This Winemaker Just Fixed California Wine’s Biggest Problem

Cienega Valley Wines Link to Purchase Wine: https://www.winex.com/cienega-duo.html Link to Glasses: https://www.winex.com/fontaine-premier-universal-wine-glass.html Join our Daily Email Offer List: https://cdn.forms-content.sg-form.com/f3da488a-d10b-11ee-94a3-62718bdc6118 California wine finally has a comeback story — and it starts in Cienega Valley. Winemaker Alphonse DeRose (of DeRose Vineyards fame) has revived one of California’s oldest wineries and proved that real value still exists in American wine. The Cienega Valley Winery Pinot Noir and Chardonnay 2023 come from Eden Rift and Gemelli Vineyards, two of the most sought-after limestone-rich sites in the Central Coast — where wineries typically charge $50–$85 for bottles made from the same fruit. Both wines are native yeast fermented, aged in used French oak, unfined, unfiltered, and full of vibrant energy and character. The Chardonnay channels Santa Cruz Mountains minerality with notes of green apple, pear, and citrus, while the Pinot Noir blends Santa Cruz and Sonoma Coast vibes — red cherry, rhubarb, spice, and silk. These wines punch way, way above their $12 price tag, proving that California doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be extraordinary.