White Wines

• Chardonnay ~ This variety is a classic white grape grown all around the world. The original fame of Chardonnay comes from its success in the Burgundy and Champagne regions of France.  Chardonnay takes oak well, and many higher priced Chardonnays are typically fermented and/or aged in oak barrels.  When Chardonnay is aged in oak barrels, it may pick up vanilla overtones in the aroma and flavor.

• Pinot Gris ~ This variety makes wines that are medium-bodied and well-balanced with nice floral aromas.

• Pinot Blanc ~ This variety is used to produce light, pleasant white wines.

• Viognier ~ This variety makes fruity wines of medium body.  Stone fruit aromas (peach and apricot) are often found in wines made from Viognier along with a bit of spice.

Red Wines

• Pinot Noir ~ Strong cherry and strawberry aromas and flavors are foten the most notable components in these wines.  The aging potential can range from 3 to 12 years depending on the quality and style of the wine.  Pinot Noir is very versatile in its ability to match up with foods.

• Zinfandel ~ This variety can make solid red wines with good fruit and structure.  It later (early 1980's) became popular for the wines produced from it with forward fruity flavors and spicy overtones.  White Zinfandel is a Zinfandel rose that is left slightly sweet with an acid balance.

• Syrah ~ This variety produces full, rich wines of intense color and flavor.  In warmer climates like Australia, the grape produces wines that are sweeter and riper tasting.  In cooler climates like the Rhone Valley of France, it often has more pepper and spice aromas and flavors.

• Cabernet Sauvignon ~ This variety produces distinctive wines that are tannic and can have long aging potential.    The tastes include dark cherry, cedar, tobacco, and black currant.  In cooler climates, can bring out green pepper or olive flavors.

• Merlot ~ This variety usually has a medium body with hints of berry, plum and currant.  Its softness and "fleshiness", combined with its early ripening, makes Merlot an idea grape to blend with sterner, later-ripening Cabernet.