Every era has an “it” wine. White Zinfandel ruled the 80s. Chablis had its moment. And Merlot was riding high, until a certain film made it suddenly uncool overnight.
I may be dating myself, but the point stands: wine trends come and go. Some varietals get all the attention while others are pushed to the sidelines. That’s exactly why Renard Creek exists. We’re wine explorers, and we’re here to nudge you out of your comfort zone and into something new, something unexpected, something worth discovering.
Favorites are wonderful. But staying in the same lane forever means missing out on wines that feel just as welcoming while offering a fresh perspective.
Tempranillo: A New Old Friend
Take Tempranillo, for example. A grape with centuries‑old roots in Spain, Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and beyond, now gaining real traction in Northern California. Growers in Mendocino, Lake County, and pockets of Sonoma are planting it in places where warm days and cool nights echo the conditions it thrives in abroad.
Tempranillo (we have one) brings cherry, leather, tobacco, and warm spice. It’s structured, age‑worthy, and quietly powerful. It’s a perfect example of what happens when you look beyond the usual suspects.
Exploration Is the Point
At Renard Creek, we encourage exactly that: exploration. Blends that surprise you. Varietals you’ve never heard of. Wines that make you pause because they’re familiar… but not quite.
Education is a good thing, especially when it leads to discovery. And discovery is what keeps wine interesting.
So, whether you’re revisiting forgotten classics, trying grapes with centuries‑old histories, or tasting something grown just down the road in Northern California, we’re here to make the journey effortless, enjoyable, and just a little adventurous.
Becoming a wine explorer doesn’t require a big leap, just a willingness to try something new. All Wines – Renard Creek
