The Bonterra Edit

A journal by Bonterra Organic Estates

Thanksgiving Wine Guide

Does anyone else get ambitious at Thanksgiving? There is so much to savor about the holiday, and we tend to over-commit in the pursuit of enjoying every delicious moment of the day. If you are like us, we are here to help. We can’t set the table, but we can help you choose the best…

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Is Merlot Sweet or Dry? Exploring Its Taste and Characteristics

At Bonterra, we love Merlot for what it is—and what it isn’t. It’s generous without being overbearing, smooth without being simple. And yet, one question comes up often: Is Merlot sweet? This is no surprise given Merlot’s soft, approachable character. The straightforward answer is that Merlot is generally a dry red wine, despite its reputation…

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Chardonnay vs. Sauvignon Blanc: Which White Wine Is Right for You?

When it comes to white wine, two varietals tend to lead the conversation: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Both are wildly popular, endlessly versatile, and grown around the world—yet they couldn’t be more different in taste, texture, and personality. At Bonterra, we craft both wines from organically farmed vineyards, letting nature shape their character. Whether you’re…

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What Is Blanc de Blancs? The Sparkling Style Made from White Wine Grapes

Some of wine’s most elegant expressions come from the simplest concepts. What happens when you take classic white wine grapes and transform them into sparkling wine using time-honored techniques? You get blanc de blancs—a style that spotlights the brightness and finesse of white grapes in their most celebratory form. Whether you’re curious about that elegant bottle on…

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Best Dry White Wines for Cooking: Discover What to Use and Why It Matters

The moment wine meets the pan, something magical happens. Steam rises, aromas intensify, and what began as a few simple ingredients transforms into something extraordinary. Yet for many home cooks, the question lingers: what is a good dry white wine for cooking? The answer lies in understanding how wine functions in the kitchen—not just as an…

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Simple Fresh Green Salad

Hello food and wine lovers Chef Olan Cox here from the heart of Mendocino County, California. I adore greens, especially those fresh from the garden. One of my favorite ways to enjoy is with a good simple salad using a base of about two thirds lettuce and a third arugula. I like to use a…

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Citrus Cream Salad

Hello food and wine lovers! Chef Olan Cox here from the heart of Mendocino County, California, sharing a Citrus Cream Salad recipe with you. The ingredients to this salad will be a natural complement to the wine you are drinking. The creamy dressing makes a lovely pairing with our Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and even Pinot…

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Guide to Pinot Gris Characteristics

A Guide to Pinot Gris Characteristics: When to Enjoy and What to Expect The world of white wine offers a spectacular range of expressions, from the crisp clarity of Sauvignon Blanc to the rich complexity of Chardonnay. Along this spectrum lies Pinot Gris—a grape variety of remarkable versatility and subtle charm. Understanding the characteristics of…

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