Fall Wine Selection
Reminder: We keep notes on special requests and requirements, so some of these wines may be different in your personal shipment.
2021 Barieau Terris Rhône Blend
Bingo Wathen practically grew up in a winery, learning the art of winemaking before he could even walk. As the son of Bill Wathen, co-founder of Foxen, a staple in the Santa Ynez Valley for nearly 40 years, Bingo is proudly continuing his family's legacy. He named his winery Barieau after his mother’s maiden name, honoring her lineage, as there were no male heirs on her side. The name Terris, derived from Latin meaning "earth" or "land," reflects Bingo's deep respect for the soil and the rich agricultural traditions of the Santa Ynez Valley.
This Grenache-Syrah blend is the perfect companion for cherished family recipes. Whether you're gathering with loved ones or celebrating a special occasion, Terris pairs beautifully with beloved dishes passed down through generations—think braised lamb, hearty cassoulet, or a rich ratatouille. Open this wine to create new memories while honoring the old, be it Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day or another holiday steeped in tradition.
2023 Riding Monkey Mezcla Blanca
From Dieter Cronje—a refreshing white blend that captures the vibrant spirit of spring! Dieter Cronje is cooler than cellar temperature, and you’ll have the chance to experience his charm firsthand at our Winemaker’s Brunch on March 8. Save the date because you’ve never met a winemaker quite like Dieter, and this is an event you won’t want to miss!
As many of you know, I have a special place in my heart and stomach for California Spiny Lobster Tail - the perfect companion for this wine or vice versa, who knows? I picture the warm glow of a fireplace, a comforting bowl of oyster chowder, and a side of crispy French fries alongside roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts. Top it all off with a grilled spiny lobster tail (California's finest, but Maine lobster will do in a pinch), all while enjoying the smooth sounds of Rodrigo Amarante on Pandora.
This is a scenario that would ‘cause Dieter to soundly curse with enthusiasm. And rightfully so…
2021 Paix Sur Terre Syrah
Decadence in a bottle, crafted by Paso Robles' own Ryan Pease. This Syrah is a powerhouse wine, tailor-made for winter nights. I imagine pairing this wine with crisp, clear skies filled with shooting stars, the warmth of friends close by, laughter, and stories that seem to stretch time itself. And if we’re lucky, a nighttime launch from Vandenberg.
This is the wine you open when the world outside has quieted and you’re fully committed to a night in, surrounded by friends, family, and an endless lineup of board games and tall tales. In our house, we’ll pair it with the holiday movie Klaus, a new tradition we discovered and now can’t imagine winter without.
2023 Terra Mére Sauvignon Blanc
This is what we’re gonna sip for Thanksgiving prep. Pour a glass while chopping veggies, mixing and whisking, heating up the peanut oil, pulling the turkeys from their three-day brine. The aroma of sage, thyme, and rosemary wafting through the air, pots bubbling on the stove, the sounds of football on the TV, all while the pumpkin pie cools on the table. Let this wine bring a smile and a bit of sanity to the joyful chaos of the kitchen.
This wine is the creation of lifelong friends Caitlin Testa and Karla Ford, both born and raised in farming communities on California's Central Coast and best friends for as long as they can remember. Caitlin’s family remains deeply rooted in farming, and she and her family live on a vineyard planted and farmed by her husband. The label artwork comes from Karla’s mom. Farming, family, friends - I can’t imagine a better pairing for Thanksgiving than a Terra Mére wine.
2022 Colpo di Fortuna Cortese
This is the only locally produced Cortese I’ve come across in the Central Coast. Maybe someone else is making one, but I haven’t seen it yet and I don’t know any vineyards that have planted it. This fruit comes from a backyard vineyard just around the corner from the wine bar. The owners are regulars at the bar. They planted Nebbiolo and Cortese in the yard alongside the olive trees they use to make olive oil which Chef Melissa uses in the kitchen.
If you’ve never tried Cortese, you’re in for a real treat! This wine is a natural match for seafood - think anchovies or grilled fish. But last night, I decided to try something different. Chef Melissa made an amazing lasagna soup. Normally, I’d go for a medium-bodied red with a dish like that, but I was craving something light and refreshing, so I popped the cork on this bottle. The pairing? Absolutely perfect!
This wine’s versatility is incredible—I can see it shining alongside so many hearty soups: minestrone, cioppino, chowder, and maybe even pho. Oh, tasty pho...
Bocce Bubbles Blanc de Blancs
This is your ticket to New Year’s Eve-style decadence and sparkle. This wine is the one that you want - fun, effervescent, and as lively as a midnight toast under the stars. It’s as good as summer loving and perfect for ringing in a fresh new chapter - this is the one that you want!
It’s a dazzling evening, sparklers in hand, laughter filling the air, and the coastline just a short distance away. Pop open Bocce Bubbles with a spread of fresh oysters, creamy cheeses, and caviar. Each sip is a toast to love, luck, and the beauty of life on the Central Coast or wherever you call home. Start the new year with the best memories of the past and a bright, bubbly welcome to what’s next.
2023 Ulloa Cellars Pinot Blanc
From the stunning Santa Lucia Highlands, just a stone’s throw from the breathtaking Big Sur coastline, Nancy Ulloa sources her Pinot Blanc and crafts a wine that’s nothing short of magical. Her wines are rare gems, and we’re incredibly lucky that she loves our wine bar because she sells almost exclusively through her tasting room and wine club. If you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Nancy, you know she’s a total powerhouse - an absolute force of nature who fills a room with her infectious energy and passion for life. She’s the only winemaker I know who incorporates crystals into her winemaking process. Nancy is truly one of a kind.
This Pinot Blanc is the perfect match with our shrimp po’ boys on Friday nights – it’s the bottle I always reach for and it’s a pairing that never disappoints. But if you’re not eating shrimp po’ boys at Clean Slate, I’ve paired it with tuna fish sandwiches and even a classic BLT. I must be in a sandwich frame of mind. It pairs with more than sandwiches! But, you know, who doesn’t love a good sandwich? It’s also an exceptional wine to enjoy on its own, a refreshing sip to unwind with at the end of the day.
2019 Buscador Zinfandel
I’ve always enjoyed Zinfandel - it was the wine that first opened the door to my love of wine. A Zinfandel from Linne Calodo in Paso Robles lit a spark in me. Let’s just say it was my gateway wine. We all have one. Don’t we? Zinfandel has deep roots here in California, literally and figuratively. It came west during the Gold Rush and at one point made up a full third of all wine grapes planted in the state. It's sort of in our blood to enjoy Zinfandel and I’m always searching for a good one.
Matt Kowalczyk of Buscador Wines is more of a philosopher than a winemaker. Sharing a conversation with him over a glass of wine with him is like opening the door to an adventure. A world traveler with deep Santa Barbara roots, he’s as captivating as the wines he crafts. For ages, I’ve wanted to feature his Zinfandel at the wine bar, and he finally made an exception. And now I have a few bottles to share.
That got me thinking: what’s festive, unexpected, and perfectly Zin-friendly? My answer - S’mores & Zinfandel. The rich, fruity, and spicy notes of Zinfandel with the gooey sweetness of toasted marshmallows, melty chocolate, and smoky graham crackers. The interplay of flavors is pure holiday magic.
2022 Alamati Cabernet Franc
Cooper Allebrand and Niko Comati have been inseparable since they met at kindergarten soccer camp - a friendship that’s endured through the years and now thrives in their shared passion for winemaking. If you’re a member of our wine club, you may already know their story as I’ve had the pleasure of featuring their wines before. I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with them on a couple of winery events. Cooper and Niko are just fantastic guys making fantastic wine.
With a wife from Louisiana, it’s no surprise that we celebrate the New Year’s Day tradition of eating black-eyed peas and greens for good luck and prosperity in the year ahead. This is the wine I’ll be serving alongside that dish – I think it’s an ideal pairing with the meal as well as an ideal pairing with hope for a bright and fruitful 2025.