Wine: Five American Labels We Are Drinking Now.

By Karen and Erica

If ever the world needed wine, it needs wine now. We have some favorites from the coasts for you, and a source suggestion. (We like wines from other countries too, but we are feeling domestic this year.)

• Tres Sabores: One of our daughters introduced us to this organic winery, which she discovered on her pandemic cross-country road trip. She actually sent us some ZInfandel, which is just delicious, and we ordered more, as well as some Headline, which is pinot-like, and some olive oil and pomegranate-infused balsamic vinegar. All just delicious. The winery is headed by a woman, who went to Bowdoin, the daughter’s alma mater, which no doubt adds to the appeal. And the wine labels are just fabulous!

• Justin: When that daughter’s mother went on her own California road trip, many years ago, she discovered this winery, which was then young and scrappy. Now elegant and established. We feel smart when we drink the Justin Savant, and righteous when we quaff the Justin Justification. Right now we need both, so we bought both.

• T-Vine: Another favorite. Lots of great Zinfandels. We drink Zin with any festive meal. We also like T-Vine whites. Check out the Mixed Whites.

• Gooseneck Vineyards. Liana, one of its founders, is a friend who greatly enhanced our understanding of organic wines. Delicious rose and whites. Dream of summer. Or, on New Year’s Eve, drink her Prosecco and celebrate.

• Bedell Cellars. The North Fork of Long Island has well established vineyards. We became acquainted many years ago with Bedell, and remain big fans. We especially enjoy the Blanc de Blanc, and its April Gornick label. Would also serve you well on Thursday evening!

If you love small production California wines, which we do, and live in the East, which we do, you can pretend you are in California wine country if you pay a visit to Castro Village Wine Co. We have been shopping there for years, in person and online, and it is always educational. In a good way. We take the advice of its amiable proprietors, and order wines we never heard of before. Reliably excellent, and drinking them makes us feel especially knowledgeable.

Enjoy a glass as you look forward to 2021!