California doesn’t just make wine—it defines it.

It’s the powerhouse behind 80% of America’s wine(!!), with over 4,000 wineries running the show. And thanks to its wild mix of climates and terrains, it’s the ultimate playground for every grape variety you can imagine, so there’s a bottle for every palate, occasion, or whim.

California’s wine tale it kicks off with 18th-century Spanish missionaries planting the first vineyards—because, let’s face it, even they knew life’s better with wine. Fast forward to today, and the state's winemakers are still rewriting the rules, blending innovation with tradition to create some of the most exciting wines in the world.

And as LL Cool J wisely reminds us, there’s always a reason to “go back to Cali, Cali, Cali…”—especially when wine’s involved.

We can’t wait for you to taste this month’s lineup.

Cheers,
The Halfseas Team

ALL CLUB MEMBERS GET TO ENJOY THESE 3 BOTTLES:

2023 Broc Cellars Got Grapes

Grape: Orange Muscat
Region: Hartwick Vineyard - Lodi, California, USA
Retail: $22

Orange Muscat is the life of the party, flaunting all the charm with a dash of elegant restraint. After a light footstomp (think grape dance party!), we gently pressed this cheeky grape into stainless steel to ferment and age for five months. We kicked off our Orange Muscat adventure at Hartwick Vineyard in Lodi in 2022. With “Got Grapes,” we celebrate our yearly reminder to embrace curiosity and have a little fun along the way! Fun fact — Orange Muscat’s parents are Chasselas x Muscat Blanc and Petite Grain.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Butternut squash risotto

2022 Donkey & Goat If Then…Red Blend

Grapes: Merlot, Grenache, Couniose, Cinsault, Carignane, Mourvèdre, Fiano
Region: Berkeley, California, USA
Retail: $25

Like diving into a luscious berry compote, bursting with bright notes that dance on your palate. And just when you think it can’t get any better, it finishes with that earthy essence you only get after a refreshing rain. It’s a sip of sunshine and joy.

At Donkey & Goat, the team embraces the concept of IF / THEN in winemaking, much like a chef adapting to the day’s market finds. Each vintage presents unique challenges influenced by Mother Nature, prompting them to pivot and innovate. If unexpected rain threatens a late harvest, then they make strategic decisions—perhaps blending early picks or experimenting with techniques like extended maceration.

Tracey and Connor’s philosophy is simple: if obstacles arise, then they chart a joyful, creative path that nurtures their world and its people, resulting in character-filled, delicious wines. This ethos is palpable in every bottle they produce!

Drinking & pairing ideas: Chorizo tacos

2021 Ultraviolet

Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: St. Helena and Coombsville, California, USA
Retail: $25

The wine's Bordeaux-like earthiness adds depth, while its bright acidity dances on the palate, complemented by velvety, persistent tannins that linger long after the last sip.

Founded in 2009 by the visionary Samantha Sheehan of POE Wines, Ultraviolet celebrates the vibrant spirit of Cabernet Sauvignon. With the largest vine acreage of any red variety in the state, this grape produces a remarkable volume of wine in California, rivaling the combined output of Merlot and Pinot Noir. Dive into this captivating blend that captures the essence of its terroir and the passion behind its creation.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Anything salty or high in fat — think pasta Bolognese

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

2023 Hobo Wine Co. Banyan

Grape: Gewürztraminer
Region: Monterey County, California, USA
Retail: $18

Banyan was created in 2002 with the idea to make wines that would pair with Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly the Thai food winemaker, Kenny grew up eating. At one point, there was Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Viognier. Over time, the line has been trimmed to what has always been his favorite and most popular wine, Gewürztraminer. Hobo Wine Co. is a proud member of 1% for the Planet. Since 2018, sales from our wines have contributed $171,459 to The Climate Center, School Garden Network, & Homeless Garden Project.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Your favorite Thai takeout

2020 Lava Cap

Grape: Barbera
Region: Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA
Retail: $25

Lava Cap's Estate Barbera thrives on our steep, rocky hillsides, benefiting from warm afternoon sunlight and refreshing evening breezes from the Sierra Nevada Mountains (elevation of 2,700ft.). The rocky soil controls vigor, enhancing the wine's color and flavor concentration. This combination creates a Barbera with exceptional color and aromatic depth, while maintaining the grape's signature acidity and brightness.

Millions of years ago, volcanic activity shaped the Sierra Nevada mountains, covering the foothills with lava. While much has eroded, select areas still boast rich volcanic soil ideal for fine wine grapes. The Jones family acquired one of these rare sites to establish their vineyard and winery, naming it "Lava Cap" to reflect its unique topography—one reason their wines stand out.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Veggie pizza

American River Red NV

Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Zinfandel
Region: Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA
Retail: $25

The American River Red blend rolls up with a flirty smile, offering up heady aromas of dark fruit, with a cheeky hint of clove that playfully nudges your senses. Dive in, and you’ll find layers of spicy oak wrapping around a plush, juicy mid-palate—a warm hug for your taste buds! She lingers like a captivating conversation.

Lava Cap is a family-owned winery in Placerville, California. The Jones family planted their first vines in 1981 and opened the winery in 1986 on a special site in the heart of the Sierra Foothills. The family of geologists specifically selected this location for its prime volcanic soil that is particularly well suited to growing fine wine grapes.

Drinking & pairing ideas: A juicy grass-fed beef burger with caramelized onion

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.