From sea to shining sea, American winemakers are crafting bottles that capture the spirit of summer—and there’s no better time to raise a glass than the Fourth of July. Whether you’re grilling out, picnicking in the park, or simply soaking up the long weekend, we’ve gathered a fresh lineup of homegrown wines that are as dynamic and diverse as the country itself. From crisp whites and chillable reds to festive pét-nats and backyard-ready rosés, this year’s picks offer something for every palate and every party.
LIEU DIT BLANC DE MER ‘SANTA BARBARA COUNTY’ 2024
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Blanc de Mer is a coastal blend that brings together three grapes—Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc—all sourced from sustainably farmed vineyards in Santa Barbara County. Each grape is fermented separately with native yeasts, then blended for a wine that’s bright, layered, and full of coastal freshness. Aged in a mix of stainless steel and neutral oak, it shows citrus, salinity, and soft texture without any heaviness. At just 12% alcohol, it’s a crisp, crushable white perfect for grilled seafood or afternoon sunshine.
Founded in 2011 by Justin Willett and a close companion, Lieu Dit is a Santa Barbara winery dedicated to exploring the art of winemaking through the lens of French-inspired varietals. With a focus on grape varieties indigenous to the Loire Valley, Lieu Dit primarily produces Sauvignon Blanc, alongside limited editions of Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Rosé, with an annual output of around 2,500 cases. Committed to ideals of purity, elegance, and balance, Justin Willett’s passion for winemaking is further demonstrated through his work at Tyler Winery and as a consulting winemaker at Wenzlau Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills.
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RAMEY WINE CELLARS CHARDONNAY ‘RUSSIAN RIVER’ 2023
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Ramey’s Russian River Chardonnay is a benchmark in California winemaking—elegant, age-worthy, and grounded in Old World technique. Crafted from nine cool-climate vineyards and fermented with native yeast, it’s aged sur lies in French oak (just 10% new) for nuance and complexity without overwhelming the fruit. The result? A wine that balances ripe orchard fruit and citrus with gentle oak and fresh acidity. David Ramey helped define California Chardonnay—and this bottle shows you why.
David Ramey is a foundational figure in modern California winemaking, known for marrying Old World techniques with Sonoma and Napa’s distinct terroirs. Since founding Ramey Wine Cellars in 1996, he has pioneered techniques like native yeast fermentation, sur lies aging, and whole-cluster pressing. Today, the winery is led by his children Claire and Alan, who are carrying on the tradition with fresh energy and deep respect for their father’s legacy. Ramey continues to produce benchmark Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah that are structured, age-worthy, and consistently among California’s finest.
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RAVINES RIESLING ‘LIMESTONE SPRINGS VYD’ 2021
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This single-vineyard Riesling hails from the White Springs Vineyard, where limestone-rich soils bring exceptional precision and minerality to the fruit. Made using traditional methods—whole cluster pressing, cool fermentation, and aging on light lees—this wine is a masterclass in Finger Lakes terroir. Expect aromas of lime blossom and stone fruit, with a crisp, dry finish that’s tailor-made for spicy dishes, grilled veggies, or a waterside Fourth of July spread.
Ravines is a family-owned winery that helped redefine quality winemaking in New York’s Finger Lakes. Founded by Danish-born winemaker Morten Hallgren and his wife Lisa in 2000, Ravines brings Old World precision to the cool-climate terroir of Seneca Lake. Morten’s background—from Provence to Bordeaux to New York—shapes the winery’s restrained, elegant style, with a focus on Dry Riesling, Pinot Noir, and other cool-climate varietals. With over two decades of acclaim, Ravines produces wines known for their vibrancy, minerality, and a true sense of place.
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BONNY DOON LE CIGARE ORANGE 2024
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Bonny Doon gives playful take on orange wine. This blend of Grenache Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chenin Blanc, and others sees two weeks of skin contact, adding color, texture, and gentle tannin to the wine. It’s floral, slightly savory, and layered with notes of citrus peel and tea leaves. Serve chilled and pair with anything from grilled peaches to sharp cheeses—this is a conversation-starter in a glass.
Founded by the iconoclastic Randall Grahm, Bonny Doon Vineyard has long been at the forefront of California’s Rhône movement. From the legendary Le Cigare Volant to trailblazing innovations like premium screwcaps and transparent labeling, Bonny Doon has always embraced the unconventional. Today, the winery continues to craft small-lot, expressive wines that reflect Randall’s deep curiosity and decades-long devotion to terroir. |
TURLEY ROSE ‘NAPA VALLEY’ 2024
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Originally dreamed up by Christina Turley during her days as a New York somm, this rosé channels Provençal elegance with California fruit. Made entirely with native yeasts and aged in used French oak, it’s a dry, savory pink wine with plenty of structure and finesse. Notes of wild strawberries, grapefruit zest, and a hint of herb make it ultra-versatile. Whether you’re poolside, fireside, or tableside, it’s the kind of rosé that keeps the party going.
Turley Wine Cellars was founded in Napa Valley by Larry Turley in 1993. Because Larry has never met an old vine vineyard he didn’t like, Turley now makes 50 separate wines from 50 different vineyards, some with vines that date back to the mid-1800s. Often weak and low yielding, these old vine vineyards require extra care and attention to harvest fruit that reflects their aged glory. All of the vineyards are either certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers or somewhere in the process. Only natural yeasts are used in the fermentations. |
SANDHI PINOT NOIR ‘STA. RITA HILLS’ 2023
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From wind-swept vineyards just miles from the Pacific, Sandhi’s Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir is a study in coastal restraint. Organically farmed fruit is fermented with indigenous yeast and aged in neutral oak, preserving the grape’s natural brightness and aromatics. Expect red berries, crushed herbs, and a touch of earthiness, wrapped in fine tannins and mouthwatering acidity. It’s a bottle that proves power isn’t always about weight—it’s about balance.
Sandhi was founded in 2010 by sommelier Rajat Parr and winemaker Sashi Moorman to explore the cool-climate vineyards of the Sta. Rita Hills. The winery focuses on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir made with precision, restraint, and a deep respect for place. By partnering with some of the most compelling vineyard sites in Santa Barbara County, Sandhi produces wines defined by minerality, balance, and freshness. It’s a study in how harmony between land, vine, and vintner can yield wines of true grace. |
ROBERT BIALE ZINFANDEL ‘PARTY LINE’ 2023
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Biale has built its legacy on preserving Napa’s old-vine Zinfandel heritage, and Party Line is their ode to the grape’s fun-loving, fruit-forward side. Named after the code-word orders of Prohibition-era Napa, this wine is juicy, spicy, and built for a crowd. Sourced from organically farmed vineyards across the North Coast, it’s fermented in open-top tanks and aged in French oak for added depth. Fire up the grill—this Zin was made for ribs and fireworks.
The Biale family has been farming Zinfandel in Napa Valley since the 1930s, when “Black Chicken” was the code name for Aldo Biale’s bootleg wine. In 1991, Aldo and son Robert teamed up with Dave Pramuk to officially bottle Zinfandel from their old-vine Oak Knoll vineyards—and Biale Vineyards was born. Today, the winery is a champion of heritage California grapes like Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, using old-world, Burgundian techniques to create elegant, site-expressive wines. In a region dominated by Cabernet, Biale stands proudly as Napa’s Zinfandel icon.
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CARBONISTE ROUGE BRUT 2022
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Carboniste blends Merlot and Albariño in a unique take on bubbly, combining the fruit and body of red wine with the brightness of a sparkling white. The Merlot undergoes whole-cluster fermentation and aging in barrel for savory depth, while the Albariño keeps things fresh and zippy. With 6 g/L of dosage, it’s dry but generous, and totally unexpected in the best way. Chill it down and let the sparks fly.
Carboniste, founded by husband-and-wife team Dan and Jacqueline Person, is a modern Californian sparkling wine producer focused on showcasing the vibrant character of California’s fruit. With experience at Schramsberg and Larkmead, Dan, along with Jacqueline, consulted for Naked Wines, crafts sparkling wines like Albariño, Extra Brut Pinot Noir Rosé, and Pét-Nat Pinot Grigio. Rather than following traditional French methods, CARBONISTE adapts its winemaking techniques to highlight the fresh, fruity flavors of each varietal.
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