Now is the time to plan for upcoming celebrations like graduation parties, bridal dinners, and alfresco Memorial Day feasts before spring slips away. Stock up on these vibrant wines that pair with lighter seasonal fare –– and know that we’ve culled the tried, true, and taste-tested!

Aperture Cellars

Winemaker-owner Jesse Katz crafts expressive, award-winning wines from Sonoma County’s finest cool-climate Bordeaux varietal vineyard sites. Katz was recently in Houston hosting an Aperture wine dinner at Osso & Kristalla. He, along with Aperture partner Jim Crane, a Houstonian who owns the Houston Astros, held the dinner to celebrate the new wine releases and the opening of baseball season. The vibrant 2024 chenin blanc and the complex 2024 barrel-fermented sauvignon blanc are must-have whites for the season. Toss in the silky 2022 Aperture Bordeaux red blend and intense 2022 cabernet sauvignon along with loaded charcuterie and cheese platters, and you’re ready for any occasion. If visiting wine country, don’t miss the Aperture estate tasting room, an architectural wonder designed to capture natural light like a camera aperture. This, in honor of Jesse’s father Andy Katz, a famous American photographer whose atmospheric photos grace every Aperture Cellars label.

 

Arkenstone

This family-owned winery perched high on Napa Valley’s Howell Mountain, just released its 2022 Arkenstone Estate Blanc, a blend of sauvignon blanc and sémillon aged in oak and concrete vessels. With ripe fruits, chalky mineral and vibrant acidity underscored by lime blossoms, apricot and citrus, it’s a sommelier favorite. Also just released: the luscious 2019 Arkenstone Reserve Sauvignon Blanc. Pair the white wines with a lump crab and avocado salad.

 

Dry Creek Vineyard

Located in Sonoma County, this historic, charming winery is ideal for bridal receptions and weddings. The winery produces a large array of popular and affordable wines including several sauvignon blancs, chardonnay, a dry chenin blanc, and classic reds like zinfandel and petite sirah. The stainless steel fermented 2023 Chenin Blanc from grapes grown in the Clarksburg appellation is wonderfully food friendly. Anticipate lively acidity and flavor notes of peach, grapefruit, jasmine and lemon curd. Sip it with fresh oysters, a vegan dish, goat cheese, or just about anything.

 

Edio Vineyards

Edio Vineyards produces bright Alpine wines made from high-elevation grapes grown in El Dorado County, California. The winery showcases Rhone varietals as well as a sparkling chenin blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir and more. The Edio 2023 Mourvèdre is an irresistible red with notes of clove, cinnamon and chocolate with a juicy finish. Serve it with a spice grilled chicken, pork tenderloin or cauliflower steak with Romesco sauce.

 

Ehlers Estate

Since its establishment in 1886, Ehlers Estate Winery has been known for its historic legacy and for making top-notch organically grown Napa Valley wines. But the brand goes deeper than that. The winery is owned by the Leducq Charitable Trust, a foundation that supports cardiovascular research through the profits generated from the estate’s wine sales. Winemaker Adam Casto crafts several cabernet sauvignons, in addition to the Sylviane Estate Blanc, a Portrait Red Blend, and one of the few cabernet francs in the Napa Valley. The must-have 2021 Cabernet Franc is fresh with notes of red rose and crushed tomato leading to silky tannins and flavors of ripe blackberry and hints of paprika and dried herb. Savor it with succulent roasted meats like lamb with rosemary.

 

Frank Family Vineyards

Frank Family Vineyards has built a devoted following in Napa and beyond. At the heart of its success is the Carneros chardonnay, a popular restaurant wine and one of the Top Ten Wine Values of 2024 by Wine Spectator. The silky textured 2023 Frank Family Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay brims with Meyer lemon and yellow apples, integrated with guava aromas and notes of vanilla and baking spice. Pair it with buttery scallops or creamy asparagus and pea risotto.

 

Heath Sparkling Wines

The spring pairing menu is out at this popular Fredericksburg, Texas, winery. Sweet and savory small bites complement each of the winery’s sparkling wines, which are produced in the traditional method. Start with the Blanc de Blancs and potato pavé with arugula, potato, yogurt soup. After two more courses, end with Adoration and Viking Chow composed of dairy free dark chocolate with hickory sea salt and chocolate covered Kuhlman almonds. Shop for all wines HERE.

 

Merryvale Vineyards

Here are some special Napa Valley wines for a special occasion. Classic Burgundian techniques were used in the production of the 2022 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast. Fresh and vibrant, the wine offers aromas of lemon curd, and Golden Delicious apple with medium richness, while the natural acidity shines through making it a great food wine. Its medium-bodied 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is fragrant with layers of tobacco, cassis, dried herbs and leather. Fire up the grill and sear some rib eye steaks and vegetables!

 

Obsession Symphony

Made from the rare symphony grape (a crossing of Muscat of Alexandria grown in California and grenache gris), this wine boasts an aromatic bouquet of gardenia, honeysuckle and star jasmine met by tropical fruit and honey notes. Take the pretty bottle with an easy screw top to your next gathering. It pairs perfectly with sushi, spicy dumplings and Thai green curry.

 

Patz & Hall

This family-owned winery in Sonoma Valley is well known for its iconic pinot noir and chardonnay. They also produce a 2017 North Coast brut sparkling that’s perfect for celebratory spring gatherings. The 2022 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a top-tier expression of its region – think buttery brioche, orange spritz, peach and Bosque pear along with minerality and succulent acidity. Sip it with crab cakes or tropical fruit salad with toasted almonds.

 

Ram’s Gate Winery

The year 2021 was a remarkable vintage for pinot noir and chardonnay in Carneros and the second year of wine made at Ram’s Gate with certified organic farming practices. The 2021 Ram’s Gate Estate Pinot Noir exhibits layered complexity and concentrated fruit sourced from 30-year-old vines. Anticipate earthy, forest floor flavors and baking spice characteristics with ripe cherry and plum nuances. Try it with mushroom pasta or crisp seared salmon.

 

Rombauer Vineyards

From chardonnay, to zinfandel, Barbera, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon, this California winery produces a wide array of varietals. Its 2022 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir is medium-bodied but rich and hits the spot with grilled salmon or light meats. For something lighter, the Rombauer 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is tangy and refreshing. Sip it with tomato-goat cheese salad topped with herbed croutons or perhaps gazpacho.

 

Stewart Cellars

Stewart Cellars is a multi-generational, family-owned and operated winery that began producing wine in 2000. While CEO Caroline Stewart Gutherie is based in the Napa Valley now, she is a native Houstonian. Her husband, Blair, produces a variety of cabernet sauvignons and pinot noir, as well as Sonoma Mountain rosé, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, and a remarkable Stewart Cellars 2021 Napa Valley Tartan Red Blend. Pair Tartan with venison backstrap and blackberry sauce.

 

Trapiche Argentina

Wines from Argentina are still affordable, like the Trapiche 2023 Oak Cask Malbec (yes, $10!). Anticipate intense violet hues and a fruity aroma with notes of plums and cherries along with a round palate and earthy accent. Pour it with Angus burgers topped with Gruyere cheese or grilled fajitas.

Insider Tip:

Alto Luxury Rideshare

For a safe, clean and comfortable ride after imbibing, consider ALTO. Specials this season include Alto Happy Hours where reward members get triple the reward points when they ride from 3-6 p.m. on weekends and all-day Sunday. Also, ALTO members get perks through June like free bubbles and dessert at Houston’s Tavola Italian Restaurant and $100 credit at Goodsmith. In Dallas, free dessert is offered at Written by the Seasons.

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Cover photo courtesy Aperture Cellars

Robin Barr Sussman ([email protected]) is a freelance culinary and travel writer who studied at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, Calif. As a chef for Sonoma County wineries, her specialty was food and wine pairing. Sussman is a columnist for Houston Modern Luxury Magazine, Prime Living and Houston House & Home. Her work also appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s and Private Clubs Magazine.