We're taking a break from the regular cocktail column today to highlight one of our favorite wineries in the Greater Bay Area, Cline Cellars. Situated at the south end of Hwy 121, just past the Infineon Raceway, it's a mere hour's drive from SF. Given that their tasting room stays open until 6 p.m., it makes for a convenient last stop on any Sonoma wine-tasting trip, and one that will likely make you a devoted fan.
They specialize in Zinfandels -- many of you might be familiar with the $8 California Zin available at Safeway and Trader Joe's -- but they also feature a number of awesome Rhône-style whites, reds and blends. For summer, we highly recommend their Mourvedre Rosé, which is dry enough not to feel like the grape juice that many rosés lean toward. Also their Viognier is fruity and mineral-y without too much Chardonnay-like oakiness, and the Marsanne-Rousanne blend is a unique and herbal white on the drier end of the spectrum. On the red end, when it's in stock, the Cashmere is a fantastic red blend for the price ($21, $16 for members), and even better and richer is the Heritage Zinfandel -- both of which are only available on site or online.