Looking for a few wines to stock for everyday affordability or maybe your next party? Look no further than Fetzer wines. Fetzer is celebrating 50 years in the California wine industry. Located north of Sonoma in Mendocino County, Fetzer Wines is a pioneer in sustainable agriculture, they believe in living in harmony with the environment. As the largest certified B Corp winery, Fetzer is committed to the environment, their workers, and the community at large. Barney Fetzer, the founder of Fetzer Wines, had a saying, ” What’s good for the earth is good for the grape.”
#WineStudio a virtual online wine education and grassroots marketing program took a closer look at Fetzer Wines and their lifestyle brands; Bonterra, 1000 Stories, and Adorada in January. Disclosure: Samples were provided to me as part of this educational program, all opinions are my own.
My Tasting Notes
2016 Fetzer Sundial Chardonnay
13.5% abv SRP $10.00 (sample)
Fermented in stainless steel, French, and American oak. Blended with cool climate Riesling.
Pale straw in color. Medium-bodied with a hint of oak, notes of apple, pear, and citrus. Nice balanced acidity.
2015 Fetzer Eagle Peak Merlot
13.5% abv SRP $10.00 (sample)
Dark ruby in color. Medium-bodied with notes of black cherries, licorice and a lingering finish of mocha.
Fetzer Gewürztraminer
12% abv SRP $11.00 (sample)
Fermented in 100% stainless steel tanks with partial lees contact and blended with a touch of Muscat.
Light lemon in color. Off-dry style, light-bodied with balanced, crisp refreshing acidity. Floral notes with citrus and stone fruit.
Food and Wine
Not only is Fetzer Wines a pioneer in sustainability, they were also a leader in the farm to table movement, establishing Valley Oaks Food and Wine Center in 1983, a world-class culinary center with a 13-acre organic garden. (Fetzer closed the center in 2006, and it is now part of a winery called Campovida owned by Gary and Anna Beuselinck).
I found some food inspiration on the Fetzer website and made a few of their suggested wine pairings; Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Bruschetta paired with Sundial Chardonnay, Roasted Root Vegetables paired with Eagle Peak Merlot, and my favorite, Tomatillo, Poblano and Heirloom Bean Chowder paired with Gewürztraminer. These recipes and many more are on the Fetzer website.
Cheers to Fetzer Wines for quality, affordable, and earth-friendly wines!
All of your pairings look great, Jane. I thought these wines were great QPR, perfect for a week-night dinner with friends. Looks like you had the perfect set-up!