Ah, the arrival of Springtime! The sun is shining and the flowers start blooming. In Napa (my favorite wine region) you’ll know it’s spring because the vineyards become filled with brilliant yellow mustard blooms. It’s quite frankly one of the best times to visit Napa. The weather is perfect, and there aren’t as many people as there are during the peak summer season. In addition, the sea of yellow amongst the vineyards provides a scenic photo that’s well worth capturing.
As the temperatures finally start to warm up in spring. This is the time of year when many people start thinking about enjoying a nice glass of refreshing, crisp, and delightful wine.
So if you’re looking for some great wine recommendations for springtime sipping, you’ve come to the right place. My name is Mark, I’m a certified sommelier who grew up in California, and I’ve got some great wine recommendations for you to try. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Pro Tip: Mustard flowers are essential to a winery’s lifecycle. They lie in between the vines to protect the roots of the vine from being eaten by worms, help to regulate moisture, and attract pollinators that contribute to a full and healthy ecosystem.
1. Stags’ Leap Viognier
Buy NowNot the most well-known varietal, Viognier is a great grape for making refreshing white wines. It is originally from France and is now grown all over the world. This grape makes wines that are usually high in alcohol but still have a nice balance of acidity.
Stags’ Leap Winery is one of Napa’s premier, historic wineries (originally founded in 1893), and they certainly know how to produce excellent wine.
So this Stags’ Leap Viognier is a great wine for springtime sipping. It has aromas of honeysuckle, ripe apricot, and white peach, with a touch of minerality. This wine is fresh and lively, with a creamy texture that makes it perfect for pairing with food. Try it with these pairing suggestions:
- Grilled fish
- Chicken
- Light pasta dish
2. Matua Sauvignon Blanc
Buy NowFresh, crisp, and lively are words used to describe the springtime. And they can also be used for this wine. This fantastic and very affordable Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is extremely popular and widely accessible. You’ll be able to get this at most wine retailers.
Matua Sauvignon Blanc has aromas and flavors of grapefruit, citrus, passionfruit, and a touch of minerality. This is a great wine to enjoy with these food pairings:
- Seafood
- Sushi
- Vegetarian dish
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Salads
Pro Tip: New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs have two unique aromas and tastes: fresh-cut grass and grapefruit.
3. Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay
Buy NowBeringer Private Reserve Chardonnay is one of my favorite Chardonnays from Napa Valley. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but it is worth every penny. This wine is from one of Napa’s most iconic and historic wineries, and it is one of their flagship wines. This wine was first produced in 1978 and has received numerous honors over the last four decades.
Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay has aromas of lemon curd, tropical fruits, butter, vanilla, oak, and crème brûlée. This wine is full-bodied and has a fresher, less oaky character than older vintages but finishes with a rich, creamy texture. It pairs well with these springtime dishes:
- Fried chicken
- Popcorn
- Butter sauce pasta dish
- Grilled fish or steak
4. Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay
Buy NowSonoma Cutrer Chardonnay is another great Chardonnay from California. This wine is produced in Sonoma County, which is known for its cool climate wines. In cooler climates, Chardonnay has more acidity, citrus notes and mineral character, and is lighter in body, less alcoholic, and less oaky, thus creating a perfect wine for springtime sipping!
This wine has the aromas of fresh green apple, juicy melon, pear, citrus, and hints of vanilla and oak. It is medium-bodied and has a nice balance of acidity and fruitiness. This wine pairs well with these dishes:
- Risotto
- Chicken
- Vegetarian dish
- Seafood
5. Etude Estate Pinot Noir
Buy NowPinot Noirs also make for some good springtime wines because of their light bodies and lower alcohol levels. Etude is one of the better estate-grown Pinot Noir producers in California. They are located in Carneros, which is the southernmost region of Napa Valley. This area has the coolest climate in Napa, which is ideal for growing Pinot Noir grapes.
This wine has aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, and floral. It is light-bodied with flavors of red fruit, spice, a hint of oak and earth. This wine pairs well with:
- Poultry
- Salmon
- Seared tuna
- Roasted vegetables
- Pasta dishes with light sauce
6. Beaulieu Vineyards Maestro Collection Ranch No. 8 Chardonnay
Buy NowThis wine is from another one of the most historic wineries in Napa Valley, and it is a great example of how Chardonnay can be made in a cool climate.
It’s a lovely and refreshing way to show a Napa Valley Chardonnay with bright zesty lemon, fresh apple, and pleasant vanilla spice aromas. It is medium-bodied with fruity acidity and flavors of tropical fruit, citrus, and a touch of oak. This wine pairs well with:
- Fried chicken
- Pork chops
- Seafood
- Shrimp scampi
- Pasta dishes with light sauce
- Grilled fish or steak
7. Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz
Buy NowShiraz is the most popular red wine grape produced in Australia. And Penfolds is one of Australia’s most well-known and largest wineries. Therefore some of the best Shiraz in the world come from Penfolds.
This wine is ideal for anyone who enjoys red wine, whether they’re a seasoned aficionado or just beginning their adventure. It’s lively yet enjoyable, and it will go wonderfully with your favorite meat dishes during this springtime season.
And their Bin 28 Shiraz is a rich, full-bodied wine with intense aromas and flavors of dark fruit, spice, and pepper. It pairs well with:
- Beef
- Lamb
- Barbecue
- Spicy food
- Mexican food
Pro Tip: Shiraz and Syrah are the same grape. However, Shiraz is typically from a warmer climate that produces fruit-forward wines, while Syrah is normally from cooler-climate regions producing leaner, drier wines.
8. Sterling Vineyards Sparkling Rosé
Buy NowNow that the sun is coming out more and more in spring, you’ll be able to go out for more weekend brunches, daytime house parties, and plenty of other social events. And one of the best wines to bring for any of these occasions is a bottle of bubbly, which promises a good time.
This wine is from another famous winery from Napa, and it’s a sparkling rosé wine made from Pinot Noir grapes. It’s light-bodied with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and watermelon. And its refreshing acidity makes it the perfect wine for spring! This wine pairs well with:
- Fruit salads
- Cheesecake
- Strawberries
9. Bidaia Txakolina Rosé
Buy NowNothing says springtime like rosé. A lovely wine that is ideal for spending warm spring days at the beach or in the park.
This is a unique rosé from Spain. It’s a wonderful complement to spring because it has a slight effervescence, which gives the wine just the right amount of freshness. This is light and refreshing with delicate aromas of strawberries and roses. It is a perfect wine to enjoy on its own or with light appetizers. Pair this rosé with:
- Cheese
- Fruit & vegetables
- Light salads
- Ceviche
- Fish tacos
Pro Tips For Buying & Enjoying Wine
- Get to know the basics about wine. Learn about the different types of red wines, white wines, regions, and styles. This will help you narrow down your choices when you’re at a store or restaurant.
- Talk to a wine expert. Whether it’s a friend who knows a lot about wine, or someone who works at your local wine shop, they can help you find the perfect wine for your palate and occasion.
- Use the Vivino App, a wine-rating and recommendation app that can help you find wines you’ll love. They will also have wine ratings from other wine drinkers like you. Simply download the free app onto your phone. Then all you have to do is open the app, take a photo of a wine label, and you’ll receive all of the information about that wine you need.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. The only way to learn what you like is to taste as many wines as you can. This is the best way to learn about what you like and don’t like. And it’s a lot of fun too! Happy wine drinking! Cheers!
For additional wine and travel inspiration, consider:
