Welcome to 2025, Halfseas club members!

Ah, January – when we're all making promises to ourselves about green smoothies and meditation apps. But here's our suggestion: why not make this year's resolution simply to drink better wine? :)

We've spent the darker months seeking out bottles that tell remarkable stories, each one chosen to bring a little warmth to your table and spark those wonderful conversations that seem to flow more freely on cozy PNW evenings.

This month's selection takes us from sun-drenched Mediterranean islands to historic French châteaux, with each bottle ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into something special. Because that's what this club has always been about – not just discovering great wines, but creating those moments where a shared bottle brings us all a little closer together. We hope you enjoy.

The Halfseas Team

ALL CLUB MEMBERS GET TO ENJOY THESE 3 BOTTLES:

2023 Alexakis Assyrtiko

Grape: Assyrtiko
Region: Crete, Greece
Retail: $24

Picture this: you're sitting on a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the Mediterranean, near the ancient city of Knossos (yes, the one from Greek mythology!), with this gorgeous Assyrtiko in your glass. This white wine is basically what would happen if a sea breeze and a limestone cliff had a baby – crisp, mineral-rich, and refreshingly direct (much like your Greek relatives, if you have any). This grape is such a tough cookie, it thrives in Crete's intense heat and winds that would make other vines cry for their mother plants.

Drinking & pairing ideas: A Greek salad with sun-dried tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, and super creamy feta. Don’t forget to finish it with your favorite olive oil, dried oregano, and flaky salt.

2023 Clos Maurice La Piece d'Or

Grape: Cabernet Franc
Region: Saumur-Champigny, Loire Valley, France
Retail: $24

If wines had LinkedIn profiles, this one's would be impressive. Coming from an estate dating back to 1783 (that's older than the United States Constitution, folks), this Cabernet Franc is both certified organic AND biodynamic. We're calling it our "prosperity wine" because, well, it's literally named after a gold coin ("La Piece d'Or"), and who couldn't use a little financial manifestation in January? This wine embodies that perfect balance between old-school tradition and modern sustainable practices.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Herb-roasted chicken with fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, whatever you’ve got!) and loads of garlic. Preferably enjoyed while daydreaming about your Loire Valley château

2021 Castello di Luzzano Bonarda Frizzante Sommossa

Grape: Croatina (Bonarda)
Region: Lombardia, Italy
Retail: $25

Meet your new conversation starter! This slightly sparkling red is made from Croatina grapes (locally known as Bonarda), and it's basically the life of the party in a bottle. The castle (yes, actual castle) where this wine is made takes its terroir so seriously, they even design their labels inspired by the estate's architecture. Talk about home pride!

What makes this wine extra special is how it captures the dramatic transformation of the vineyard through the seasons – from winter's bare vines to autumn's abundant harvest. The estate views each bottle as a celebration of nature's resilience, which feels particularly poetic in January.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Classic lasagna

6-BOTTLE MEMBERS ALSO GET TO ENJOY THESE 3 BOTTLES:

2022 Leptir Sanctum Orange Wine

Grape: 50% Pinot Blanc, 40% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Gris
Region: Styria (Štajerska), Slovenia
Retail: $26

Ready for some wine-nerd cred? This orange wine is made the same way they did it thousands of years ago in Slovenia, one of the world's oldest wine regions. It's a blend of Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris that gets its gorgeous color from hanging out with its grape skins. The winery's name "Sanctum" means "something hidden and sacred" – which is exactly what you'll be calling your wine stash after trying this beauty. These folks are serious about natural winemaking – no chemical agents, artificial fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides in sight. Smaller yield, healthier grapes, delicious wine.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Cozy white bean chili with cannellini beans, tender chicken, mild green chiles, and warming spices

2023 Luna Duna Tinto País (1L)

Grape: 90% Criolla Chica (País), 10% Criolla Blanca
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Retail: $28

The overachiever of the bunch – coming in a full liter because standard bottles are so 2024. This wine comes from vines the Morcos family planted in the 1930s. Third-generation winemaker Matias Morcos is carrying on the family legacy.

It's made from País – the first European grape to make it to the Americas via Mexico in the 16th century. It's like the Christopher Columbus of grapes, but way more charming. The name itself is pure poetry – "Luna" (moon) and "Duna" (dunes) capturing the mystical rhythm of nature that shapes their wines. The best part? The generous size makes it perfect for sharing, though we won't judge if you don't.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Slow-cooked pulled pork with smoky barbecue sauce, served on fresh brioche rolls with tangy coleslaw.

2023 Kermit Lynch Côtes du Rhône Village

Grape: 58% Grenache, 32% Syrah, 3% Carignan, 3% Cinsault, 2% Mourvèdre, 2% Counoise
Region: Côtes du Rhône, France
Retail: $28

This wine is like that friend who gets along with everyone at the party. With six different grape varieties playing nicely together (Grenache leading the band, backed by Syrah and an ensemble of other local varieties). A small group of family estates work together to make this wine, and it's basically a masterclass in cooperation. Kermit Lynch, a legendary name in wine importing, is known for discovering exceptional family-owned estates that might otherwise fly under the radar. This wine exemplifies everything great about the vivacious and approachable Southern Rhône.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Hearty minestrone filled with seasonal vegetables, of course with plenty of crusty sourdough bread and salty butter on the side

Looking for past lineups? We got you.

REMINDERS

• As always, our food suggestions are just starting points. Wine is nostalgic and we’re big fans of making what you like, drinking what you like, and not giving a damn if they “go” together.

• Email us at info@halfseaswine.com to buy more single bottles or a 12-bottle case with special pricing.

• Wine pairs best with friends. Tell your friends.