“I believe designing a great meal always includes selecting a great bottle of wine.” – Chef Geoffrey Zakarian

California offers exciting, fruit-forward takes on the most popular varietals, and these selections taste just as satisfying on their own as they are served with meals. Chef Zakarian shares some of his favorite Golden State sippers, including three medal-winning wines.

Highlights from this half-case, along with suggested pairings, include:

2018 Wolfson Cellars Zinfandel, a richly flavored, Silver Medal-winning red. With bold notes of blueberry, cherry, and plum, along with hints of black pepper, it's a great companion to anything smoked or charred, like steak, chicken, and pulled pork.
2019 Ishara Chardonnay, a crisp yet smooth Silver Medal-winning white. This easy-drinking wine captures the perfect balance between fruitiness and oak-aged flavor. Uncork with shellfish, mild and creamy cheeses (like Brie), and white pizza.
2018 Treehaven Lane Cabernet Sauvignon, a classic California Cab expressing bold dark fruit notes and layers of complexity. This rich, full-bodied red has a savory finish that complements red meats, lamb, Portobello mushrooms, and hearty pasta.