/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25624113/copilotpages.jpg "Copilot Pages is Microsoft’s new collaborative AI playground for businesses")
Top Wines for Dinner Parties
When having a dinner party, you want to serve wine that is not only a great companion to food, but you also want a wine that is a sure-fire conversation starter. The bottles on GAYOT’s list of the Best Wines for Dinner Parties have compelling back-stories, from mad genius vintners to revolutionary production methods. In short, these wines are both delicious and sure to impress your hosts and fellow dinner guests.
1. Daou, Discovery Rosé 2022 | Paso Robles, California
Origin: Paso Robles, California, USA
Varietals: 100% Grenache
Price: $24.00
ABV: 14.1%
Brothers Georges and Daniel Daou set forth across the globe to find an unrivaled terroir for producing great wines, a quest that led them to a place of greatness: Daou Mountain in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles. Situated on a 212-acre hilltop estate, their remarkable geology, favorable microclimate, and 2,200 feet elevation were once described by renowned California winemaker André Tchelistcheff as a “jewel of ecological elements.”
This rosé displays a pale flamingo hue, a bouquet of strawberry, guava, crème brûlée and honeysuckle. The well-balanced palate shows flavors of ripe strawberry, papaya, nectarine and mandarin orange.
> For more information, visit Daou Vineyards official website.
2. The Pale, Vin de Pays du Var Rosé 2023 | Provence, France
Origin: Provence, France
Varietals: mostly Grenache with Cinsault, Rolle and Syrah
Price: $16.99
ABV: 12.5%
Named after its transparent, pink color, The Pale by Sacha Lichine (creator of the iconic Provence rosé Whispering Angel) embodies all the characteristics of an authentic Rosé from Provence. The Pale’s design-forward label, inspired by early illustrations from The New Yorker and that period, evokes the vibrant design and intriguing glamour of the Roaring Twenties.
This rosé has an intriguing grey-light-orange color with light fruit notes, orange peel and flowers on the nose. The palate offers a sweet fruitiness, juicy acidity, a touch of minerality and a flowery finish.
> For more information, visit The Pale official website.
3. Kenefick Ranch, 2023 Sauvignon Blanc | Napa Valley, California, USA
Origin: Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Price: $30.00
ABV: 14.2%
Kenefick Ranch is a family-owned vineyard located in Calistoga, CA. The vineyard was founded when Dr. Tom Kenefick, a practicing neurosurgeon in San Francisco, first visited – and fell in love with – the Napa Valley. In 1980, he purchased a 250-acre ranch located in the region’s northernmost American Viticultural Area (AVA) – Calistoga, where half the land is planted with grapevines. In 2002, Dr. Kenefick retired from neurosurgery and Kenefick Ranch began producing and selling its own portfolio of wines. Today, Kenefick Ranch sells its own label, and 90 percent of its grapes to such prestigious labels as Caymus Vineyards, Cade Estate Winery, Eisele Vineyard, and Nickel + Nickel.
This estate Sauvignon Blanc displays a light straw yellow color. The nose reveals Meyer lemon, lychee, and melon nuances. Grapefruit and tangerine zest show on the palate, mixed with mineral and juicy acidity.
> For more information, visit Kenefick Ranch official website.
READ MORE: The Best Sauvignon Blancs
4. The Mill Keeper Multi Vintage, Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley, California, USA
Origin: Napa Valley, California
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Price: $26.00
ABV: 13%
The Tom Gamble family’s historic relationships with farmers allows The Mill Keeper to source fruit from generational vineyards and give second life to smaller, overlooked sites with the goal of preserving family-owned farms. In doing so, The Mill Keeper sources responsibly grown fruit to create high-quality, environmentally conscious wine at a value. Like the first settlers of Napa, The Mill Keeper strives to be a steward of the land and pledges to safeguard its health and surrounding ecosystems for future generations through strategic partnerships with sustainable agencies.
Today, The Mill Keeper is a proud sponsor of Napa’s State Historic Park, Bale Grist Mill, which served as part of the early inspiration for the brand. The mill was established in 1849 by Dr. Edwin Bale, an Englishman and chief military surgeon to General Vallejo. An untimely death left his widow, María Ignacia Soberanes Bale, to become the new mill keeper. She successfully operated the mill and became a pillar of the early Napa Valley community. Inspired by her legacy, The Mill Keeper Multi Vintage Cabernet Sauvignon label features artwork that commemorates the artisans who crafted some of the earliest wine in the Napa Valley.
The wine shows a bright crimson red color. The nose unfolds dark berries and plum which are repeated on the palate, with the addition of baking spice, some floral notes, all balanced with ripe, elegant tannins.
> For more information, visit The Mill Keeper official website.
5. Teperberg, Legacy Cabernet Franc, 2016
Varietals: 100% Cabernet Franc
Origin: Judean Hills, Israel
Suggested Retail Price: $70
The wine is matured in barrels for 18 months and in the bottle for 10 more months until a complete synergy of aroma and flavors is achieved. It has a red granite color, aromas of violets, boysenberries, and an attractive, pleasant hint of green typical of the variety, which is blended with the scent of subtle dark fruit wrapped in a soft wood fragrance with a hint of espresso. This wine is kosher.
> For more information, visit the Teperberg Winery official website.
