finish that is longer than one might expect. $27
Only available in limited quantities, this blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre is a celebration of the best of each varietal, especially the Syrah. There are bold berries – hello, raspberry! – but also saucy spice and even a kiss of oak and leather for balance. $55
Clif Family 2022 Unoaked Chardonnay
Too busy for a tropical vacation? This bottle will transport all of its drinkers to island time with its epic explosion of tropical fruit on the nose and to the taste. And do not sleep on it for brunch this summer or spring. $38
A limited-edition vintage, this California wine comes from a vineyard on an ancient seabed that is today high on a hill. It is bold with spice that is ever-so-nice. $45
Davies 2021 Goorgian Vineyards Pinot Noir
It is hard to choose which is more alluring – the fragrance or the flavor. It is a tie – a true tie. What a wow on both levels. On the nose, there is a burst of plum and cranberry, but also some blueberry and even baking spices. Then, to the taste, cherry somehow fits into the mix as does tart rhubarb pie and some chocolate. $80