Beyond the Beach: Discovering the "Windbreaker Country" of Sea Sun Chardonnay

When most people think of the California coast, they imagine sun drenched surfers and warm sandy beaches. But for winemaker Charlie Wagner, the true magic happens in what he calls "windbreaker country."

Our latest Wine of the Week, the Sea Sun Chardonnay, is a tribute to these rugged, often overlooked coastal regions where the forces of nature, the "Sea" and the "Sun," engage in a daily tug-of-war.

The Power of the Pacific

The "Sea" in the name refers to the mighty Pacific Ocean. In the premier coastal regions where they source their grapes, cooling breezes often turn into howling gusts of wind. These intense winds do more than just require a jacket; they temper the "Sun," creating an extended growing season.

Because of this cooling influence, their grapes stay on the vine longer, allowing them to develop a heightened complexity and a more layered flavor profile.

A Trio of Coastal Excellence

To build the broad appeal and perfect balance of Sea Sun, they source their fruit from three distinct California counties, each leaving its own subtle mark on the vintage:

• Solano County: Known for its diverse microclimates that provide a strong foundation for the blend.

• Monterey County: Where the "Blue Grand Canyon" of the Monterey Bay sends chilly air deep into the vineyards.

• Santa Barbara County: A region defined by transverse mountain ranges that funnel ocean mist directly to the vines.

In the Cellar: Lush Meets Crisp

Creating a wine that is both lush and vibrant is a delicate balancing act. The 2024 vintage achieves this through a dual aging process:

• French Oak: A mix of old and new French oak barrels adds a creamy texture and a rounded mouthfeel.

• Stainless Steel: A separate portion is aged in stainless steel to preserve the lively natural acidity and bright freshness of the fruit.

Tasting the 2024 Vintage

This wine opens with alluring scents of barely ripened apricot and honeysuckle, balanced by a whiff of candied Meyer lemon rind. On the palate, you'll experience a soft entry that evolves into vibrant flavors of mandarin and apricot, finishing with a crisp, refreshing lift.

Whether you are pairing it with lemon shrimp pasta or simply enjoying a glass as the sun sets, Sea Sun is designed to be your go to Chardonnay for any occasion.

Ready to try it for yourself? Grab a bottle to experience "California in a glass" tonight!