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The holidays are over, and January can feel a bit…well, light. But that doesn’t mean your drinks have to be! We’ve got a selection of delicious options that are perfect for those seeking lighter libations to brighten your month.

ButterLight Chardonnay: California Sunshine in a Glass

Looking for a lighter take on your favorite Chardonnay? Look no further than ButterLight Chardonnay. Made with California grapes, this delightful wine boasts 40% less alcohol and nearly a third fewer calories than its traditional counterpart. ButterLight offers a bright and creamy taste with a refreshing zing of tangy lemon mousse balanced by buttery, vanilla shortbread crumbles. It’s the perfect easy-drinking Chardonnay to enjoy any day of the week.

Clean Crafted Cocktails: The Alcohol-Free Revolution

Clean & Co. is at the forefront of the alcohol-free beverage movement, offering a range of spirits designed to be mixed just like their classic counterparts.

• Clean G: Enjoy the refreshing taste of a Gin & Tonic with all the botanical notes you love – juniper, lemon, orange, grapefruit – without the alcohol. Clean G is crafted with high-quality ingredients for a delicious and guilt-free experience.
• Clean W: Craving a smooth Old Fashioned but want to skip the hangover? Clean W delivers the rich flavors of oak, vanilla, spice, fresh apple, and fig, providing the perfect base for an alcohol-free twist on this classic cocktail.
• Clean T: Transport yourself to paradise with a Clean T Margarita. This spirit boasts notes of green agave, olive, sweet melon, black pepper, and cedarwood, replicating the refreshing taste of a traditional margarita, minus the alcohol. 

 

Bravazzi Sparkling Sodas: A Taste of Italy in Every Sip

For those seeking a bubbly and slightly boozy option, Bravazzi is a great choice. Inspired by Italian sodas, Bravazzi boasts crisp bubbles, full flavors, and all-natural ingredients. Available in four flavors:

• Peach: A delightful blend of juicy peach and a touch of lemon for a perfectly balanced sweetness.
• Blood Orange: A burst of citrus with a bold and delightful character.
• Limonata: The clean, crisp taste of lemon with a touch of natural sweetness for a refreshing experience.
• Mango: Escape to a tropical paradise with every sip of this refreshing mango drink with a hint of lime.

So ditch the January blues and lighten up your month with these delicious and refreshing options!

The holidays are just around the corner, and we’re ready to help you stock up on some truly remarkable choices for your shelves and gatherings. This December, we’re bringing a line-up that sparkles, sips, and pairs perfectly with the season’s celebrations! From elegant champagne to festive spritzes, here’s the ultimate list to wrap up the year in style.

Pol Roger Brut Champagne

Kick off the festivities with a classic! Pol Roger Brut is the champagne that suits every occasion. Blending pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay from 30 different crus, this bottle is the definition of finesse. Four years of aging bring out complex layers with a harmonious balance, making every sip a celebration. Whether you’re toasting to a great year or just enjoying a quiet evening, Pol Roger has you covered.

Fun Tip: Pair this beauty with oysters, caviar, or a holiday charcuterie board for an elevated experience!

Revana Cabernet Sauvignon

If you’re looking to add a bit of Napa Valley opulence, Revana’s 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is as bold as it is luxurious. This wine combines flavors from iconic single-vineyard sites in St. Helena, Oak Knoll, and Atlas Peak, bringing the rich, fruity notes cabernet lovers adore. Sustainable practices make this bottle a standout that customers can feel good about drinking.

Perfect Pairing: Ideal with roasted meats or hearty winter dishes. It’s that warm hug in a glass we all crave during the holidays.

Alexana ‘Hillsides’ Pinot Gris & Terroir Series Pinot Noir

For white wine enthusiasts, Alexana’s 2023 ‘Hillsides’ Pinot Gris brings crisp, complex flavors with just the right amount of freshness. And for pinot noir fans, Alexana’s 2022 Terroir Series Pinot Noir delivers a silky, elegant finish that’s perfect for December dinners. Each bottle captures the essence of the Willamette Valley, thanks to unique vineyard blocks and careful barrel selection.

Why They’re Special: These wines are like a mini Oregon getaway! Recommend them to anyone looking to experience the Pacific Northwest in a bottle.

Zonin Prosecco & Zonin Coastal Lemon Spritz

Ready to add a bubbly boost to any gathering? Zonin Prosecco, with its crisp and refreshing character, is a perfect pick for toasts, appetizers, or just a casual glass. If you’re looking to mix it up, try the Zonin Coastal Lemon Spritz. Inspired by Italian limoncello, this spritz brings bold lemon flavors with a refreshing effervescence that transports you straight to the Amalfi Coast.

Serving Suggestion: Serve the lemon spritz over ice for that extra pop of flavor—it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.

Raspberry Sparkletini

Here’s one for those who love a fruity, fizzy twist. The Raspberry Sparkletini is the #1 imported flavored sparkling in the U.S., with a playful yet sophisticated raspberry taste. Ideal for low-key gatherings or as a deliciously light alternative to traditional cocktails.

Best Enjoyed With: Perfect on its own, or served with chocolate desserts for a decadent pairing.

Verdi Spumante

End the year on a high note with Verdi Spumante, a naturally sparkling beverage that’s both refreshing and versatile. This Italian import has a zesty, fruity profile, perfect for those who like their bubbles with a twist.

Why It’s a Hit: This sparkling option is approachable and fun—ideal for adding a little sparkle to any celebration!

Stock up on these December delights and let the good times roll. Whether you’re helping customers find the perfect wine for their holiday table, or setting up a sparkling display for New Year’s Eve, these selections promise to make December a month to remember! Cheers to the season!

 

The Wente family’s story begins in the late 19th century when German immigrants settled in the Livermore Valley. George Wente, a visionary entrepreneur, recognized the potential of the region for grape growing and established Wente Vineyards in 1883.

A Legacy of Innovation

The Wente family has been at the forefront of American viticulture for generations. One of their most significant achievements was the introduction of the first Chardonnay clone to California in 1912. Today, over 75% of California’s Chardonnay vines are grafted from this original clone, making Wente a key player in the popularity of this beloved grape variety.

A Focus on Quality and Diversity

Wente Vineyards is renowned for producing high-quality wines from a variety of grape varieties. Their Livermore Valley estate offers ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, while their Arroyo Seco vineyards specialize in Pinot Noir.

Exploring Wente’s Flagship Wines

Let’s dive into two of Wente’s most celebrated wines:

• Morning Fog Chardonnay: This beautifully balanced Chardonnay showcases the bright, citrusy flavors characteristic of the Central Coast region. With its aromatic notes of green apple, toasty oak, and vanilla, it offers a refreshing and complex experience.
• Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon: A quintessential example of a well-made California Cabernet, the Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon offers rich flavors of blackberry, cassis, and black cherry, complemented by notes of oak and spice.

 

Key Features of the Morning Fog Chardonnay

• Aromas: Citrus, green apple, toasty oak, vanilla
• Taste: Balanced acidity, lingering minerality
• Composition: 95% Chardonnay, 5% Gewürztraminer
• Aging: 50% barrel fermented in neutral American oak barrels, 50% fermented in stainless steel tanks

 

Key Features of the Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon

• Aromas: Blackberry, cassis, black cherry, oak, spice
• Taste: Balanced tannins, well-integrated oak
• Composition: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petite Sirah, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec
• Aging: Various wine components fermented separately in stainless steel tanks

Pairing Suggestions

• Morning Fog Chardonnay: Pairs well with seafood, poultry, or light pasta dishes.
• Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon: A versatile wine that complements grilled meats, hearty stews, or pasta dishes.

Wente Vineyards Morning Fog Chardonnay and Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon offer a delightful exploration of the Central Coast region’s winemaking expertise. As you savor these exceptional wines, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and pioneering spirit that have made Wente a beloved name in American viticulture.

California Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned worldwide for its rich, complex flavors and velvety tannins. This iconic red wine grape thrives in the state’s diverse climate and soil conditions, producing wines that range from bold and powerful to elegant and refined.

Featured California Cabernets

Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Vineyard: A blend of fruit from Coombsville and other cool sites in Napa Valley.

Tasting Notes: Delicate violet notes, dark fruit (black currant, briary blackberry), forest botanicals, leafy tobacco, graphite, toasted spice.

Pairing Suggestions: This wine’s versatility makes it suitable for a variety of foods. Try it with grilled steak, roasted lamb, or hearty pasta dishes.

San Simeon Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles

Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot.

Tasting Notes: Aromas of baking spices, vanilla, ripe dark fruits; flavors of blackberry, ripe plum, cocoa, and cedar.

Pairing Suggestions: This wine is a great match for hard cheeses, charcuterie, and rich cuts of red meat. Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic are a particularly good pairing.

Line 39 Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes: Rich fruit flavors of currant, blackberry, ripe plum, and hints of black tea.

Awards: Gold Medal at the 2023 Critic’s Challenge International Wine Competition (92 points); Double Gold Medal at the 2020 Sunset International Wine Competition (95 points).

Sustainability: Line 39 is committed to sustainable winemaking practices, including using environmentally friendly farming methods and reducing their carbon footprint.

Why California Cabernet Sauvignon?

• Diverse Terroir: California’s diverse climate and soil conditions allow for the production of a wide range of Cabernet Sauvignon styles.
• Exceptional Quality: California Cabernet Sauvignon consistently ranks among the best in the world, earning numerous awards and accolades.
• Versatility: From bold and powerful to elegant and refined, California Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with a variety of foods.