In Sonoma Valley, August weather means warm, often hot days and deliciously cool evenings. It’s a great month to be outside: hiking in the morning, sitting by the pool in the afternoon, enjoying the cool evening air once the sun goes down. People are drawn to Sonoma Valley for the many outdoor attractions and the perfect weather with which to enjoy them.
There’s something undeniably refreshing about a well-chilled glass of wine on a warm August day. A vibrant Sauvignon Blanc offers bright acidity, expressive aromas, and the kind of freshness that makes summer days and meals even more enjoyable.
A low-alcohol wine is a way to enjoy both an active day and a delicious glass of wine. However, as wine lovers knows, alcohol contributes significantly to body, texture, mouthfeel, and structure. Removing alcohol from wine is a tricky business that, if not done skillfully, will deliver a product that is a pallid shadow of the ‘real thing.’ Laurel Glen Vineyard has developed a version of our rich and expressive Blanc Slate Sauvignon Blanc that has only 6 ½% alcohol – half the alcohol of the original wine. It is called Alcoba and we’d love for you to try it!
The contradictions of August offer a nice metaphor for a tasting experience at Laurel Glen Vineyard. While Cabernet Sauvignon may be what brings many visitors to Laurel Glen Vineyard, most also discover how refreshing beautifully crafted white and rosé wines can be.
The best summer wine tasting isn’t about choosing between white or red, it’s about enjoying both. Beginning with chilled wines awakens your palate before exploring the depth and elegance of Sonoma Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a tasting experience that’s perfectly suited to a warm afternoon in Glen Ellen (tinged with nostalgia for the summer that is soon to be over.)
Beat the Heat with Chilled Wines
Whether you’re relaxing on the patio, packing a picnic, or sitting by the pool after a day exploring Sonoma Valley, these wines are made for the season. The fact that both bottles are finished with a screw off top just adds to their flexibility and ease of enjoyment.
Don’t Overlook Rosé
Rosé has become one of summer’s favorite wines, and for good reason. Rosé bridges the gap between white and red wine, making it one of the most versatile styles you’ll find.
Our Rosella Rosé brings bright strawberry, white cherry, and citrus notes together with lively acidity, dry yet juicy and flavorful, it is an ideal companion for charcuterie boards, grilled vegetables, salmon, Mediterranean-inspired dishes or by itself poolside.
It’s equally comfortable at an elegant dinner or a casual afternoon gathering.
No Need to Choose
Beginning your tasting with chilled wines makes a Cabernet even more expressive.
The juicy acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc or Rosé activates the salivary glands and awakens your palate to the richness and complexity of Cabernet Sauvignon, allowing its structure, dark fruit, and long finish to shine.
Sonoma Mountain’s higher elevation, volcanic soils, and cool afternoon breezes create Cabernets known for balance rather than heaviness, a style that has defined Laurel Glen for more than forty years.
Celebrate Both White and Red Wine – August offers two fun reasons to raise a glass in celebration.
White Wine Day (August 4) is the perfect excuse to enjoy a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc.
Red Wine Day (August 28) is another perfect excuse to celebrate one of Sonoma Mountain’s greatest expressions: Cabernet Sauvignon.
Rather than choosing one over the other, enjoy both and celebrate how each expresses a different side of the beautiful Sonoma Valley.
Planning a Sonoma Wine Tasting?
Summer is one of the most beautiful times to visit Glen Ellen wineries, and Laurel Glen Vineyard offers a relaxed tasting experience that showcases refreshing, chilled wines alongside our celebrated Sonoma Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.
Located at 13750 Arnold Drive in Glen Ellen, we’re open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Reservations are appreciated, and walk-ins are welcome when space allows. A quick call or text will assure your table will be waiting. (707) 933-9877
Whether you’re escaping the August heat with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or discovering why Sonoma Mountain Cabernet has earned its reputation among collectors, we’d love to share a glass and our story with you.