With the final two wines from the California Wine Club delivered to my door just before the Thanksgiving holiday, I was sad to know that my gift subscription was coming to an end. Festively wrapped in white and red foil Christmas holiday packaging, I contemplated saving them for December or to indulge them right away. My impatience got the best of me and I packed 2 wines from Tulip Hill Winery and took them to my brother’s home for the holiday. Waiting to enjoy them with the turkey dinner, I opened the red bottle of Cabepulciano first, something I’ve never done tasting the red before the white.

After reading the family winery biography in Uncorked, I found that founder Budge Brown was not a wine drinker until after he married his wife. His father-in-law introduced him to Italian wines and after a few years of learning and drinking he acquired and tending to his own winery. His Cabepulciano is a Cal-Ital combination that blends the best of the Montepulciano Italian grapes with Cabernet Sauvignon. This shipment, I highly preferred the red, it’s deep chocolaty flavor resonated on my tongue and I was happy to continue to sip and enjoy it with our turkey dinner.

The Mount Oso Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay was opened mid meal and I had all intentions of loving it and finishing the bottle. Unfortunately, this was not my favorite. The sweet aromas enticed but fell flat on my taste buds as I picked up the tart lemon and pineapple flavors making for a sour taste in my mouth. Upon further sipping, I stopped and went back for another full drink of the Cabepulciano.

My experiences with the California Wine Club have exposed me to many flavors and have widened my taste buds. I encourage to join if only for a 3-month period to expand your knowledge of California’s amazing wineries and sample first hand the varietals out there to find your new favorite flavor.

Consider how easy a holiday gift would be, no lines, no crowds and don’t forget all that is included once you join:
-2 award-winning selected from California’s best “mom and pop” wineries-typically 1 red and 1 white, you can specify to your tastes if you prefer all red or all white
-Uncorked magazine taking a peek into the winery’s story, recipes, tips, and more
-100% Guarantee, if a bottle is damaged or not up to your expectation, call for a replacement
-50% savings off normal retail prices when you reorder
-Bonus wine when your friends or family is referred and joins
-Email offers, wine sales, and shipping notices by electronic means only.

This holiday season, give the special gift that’s unique in nature and pleasant on the palate! Shh, don’t tell, I think my in-laws would love it!

I was treated to a 3-month membership. This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media.