How We Choose Wine: The 4-Step Framework
This is how we do it. Every release goes through the same four steps. The framework doesn't change. Only the grape does.
01. Pick the grape that goes with everything.
We decided our first red would be Pinot Noir because it goes with almost everything. Bright acidity keeps it fresh, soft tannins keep it approachable, and a lighter body means it never overpowers dinner. Pizza, salmon, roast chicken, burgers, or takeout… Pinot Noir is a crowd-pleaser.
What's next? A crisp Sauvignon Blanc for hot summer days, or a Sparkling Rosé for any occasion? You decide. Vote now →
02. Compare regions worldwide for where it grows best.
Once the grape is set, we search the globe for where it grows best. Some regions are too heavy and fight the food; others are too lean and get lost at the table; many fluctuate too much from year to year. We compared 27 premier regions, from Burgundy to Central Otago to Sonoma Coast. Oregon's Willamette Valley fit the bill. Afternoon Pacific fog slows ripening, delivering a vibrant freshness that warmer regions can't match—and the consistency we want for every table.
Explore all 27 regions
France: Côte de Nuits, Burgundy · Côte de Beaune, Burgundy · Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy · Champagne (Coteaux Champenois) · Alsace · Sancerre / Menetou-Salon, Loire Valley
Germany: Ahr · Baden · Pfalz
Switzerland: Graubünden (Bündner Herrschaft)
Italy: Alto Adige
USA: Willamette Valley, Oregon · Sonoma Coast, California · Russian River Valley, California · Anderson Valley, California · Santa Lucia Highlands, California · Santa Rita Hills, California · Carneros, California
Canada: Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
New Zealand: Central Otago · Martinborough · Marlborough
Australia: Yarra Valley, Victoria · Mornington Peninsula, Victoria · Tasmania
Chile: Casablanca / Leyda Valley
South Africa: Walker Bay / Hemel-en-Aarde
03. Taste through family estates farming the same land for generations.
Within the winning region, we only consider family-owned estates that have farmed the same land sustainably for generations. We taste through them and choose one. They grow it, they craft it, and every winemaking decision stays true to the family's approach. Sustainable farming and minimal intervention are our only requirements. The rest is pure family craftsmanship.
04. Farm to bottle.
Grown, crafted, and estate-bottled at the source. We seal in the vineyard's true flavor and ship it directly to your door.