September 27, 2026 - California Uncorked - Napa Valley & Beyond
On September 27, 2026, the North Wake NC chapter held a meeting and tasting of California wines at our local Total Wine store in Raleigh with 30 members attending.
On Sunday, September 27, at our local Total Wine store in Raleigh, store manager Kristy Hochhalter presented eight wines: two Chardonnays (one oaked, one unoaked), one Sauvignon Blanc, one Pinot Noir, two red blends, one Zinfandel, and one Cabernet Sauvignon. Kristy provided information on the wineries, the regions (although several were designated as California), and the grapes. The differences between the oaked and unoaked Chardonnays were particularly noticeable.
Kristy had recently returned from a week at Amici Cellars in Napa around the time of their harvest, and she related her specific duties during the week. Although she didn’t pick any grapes, she observed the crush and all aspects of winemaking during her week there. Her experience made for an informative session.