These California wines are perfect for a little nightcap or post-bedtime routine toast for Mom and Dad now that the family has a regular schedule again. Cheers to the amazing memories made during summer break, and to all of those upcoming this new school year.
Linne Calodo 2022 Problem Child, Paso Robles – Willow Creek District
Because we all have one – from time to time – or we have, ourselves, been one from time to time! This naughty Problem Child blend is primarily zippy Zinfandel but has a bit of Carignan, Mourvèdre and Syrah as well. It smells of cherry blossoms and chocolate and tastes of fruit leather, graham crackers, and even more gorgeous cherry. $88
Broken Earth 2019 Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon
Tailor-made to be served alongside a rich red meat dinner to celebrate a successful first week of school, this Paso Robles Cabernet has a bouquet of sweet cherries – maybe maraschino? – but then deepens exponentially on the palate with a blend of chocolate, leather, and tobacco. $30
Louis M Martini 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Louis Martini is known for making some of Napa Valley‘s finest Cabernets, so it is perfect to toast after a day of making all of those new-school-year parental decisions. Expect a fuller body with lovely notes of cassis, vanilla, cedar, and just a touch of black licorice. $55
ONEHOPE Vintner Collection Rosé
This refreshing rosé features a balance of crisp acidity and juicy fruit flavors, with notes of strawberry, watermelon, and citrus. After the busyness of back-to-school season, this California wine offers a relaxing and enjoyable way to unwind. Bonus: 10 percent of every bottle supports a nonprofit. $25
As the name suggests, it will cure what ails you after getting back into the routine of drop-offs, pick-ups, practices, and the workday. Dark chocolate and bright pomegranate meet in this balanced blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Syrah. But wait, there’s more! Expect notes of lavender, laurel, spearmint, and even a touch of smoky brisket, to boot. $65
Orin Swift Cellars 2022 Abstract
This is the perfect option to enjoy as the kids are working on back-to-school projects, especially those that involve anything artsy or crafty. Why? Abstract’s label is a collage of images and prints that winemaker Dave Phinney collated over the course of four years. It doesn’t hurt that it tastes of black plum, pepper, sweet blueberries, and dark chocolate either. $43
Capo Creek Winery’s Songwriter 2021, Zinfandel-Petit Sirah Blend
As summer transitions to cooler evenings, Songwriter 2021 is the ideal wine for unwinding while adjusting to the busy rhythm of the school year. With rich dark plum and raspberry flavors, finished with a subtle hint of caramel, this silky Zinfandel-Petit Sirah blend hits all the right notes. $85
While the kids are studying all things science, enjoy an experiment of your own with this electric bottle that assesses the theory that chalky tannins and bright acid make for ultra-drinkable wine. Spoiler alert: the experiment is a success, evidenced by every sip of this complex combination of pomegranate, rhubarb, and raspberries. $24
Ehlers Estate, 2021 Cabernet Franc
This is the ultimate bottle for those who want to go big or go home in all aspects of life. The nose is utterly unique, offering the surprisingly sensational combination ripe tomatoes and fruit-kissed oak. The palate is similarly special, pairing blackberry, additional oak, and spiced pepper to the sip. $80
Etude Winery 2020 Carneros Pinot Noir
This wine is perfect for parents with older kids – perhaps those going off to college – as it is youthful and vibrant, evoking memories of all those new school years prior. The red berry here is absolutely fantastic and well-balanced with just the right amount of pepper. $47
Merriam Vineyards 2021 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Very drinkable even without food, grab this bottle and gather fellow parents to enjoy a new school year happy hour together in style. It has really cool rose aromatics and a bright acidity upon tasting with welcome notes of cranberry and tart red currants. $38
Seghesio Family Vineyards 2022, Sonoma Zinfandel
All the plum and all the yum! For parents who covet the fruit snacks in their kids’ lunches, enjoy every sip of this adult take on fruity perfection with an insane blend ripe plum, blackberry, black currant, and cherry, balanced for the adult palate with just the right amount of baking spice. $26