The Bonterra Edit

The world of wine appreciation begins not with taste, but with scent. While many focus on what touches the tongue, it’s the invisible realm of aromatics that reveals a wine’s most profound stories—tales of soil and sunshine, of thoughtful farming and patient craft. At Bonterra’s organic winery in Mendocino County, this aromatic expression achieves particular…

In the realm of culinary artistry, few practices elevate the dining experience quite like the thoughtful pairing of wine and food. At Bonterra, where our wines reflect the rich flavors and detailed nuance that come from organic, regenerative farming, we know that spot-on pairings can make an everyday meal—extraordinary.  In this spirit, we are delighted…

You’ve been saving that perfect bottle, waiting for just the right moment. The occasion arrives, you pour a glass, but something feels…off. Wine lives and breathes in the space between cellar and glass, where every degree shapes its story. Understanding wine and temperature isn’t merely about rules—it’s about capturing that elusive moment when a wine…

When you farm with a good earth mindset, you discover that every season tells its own story. Understanding how the seasons shape our cravings and celebrations throughout the year is the starting point for selecting the perfect wine. From summer’s sun-drenched gatherings to intimate dinners during the winter season, each season’s celebrations bring opportunities for…

Red Wine vs. White Wine Glasses: What’s the Difference? At Bonterra, we know that the perfect pour starts long before it reaches your glass. For us, it starts in the vineyards, where our organic, regenerative approach creates the perfect starting point for flavorful wines.  When it comes to stemware, as on the farm, details matter:…

There’s an art to the kind of entertaining that feels both intentional and effortless—where carefully selected wines meet thoughtfully curated bites, and conversation flows as freely as the evening’s first pour. At Bonterra, we love how this inspired approach can transform an ordinary Wednesday into something extraordinary.  Let’s skip the formal dinner party playbook tonight…

Many of us have heard someone talk about the “legs” of a wine, but what does that actually mean? Wine legs (sometimes called “wine tears”) often spark curiosity at wine tastings, and understanding what they do – and don’t – tell us is an important step in learning about and appreciating wine.  Spoiler: Wine legs…

Have you ever tasted a wine that smelled like wet cardboard? It may have been from a “corked” bottle – one that suffered from cork taint. Understanding a bit about this common wine fault can help wine enthusiasts avoid unpleasant wine tasting experiences, and ensure you’re tasting what the winemaker intended when they put it…

We know it’s a little strange to talk about a beverage having a “body.” It’s a liquid, after all! But the world of wine is a poetic one, and “body” is the traditional metaphor for talking about a wine’s weight and mouthfeel. A wine’s body has an important impact on our wine tasting experience, especially…

Arriving at a gathering with a thoughtful gift for the host never fails to make a lasting impression – especially when the host is a wine lover. A well-chosen bottle or wine-related accessory expresses your gratitude for the host’s hospitality, and helps contribute to the success of the get-together.  Let’s dig into some of our…

Looking to learn more about wine in a fun and comfortable environment? Hosting your own wine tasting party might be the perfect plan. It’s one of our favorite ways to spend time with family, friends and colleagues, and a great way to hone those tasting skills. Any time we invite people over to taste through…

A lot of what we describe about food and wine has to do with aromas and flavors, but there are a few exceptions – and tannin is one of them. Wine tannins have a significant influence on our experience of wine because of their impact on texture, ageability, and flavor. Understanding what these compounds are…