When one thinks of the tropics, enjoying a glass of wine may not spring to mind immediately. A mai tai perhaps, or a margarita, may seem more appropriate.

But then, what is one to do when the Gary Farrell 2022, Russian River Chardonnay (Rochioli Vineyard) offers beautiful notes of mango, guava, melon, and a softly vibrant presence? This wine just begs to be compared to a painting-like sunset over the ocean as ukulele strums float on a warm breeze, and the crackles of a fire begin to sound as day turns to dusk.

Chardonnay can sometimes be a one-note kind of experience — too much oak or too much heavy buttery-ness that doesn’t allow much nuance to enter in. But when a chardonnay is allowed to shine beyond that… you discover so much more about this wonderful grape.

We spent the rest of the evening imagining ourselves relaxing on tropical shores, the tones of Sade in the background (which was considered for a hot second, before the immediate consensus that she is without-a-doubt a red wine. The setting in which that red wine exists has been a point of debate in our family for many years).*

~ Keep Sipping, Keep Swirling

*Curious? Alright I’ll tell you. The Mom, The Brother, and I all feel that Sade evokes the feeling of being in a log cabin during a snow storm lying in front of a roaring fire. It’s ultimate coziness. The Dad however was absolutely shocked when he heard this and told us on no uncertain terms that Sade sounds like warm breezes at dusk on a Hawaiian beach.

What do you think?