Northern California
If You Only Have Time for the Class 6 BX
These wines are regularly stocked and represent great value. Grab them when you see them.
| Wine | Varietal / Region | Notes | Taste | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Hope Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Sauvignon / Paso Robles (Central Coast) | Paso Robles icon: structured, balanced, terroir-driven. A boutique label regularly stocked | Bold, Smooth, Vanilla | ~$25–30 |
| Ridge "Three Valleys" | Zinfandel blend / Sonoma | Premium Zinfandel blend — elegant and structured | Fruity, Spicy, Balanced | ~$30–35 |
| La Crema | Chardonnay / Sonoma | Crisp, cool-climate, coastal style | Light, Cherry, Silky | ~$25–30 |
| Bonanza | Cabernet Sauvignon | An Ode to California wine. Created by the same family that makes Caymus (a top notch Napa winery) | Juicy, Soft, Chocolatey | ~$25–30 |
| Post & Beam Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Sauvignon / Napa Valley | Well structured alongside resolved tannins, cassis and blackberry finishing with vanilla, mocha, and cocoa | Plush, Blackberry, Elegant | ~$35–45 |
Local Grocery Store — Nugget Market or BevMo
| Wine | Region | Why It's Worth It | Taste | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chateau Montelena Chardonnay | Chardonnay / Calistoga, Napa Valley | The exact wine style that beat top French whites in the Judgment of Paris 1976; fresh, crisp, and mineral-driven | Crisp, Apple, Mineral | ~$25–50 |
| Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Artemis" Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Sauvignon / Stag's Leap district, Napa Valley | The winery that beat Bordeaux; ripe blackberry, oak, balanced and iconic Napa Cab | Smooth, Dark, Earthy | ~$45 |
| Clos du Val Estate Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Sauvignon / Stag's Leap district, Napa Valley | French-founded winery; elegant, old-world style Cab | Structured, Cherry, Oak | ~$50 |
| Heitz Cellar Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Sauvignon / St. Helena, Napa Valley | Classic Napa Valley cab, full body with integrated tannins and good acidity | Elegant, Minty, Long | ~$50–75 |
The Abby deVarennes Specialty Choices
These are the bottles I get most excited about. Worth seeking out at local wine shops and tasting rooms.
| Wine | Region | Why It's Notable | Taste | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay | Chardonnay / Napa Valley | Crafted by Mike Grgich who was the mind behind the Chardonnay from Montelena's Judgment of Paris winning wine | Rich, Peach, Toasty | ~$45–60 |
| Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs | Sparkling Chardonnay / Napa Valley | First US sparkling wine served at a White House state dinner | Bubbly, Citrus, Crisp | ~$35–45 |
| Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir | Pinot Noir / Sonoma Coast | Boutique Pinot Noir from the Sonoma coast where this grape thrives | Silky, Berry, Spice | ~$60–70 |
| Williams Selyem Pinot Noir | Pinot Noir / Russian River Valley, Sonoma County | The Russian River Valley in Sonoma County is known for its exceptional Pinot Noir | Bright, Cherry, Complex | ~$70+ |
| Clos du Val Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon | Cabernet Sauvignon / Napa Valley | One of Napa's most notable fruit driven Cabs | Lush, Vanilla, Ripe | ~$70–90 |
Wineries in Napa Valley That Offer Free Tastings
| Winery | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hall Wines | St. Helena, Napa Valley | Free Tasting + one guest |
| Charles Krug | St. Helena, Napa Valley | Includes tour |
| V. Sattui Winery | St. Helena, Napa Valley | |
| Domain Carneros | Carneros, Napa Valley | Sparkling wine |
| Mumm Napa | Rutherford, Napa Valley | 30% purchase discount; sparkling wines |
| Grgich Hills Estate | Rutherford, Napa Valley | Classic Napa tasting room |
| Peju Province Winery | Rutherford, Napa Valley | Scenic grounds |
| Cakebread Cellars | Rutherford, Napa Valley | Appointment recommended |
General Info
Wines in California tend to be more expensive due to high land and labor costs, limited water resources, and the premium reputation of regions like Napa and Sonoma. Unlike mass-market wines produced in bulk, small and mid-sized California wineries often focus on quality, sustainable farming, and handcrafted techniques — driving up both cost and value. To get a well-made, character-driven bottle that reflects the region and grape, expect to spend at least $20. Below that price point, most options are mass-produced blends made for consistency, not expression or uniqueness.
Judgment of Paris
The Judgment of Paris in 1976 was a blind wine tasting held in Paris where esteemed French judges unexpectedly ranked California wines above some of France's most prestigious labels. In a stunning upset, Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' Cabernet Sauvignon took top honors, beating out iconic French Burgundy and Bordeaux wines.
This event shocked the wine world and catapulted Napa Valley — and California wine as a whole — onto the global stage. Suddenly, American winemaking was taken seriously, opening the door for investment, innovation, and a surge in boutique wineries focused on quality. The Judgment of Paris forever changed California's wine identity, proving it could rival the best in the world.
Region & Grape Overview
