Beach-Friendly Wines
2010 Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas
It’s smoky, Syrah-based and from an acclaimed producer—yet on the right side of $20.
Pairing: Sausage-and-Pepper Heros
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2010 Beckmen Vineyards Santa Ynez Valley Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Juicy ruby-red grapefruit flavors mark this wine from one of the Central Coast’s top producers.
Pairing: Grilled Miso Shrimp
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2010 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Gris
Ponzi, one of Oregon’s most respected wineries, makes textbook Pinot Gris. That means fresh nectarine and white peach flavors and zesty acidity.
Pairing: Tofu-and-Vegetable Tacos with Eggplant-Ancho Spread
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2010 d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Grenache-Shiraz-Mourvèdre
Named for a 19th-century plow invented in South Australia, this fresh wine is berry-driven.
Pairing: Gouda Burgers with Grilled Onions and Pickled Peppers
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2011 Domaine le Garrigon Côtes-du-Rhône
Importer Wineberry packages several of its wines in attractive wooden boxes, among them this meaty, spicy, Grenache-based red from the Rhône valley.
Pairing: Grilled Glazed Salmon
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NV Pepperwood Grove The Big Green Box
People who like big, dense California Chardonnays will love this one for its caramel-vanilla notes and superrich texture.
Pairing: Creamy Oyster Stew with Fennel and Brown Bread Toasts
6 of 10
2009 Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir
From vineyards in the Wairau and Awatere valleys, this displays lively berry, savory herb and cedar notes.
Pairing: Buttermilk Chicken with Crispy Cornflakes
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2010 Bota Box Chardonnay
This lightly oaked, appley Chardonnay from California comes in boxes made from recycled cardboard printed with eco- friendly soy inks.
Pairing: Crab Rolls with Lemon Aioli
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2010 Wineberry Château du Chatelard Bourgogne Blanc
It's unusual to find good white Burgundy in a box (much less a cool wooden box). This sleek white justifies its higher price.
Pairing: Octopus Salad with Potatoes and Green Beans
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2009 Andrew Rich Prelude Pinot Noir
Andrew Rich makes this fragrant, silky Pinot at the Carlton Winemakers Studio, a LEED-certified co-op winery that currently houses 11 different boutique producers.
Pairing: Focaccia Reubens