It’s wine o’clock somewhere. Ok let’s be real, it’s wine o’clock the second your last Zoom meeting ends.
And sometimes during your meeting when you turn the camera off “to make lunch.”
Lucky for you vino lovers, we connected with Trevor Durling, critically-acclaimed wine connoisseur, winemaker, and general manager of Beaulieu Vineyard.
Considered one of the region’s cult classics, Beaulieu Vineyard is a pioneering Napa Valley winery dating back to 1900.
BV wine has graced many iconic dining tables throughout history, making it a classic that has stood the test of time with resilience.
From the Moon Landing, to the fall of the Berlin Wall, to the first Black US president being elected, BV wines are inherently interwoven into our culture’s fabric.
Trevor Durling, the mastermind behind the operation, knows a thing or two about where to get the best wine from east to west.
Keep reading for Trevor’s expert recommendations on the best vineyards across the country.
Aspen: Aspen Peak Cellars
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I am a big fan of Aspen Peak Cellars because, to me, it’s the perfect combination of the at-home, family feel with great quality wine. Trained chefs Marcel and Julie Flukiger turned a hobby of winemaking into a business when they founded the winery. Using their incredible culinary background, the Flukigers are always happy to offer guests incredible wine pairings for whatever cuisine they enjoy at home. It’s clear they’re passionate about what they do and want others to be able to experience wine’s ability to elevate any meal.
Boston: La Garagista
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La Garagista’s mission is to care for their land in creative and natural ways, make way for the honest narrative told by wines that express their unique landscape, and share in and support the spirited food and agriculture of their community. I cannot recommend this winery enough because of its approach to farming and creating wine, focused on regenerative, permaculture, and biodynamic thought. It’s very similar to how we operate with innovation constantly at the forefront.
DC: Early Mountain in VA
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At Early Mountain as their vines get older, so do they, and with that comes the wisdom of age and their contribution to the emergence of Virginia’s wine culture. This winery should be on everyone’s radar because they create wines with identities that they know are unique to Virginia’s soil and grapes. It’s truly a unique experience for anyone looking for a wine that’s authentic to its origin.
Dallas: Times Ten Cellars
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Times Ten Cellars is a stylish winery and wine bar that offers an array of local vintages paired with global small plates. Its ideal location in Dallas makes it convenient for anyone visiting and locals alike. What’s more? The fact that it works with both Texas and California vineyards to provide unique, approachable wines has solidified its place as a must-visit destination in Dallas that’s always at the top of my list.
Hamptons: RGNY
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RGNY is a family of winemakers with a deep regard for their heritage. Their Mexican roots bring a unique perspective to the business. They value the family’s tradition of winemaking and aim to foster the Rivero González legacy. I recommend this winery because each offering is created meticulously with a design-led approach to ensure quality and authenticity. It’s really an experience that’s steeped in history and expertise for the craft of winemaking.
LA: Miramonte Winery
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For anyone that appreciates wine, look no further than Miramonte, which has emerged as one of the most respected and forward-thinking boutique wineries of southern California in recent years. Miramonte Winery has a special focus on traditional grapes of varieties of Spain, Portugal, and southern France. Visiting this winery is an unforgettable exploration of flavor profiles from around the world, with a signature California feel.
Michigan: 45 North
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45 North is located directly on the 45th parallel, which informs the method to their madness. The winery uses this distinct location as the driving force behind their approach to crafting world-class wines that represent the region. Using grapes from estate and regional vineyards, everything is handcrafted on-site with the goal of producing the most approachable, elegant wines possible. Their strong commitment to sustainable farming practices and true passion for the growing local wine scene are two of the many reasons that I love to check out 45 North when I’m in Michigan.
Scottsdale: RUNE Wines
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At its core, RUNE Wines produces elegantly styled, terroir-driven wines. I would recommend this winery to anyone visiting Scottsdale because they lean towards the natural side of winemaking and uphold the values of sustainability in everything they do. They believe the unique artistry in wine brings people together, and there’s no doubt that guests will notice this high-touch approach during their visit.
Silicon Valley: Cooper Garrods Estate Vineyards
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With roots going back over 125 years, the Cooper and Garrod families strive to maintain a healthy and sustainable environment for themselves, employees, neighbors, and visitors. Not only is this winery a family-owned and operated business, but they are committed to sustainability across all facets of the business, and continuing their legacy for succeeding generations.
San Francisco: Beaulieu Vineyard
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For more than 100 years, Beaulieu Vineyard set the benchmark for rich, classic Napa Valley wines and has played a critical role in the development of American winemaking. It’s an incredible honor to continue the winery’s legacy as only the fifth winemaker to make the iconic Georges de Latour Private Reserve. Diplomats, celebrities, and wine lovers from around the world have come to experience our historic property in Rutherford. We respect the art of craftsmanship and honor our exceptional fruit using a blend of modern and traditional techniques to reveal the distinctive varietal personality of the grapes, as well as that signature “Rutherford Dust” character that comes from our estate vineyards. Of course, I may be partial but if you’re in San Francisco, BV is not to be missed!
Photography by: Alison Clark
