Wine & Cheese Pairing: Monte Rio Edition

And we’re back! For Pairing #21, we’re in a place we don’t talk about as much as a lot of others…sunny California. For May, we're spotlighting the wines of Monte Rio Cellars — a California project from former NYC sommelier Patrick Cappiello, made in collaboration with the legendary Pax Mahle.

Their whole thing is making the kind of California wine Patrick always wished he could put on a wine list: honest, food-friendly, organically farmed, and made with as little intervention as possible. Think native yeast fermentations, whole cluster carbonic maceration, neutral oak — wines that are fresh, lower in alcohol, and built to drink with food. Heritage varieties from old Lodi vineyards, done in a style that feels more old California than anything you'd expect.

We'll be pouring a good representation of their range, and as always, Rachel at Orrman's will be thoughtfully pairing each wine with cheese to show how acidity, texture, and structure can either contrast or amplify flavor. Tickets required — these evenings sell out early.

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Host or Publisher Chris Sarette, Frenchy's Sip and Shop