It's getting chilly out, sweater on the patio weather, and the afternoons and evenings are tailor made for wine and cheese out of doors. But as the weather is changing so is your taste for wine -- something more crisp, with hints of pears and apples and ruby colored reds that warm you as the leaves fall and breezes blow.
Here are a few of my top picks for a festive, flavorful autumn:
Clos du Bois California Cabernet Sauvignon
With hints of of mocha, bittersweet chocolate, and flavors of juicy dark berry, the Clos du Bois California Cabernet Sauvignon is perfect for serving guests at a football tailgate, fireside get together or any fall soiree.
$18.00
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Harvest Spiced Red Blend
Inspired by the changing of the seasons, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Harvest Spiced Red Blend is perfect served as an easy-to-make mulled wine - simply heat and garnish with an orange slice, cloves optional. A unique blend with strong notes of red berries, cinnamon, vanilla, and clove, it's an approachable, easy-drinking seasonal wine to enjoy with family and friends.
$7.99.
Frei Brothers Reserve Chardonnay, Russian River valley
Hailing from Sonoma's most renowned cool-climate regions, this chardonnay displays flavors of green apple, orange zest and apple pie. A must have for picnics the orchards or autumn alfresco afternoons. $17.99
Eden Ice Cider
In the style of iced wine, Eden's single varietal dessert cider is elegant with a burst of tropical fruit, vanilla, caramel, and Christmas-cookie spices. It's been rested in French Oak for one year lending a sweet complexity, which is a perfect match for spiced nuts, blue cheese, and cured meats while taking in autumns kaleidoscope of colors.
about $33.00
Flowers Perennial Red Blend 2011
A dark ruby, complex and flavorful wine made by combining multiple grapes together at harvest and allowing them to simmer and ferment together for a spectacular result. Ideal for cool autumn afternoons by the fire. $42.00
Domaine des Baumard Savennieres 2011 Chenin Blanc, Loire France
This has a nice caressing feel, with quince, Anjou pear, crème fraîche and green plum notes that all glide through the pure, minerally-framed finish. An echo of quinine adds length."
$23.99
Chateau Beauchene Cotes du Rhone Grand Reserve 2012
Leathery, spicy , with fresh fruit and rhubarb flavors it delivers a plush profile. Perfect for the football games and Sunday dinners. $14.99
Melville 2012 Estate Viognier Verna's Santa Barbara County
Golden yellow, ( perfect for fall), with a combination of kiwi, tangerine, emerging while notes of sugar and honey drift about. Ideal for pumpkin patch picnics and Sunday brunching.
$17.95