July Wine Favorites: 4 Bottles I Loved and Why You’ll Want to Try Them
July’s standouts—from porch sippers to chillable reds I texted my friends about immediately.
Every bottle tells a story, and July brought some beautiful chapters. Between warm evenings and easy weekends, I opened wines that made me pause, pour again, and savor the moment. Some were new discoveries. All of them made the month more delicious.
Here are the wines I tried, loved, and would absolutely pour again:
Darling Wines Pinot Gris (2023)
This bottle is pure sunshine. Crisp, clean, and kissed with a salty-sweet edge, it’s the kind of wine that belongs next to fresh seafood, good conversation, or a long afternoon by the pool. Think lemon zest, white peach, and a touch of wet stone, it’s bright, mineral-driven, and so alive in the glass.
The color alone is a showstopper, pale gold with a subtle pink hue that looks like it was painted by hand. A true piece of art from Tom Darling. Did I mention only seven barrels were made of this!
It’s easily one of the most compelling Pinot Gris expressions I’ve had all year—vibrant, textural, and quietly complex.
Pair it with: Grilled shrimp, herby pasta, or your favorite dinner playlist on repeat.
Stolpman ‘Ava Maria’ (2023)
This wine is wild, in the absolute best way. It’s electric, juicy, and vibrantly alive, like strawberry agua fresca with a savory herbal twist. Thanks to carbonic maceration fermentation, it’s bursting with bright, playful fruit and a lift that makes every sip feel like a celebration.
I served it slightly chilled at a backyard hang, and it disappeared fast. It’s the kind of red that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still shows up with structure, freshness, and balance. If you’re into wines that feel fun but thoughtful this one’s your girl.
Pair it with: Tacos al pastor, movie night, or a hot evening with friends and zero plans.
Failla Pinot Noir ‘Olivet Ranch’ (2022)
It wouldn’t be a proper wine rec from me without at least one Failla bottle in the mix, and this one’s a standout. There’s something about Failla that always feels intimate, and the 2022 Olivet Ranch Pinot delivers that signature quiet depth.
Earthy and elegant, with soft red fruit, rose petal, and just a whisper of spice, it’s the kind of wine that makes you lean in and listen. Beautifully made, quietly powerful, and everything I love about California Pinot when it’s done right.
Pair it with: Roasted duck, mushroom anything, or a solo night with a great book.
Lioco Pinot Noir (2023)
This one’s all energy and tension—in the best way. The 2023 vintage bursts with lift: crunchy red cherry, tart cranberry, and just a whisper of forest floor. It’s bright, nervy, and the kind of wine that makes you feel something.
I drank it with a little chill and immediately texted three friends to go grab a bottle. It’s also on the list at one of my favorite SF spots, RT Rotisserie—so you know it’s got that casual-cool versatility that works at dinner or on your couch. A stunner of a Pinot.
Pair it with: Crispy-skinned salmon, pizza night, or catching up with someone you love.
Final pour
Have you tried any of these? Or do you have a July favorite that stopped you in your tracks? Drop it in the comments or DM me on Instagram—I always want to know what’s in your glass.
