Winemaker Andrew Jones started as a vine nursery fieldman, planning and planting vineyards for farmers all over California. He has an eye for finding diamonds in the rough: sites that are unknown or under-appreciated but hold enormous untapped potential. He produces unique wines loaded with personality. “Field Recordings” is his personal catalog of the people and places he values most. We will taste:

Skins 2020 — A blend of white grapes collected from different vineyards in California. This wine is crisp, textured, and medium-bodied. Flavors of apricot, dried peaches, and citrus on the palate. The blend (41% Chenin Blanc, 37% Pinot Gris, 5% Riesling, 8% Verdelho, 9% Albariño) sees some skin contact, imparting a faintly orange-ish hue to the wine and explaining the name. Funky, cidery aromas come through on an expressive nose, while an herbal, savory note makes an appearance on the palate. Round body, racy acidity, and a long finish complete the package. Even though this is a white wine, don't serve it too cold, or you'll lose out on the aromatics. $24.99/$9

Tang Piquette Sparkling White 2020 — Light and refreshing, made with rehydrated grape skins. Piquette was a way to meet the needs of the people during the late 1800s wine blight in France. By taking the pressed skins and rehydrating them with water, a low-alcohol tea was created that contained leftover flavor bound up in the dried skins. For this bottling, the skins are repressed seven days after rehydration, and the result is a light and refreshing low-alcohol elixir. A small amount of finished table wine is added for acidity and stability. The leftover sugars and native yeast give the finished wine a light sparkle. Notes of cantaloupe, pear cider, lemon zest and orchid flowers with a delightful spritziness. Blend: 50% Chenin Blanc, 30% Pinot Gris, 20% Albariño. $24.99/$9

Paso Piquette Project (PPP) Sparkling Red 2020 — Handcrafted with Pomace (the leftover grape skins, seeds and stems from winemaking) from nine wineries in Paso Robles (Alta Colina, Booker, Desparada, Fableist, Field Recordings, Giornata, Herman Story, Levo, Sans Liege and Villa Creek). Equal parts Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Albariño. Pomace was steeped for 3-7 days, depending on the variety, and then pressed. Skins that were crushed in production were rehydrated (soaked for a few days), then fermented. The result is a bubbly, low-alcohol red wine. All proceeds from this wine are donated to a fund that provides scholarships to workers in the vineyard, winery, restaurant and hospitality industries. Notes of candied raspberries, mixed-fruit preserves, lavender and sage. $24.99/$9

PLEASE NOTE: We have returned to the bar for tastings, as was the method pre-COVID. We are honored and humbled to have been very busy during the last bunch of Friday WTs. We have SO enjoyed having a full place again and seeing all of you! Barside tasting is the most efficient and organized way for us to provide tastings at this point. C’mon in when you’re ready, head to the bar/tasting area, and sample away. Be sure to make room for others, chat, and compare notes. Then find a table and continue on with the evening. As always, please select a table that matches your party size so that we can accommodate everyone.

Feel free to bring snacks/dinner with you, but please dispose of your own trash (there is a garbage can at the back entrance of the store). AND, don’t forget the cheese shop, St. Lucio’s Gourmet and Cheese. They are introducing new cheeses regularly. They can pair cheeses for you to enjoy with your wine.