Food & Wine

The Best Wines to Pair with Pasta: A Complete Guide

Pasta and wine may be timeless, but the best pairings feel anything but expected. At Bonterra, we’re all about creating moments where flavor, texture, and a little spontaneity come together—organically. When the perfect wine transforms a simple weeknight dinner into something memorable. It all begins with noticing how flavors, textures, and acidity play together on the plate.…

Pinot Grigio vs. Sauvignon Blanc: A Guide to Two Classic Whites

In the world of white wines, few debates spark as much friendly discussion as Pinot Grigio vs. Sauvignon Blanc. Both wines have earned devoted followings, grace countless tables during warm-weather gatherings, and pair beautifully with an impressive range of dishes. Yet despite their shared popularity and refreshing appeal, these two popular white wines offer distinctly different experiences in the glass. Understanding the nuances between…

Zinfandel Sweet or Dry: A Wine Lover’s Complete Guide

The question “Is Zinfandel sweet or dry?” deserves a nuanced answer. Most red Zinfandel is decidedly dry, delivering bold fruit without leftover sweetness. White Zinfandel—made from the same grape—leans distinctly sweeter with its off-dry, rosé-style profile. And then there’s late-harvest Zinfandel, a dessert-worthy exception known for its concentrated richness. With all these styles, it’s easy…

Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Merlot: Key Differences in Taste, Body, and Pairings

In the rolling hills of Bordeaux, two noble grapes have shaped the world of wine for centuries. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, both originating from one of France’s most celebrated wine regions, represent different expressions of red wine craftsmanship—each with its own distinct personality and appeal. These two varietals are often compared because they frequently appear…

Top view of Bonterra Chardonnay with Thanksgiving pie recipe

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…

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…

What Is Ranch Wine? A Complete Guide to Taste, Types, and More

Sometimes the best innovations come from the simplest questions. What if wine could be as flexible as your Friday night plans? What if sustainability and spontaneity could shake hands in the same glass? What if the most sophisticated choice was knowing when to throw sophistication out the window? Meet Ranch Wine: our answer to every “what…

What Is a Dry White Wine? A Beginner’s Guide

Ever stood in the wine aisle, surrounded by labels that sound like poetry or code, and wondered what actually makes a wine “dry”? You’re not alone. Yet this fundamental concept is simpler than you might think, and mastering it opens the door to a world of crisp, refreshing wines that elevate everything from a Tuesday…

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…

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…

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…

A bottle of Bonterra Pinot Gris open, on a table surrounded by glasses of water, wine, and cocktails with tapas.

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…