Hand Selected Items from the Tasting Box
Red Wine:
Almendra Winery & Distillery 2018 Cabernet
The dry Vina plains of North Chico where this vineyard is located helped develop intense flavors for Almendras 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. Robust and powerful, this Cabernet proudly displays characteristics of bell pepper and red vine licorice with an underlying layer of toasted caramel. The spice and tannins lend themselves to the astounding complexities this wine has to offer. This Cabernet will shine best when given some air to fully unwind.
Doe Mill Vineyards Smokey Ridge Red
This red table blend is sweet and juicy with big flavors of black raspberry and blackberry jam. Accompanied by the scents of summer fruit jam bubbling on the stove. This wine is balanced by bold tannins and acidity. Doe Mill’s own Old Vine Zinfandel, Malbec, Syrah and a touch of Cabernet make this blend delicious!
Hickman Family Vineyards 2014 Cab Franc
Cabernet Franc is a blue-black grape that is grown around the world. It is known as a premium blending grape used mostly to balance out Cabernet Sauvignon and is known as an exceptional stand-alone varietal wine. This expression of Cab Franc is hillside grown, with deficit irrigation, producing low-quality yields with an emphasis on biodynamic principles. The grapes are picked at the ideal ripeness, giving this wine its intense flavor of floral notes; combining the essence of plum, blackberry, cassis, spice, and fresh herbal undertones.
The Gale Vineyards Primitivo wine is made from the Italian varietal that is our estate-grown, dry farmed grape and is a local favorite. This grape loves our long, hot summers and rich soil. It is jammy and full-flavored with berry spices. Rich, mouth-coating tannins are accentuated by a long, lasting finish. Pair with grilled meats, pasta and rich or aged cheeses.
LaRocca’s high mountain Merlot is estate-grown at 2600 feet elevation, at the base of Mt. Lassen. Their terroir is unique to Butte County. The soil has been certified organic for over 35 years, they have tested Glyphosate free and take pride in making an organic wine with no sulfites added. LaRocca Vineyards is one of very few certified organic wines on the market. This vintage offers hints of ripe cherry and red raspberries. It’s deep and delicate at the same time. Hints of toasted oak offer the earth notes that linger with the soft tannins. This wine can be enjoyed on its own, or with your favorite cuisine.
Purple Line Urban Winery 2015 Barbera
Purple Line’s 2015 Barbera’s grape source is the Sierra Foothills/Durham and aged in french oak for 3 years. The wine is fruity, flavorful, floral, with tastes of blackberry and black current, with light tannins.
White Wine:
New Clairvaux Vineyard, 2018 St. James Block Viognier
This famous French varietal found in the Condrieu AOC on the west bank of the Rhône River nearly went extinct after the chaos of WWI, leaving only 30 acres intact. It is now planted worldwide. It is grown in the CCOF Organic Certified “Saint James Block” under the care of the Trappist-Cistercian Brothers at the Abbey of New Clairvaux. The St. James Block Viognier has tropical aromas of bananas and pineapples with a hint of floral notes. It is complemented with crisp flavors of limes and peaches with a fresh finish.
Spencer Shirey Wines Chardonnay
Spencer Shirey Wines Chardonnay continues to be a local favorite. It has been lightly oaked and continues our tradition of bringing together bright crisp acidity with a well-balanced finish. While enjoying this wine your palate will experience aromas of citrus and the taste of green apple. The natural acidity and fresh fruit are smooth and refreshing. Cheers!
Odyssey Winery and Vineyards, Tria White Table Blend
An old-world wine, Tria - the Greek word for three - exudes the varietal characteristics of its trio of namesake grapes: Viognier, Chardonnay, and French Colombard. The exotic perfumed aromas of tangerine and melon are the contribution of Viognier, delicately balanced by the fruity richness of Chardonnay. Throw in the dependable crisp acidity of French Colombard, chase it with a creamy hint of vanilla – thanks to eight months of aging in French Oak barrels - and the result is a wine meant to slowly savor with friends at sunset or enjoy during an impromptu picnic. Yassou!
Dog Creek Cellars Pinot Grigio
Classic porch wine—an easy drinking wine, perfect for a carefree day spent in your favorite sunny place. Made with 100% certified organic Pinot Gris grapes, grown in Durham, CA. Delightful notes of Hosui Asian pears, green apple, hints of pineapple, caramel, and almond. Pairs well with many kinds of cheese (we love Irish Dubliner); or pair with figs, chicken, salmon, or seafood. Make it a breakfast wine and serve with crab cakes benedict! 13.5% ABV
Rosé Wine:
Nascere Vineyards 2018 Ridge Rosé
This beautiful dry rosé is pressed from Mourvèdre grapes grown at Wild Oak Vineyards in northern Chico. Left on the skins for less than a day, the wine boasts luscious strawberry aromas with a medium-bodied lingering finish. For the perfect pairing, serve this wine with an array of seafood, ripe cheeses, or even barbeque. This wine has been named after the ridge we call Paradise as 20% of all sales were donated to the North Valley Community Foundation, Camp Fire Relief Fund in 2019.
Bangor Ranch Vineyard and Winery Pinot Noir
Bangor Blaze is a Rose’ of Pinot Noir. The grapes for this wine were harvested from the Los Carneros Valley area of Napa Valley. This appellation is known for its warm days and cool coastal nights which is ideal for growing Pinot Noir. The wine is crisp, fresh and dry with a perfect balance of fruit and acidity. Note the soft subtle aromas of strawberry, raspberry and watermelon. 13.9% ABV
Beer
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Farm Trail Baltic Porter
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. signature release of Farm Trail Baltic Porter, a deliciously dark lager, embodies a culmination of flavors from the Sierra Oro Farm Trail. The beer is brewed with fresh peaches grown at Chico State University Farm, Maisie Jane’s California Sunshine Products fire-roasted almonds and varietal rice from Lundberg Family Farms.
*Farm Trail Harvest is produced in limited quantity and will only be available in the first 500 Sierra Oro Farm Trail tasting boxes.
Food
Organically grown olive oil is handpicked, custom milled and cold-pressed within 24 hours. This delicious olive oil is great to add to every meal. Flavors vary from plain virgin olive oil, Meyer lemon and mandarin.
*** Calolea Olive Oil flavor options may vary in each box.
California State University Chico, Meats Lab Beef Sticks
Made of 100% beef, Chico State snack sticks are crafted in house by College of Agriculture Meats Lab Students and slow smoked for 9 hours over hickory and maple hardwood in our state of the art smokehouse.
In this Mexican inspired salami, there is cocoa powder added to the holy trinity of Mexican chili peppers -- guajillo, pasilla and ancho. This is Llano Seco’s homage to the Mexican people who live in California and whose ancestors came to California and brought with them their unique culture, food and flavor.
Lundberg Family Farms White Cheddar Rice Cakes Minis
Rice Cake Minis pack the same delicious flavor and organic, whole-grain goodness of Lundberg’s classic Rice Cakes into a convenient mini-sized snack. Enjoy toasty brown rice minis, tumbled in savory white cheddar cheesiness with a little extra tang for lip-smacking, and fun snacking! Plus, they’re certified gluten-free and meticulously crafted from seed to smile so you can enjoy them at your table (or wherever you venture).
Maisie Jane’s California Sunshine Products Fire Roasted Almonds
Committed to bringing out simplicity and wholesomeness, Maisie uses barrel-style fire roasters, a process of dry roasting which enhances the exceptional taste and quality of all fresh, first-rate nuts. These nuts were also used by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in the creation of Farm Trail Harvest Ale.
Milk & Honey 1860 Blood Orange Bee Soap
Natural soap made with fresh goat milk plus natural Blood Orange essential oils. Each soap bar is made with 1 oz of fresh goat milk and is completely chemical-free. These simple fresh ingredients include olive oil, shea butter, organic coconut oil, essential oil and of course fresh goat milk.
Pedrozo Dairy and Cheese Co. Northern Gold Cheese
An original California semi-firm cow's milk table cheese. Rich and Creamy with a full flavor profile that begins with a pleasantly mild sharpness tempered by sweet, floral, and pastoral notes.
Sohnrey Family Foods Premium CalRose Rice
Sohnrey Family rice is medium grain Calrose and it is considered a premium grade sushi rice grown right here in Northern California. The package contains approximately four cups in a resealable pouch that can keep it fresh and can be conveniently tucked away in the cupboard or freezer.
TJ Farms Estates Kiwi Poppyseed Dressing
This creamy and zingy dressing is a great addition to any salad. The dressing is quite versatile and makes a great marinade for chicken or pork and is also a great addition to pasta and rice dishes. The Kiwi Poppyseed will add a kick to any meal that you drizzle it over.
Wagon Wheel Market Santa Maria Style Seasoning
Santa Maria Style Barbecue was made famous in Santa Maria Valley in California’s Central Coast. Wagon Wheel’s Santa Maria Seasoning is centered around tri-tip that has been seasoned with black pepper, salt, and garlic salt and grilled over red oak. Great for grilling!