There are a lot of things I love about working in the beverage industry—but at the top of the list? The magic moment when you help someone discover their new favorite wine.
Over the last eight years of studying the art (and heart) of being a sommelier, I’ve come to treasure the subtle dance of reading a guest. Picking up on the clues, the cravings, the context—and then nailing the recommendation? Chef’s kiss. There’s nothing better than watching someone’s eyes light up when they take that first sip of something they never expected to love. That’s the kind of reaction that makes all the paperwork worth it. (Kidding—we all know the only paperwork we do is fishing corks and foil wrappers out of our jacket pockets at the end of the night.)
Well… almost nothing better.
There is one feeling that tops even the perfect pairing: when someone looks at me and says,
“I want to drink what you’re drinking.”
That right there? That’s trust in a glass.
Unless you’re a certified wine wild card (guilty as charged), most folks have a comfort zone—full-bodied, fruit-forward reds, or zippy, floral whites. So when someone throws all that out and wants to drink blind based on my taste? It feels like a trust fall with a wine key.
And lately, I’ve been hearing that phrase more and more: “I’ll have what you’re having.”
As we’ve built a reputation here at Warren—through our wines, our recs, and our private barrel program—it’s become more than just a pour. It’s a promise. And while picking a bottle isn’t exactly skydiving-level commitment, a bad bottle? That can be tragic.
So here’s what I’ve been drinking lately—what I stocked up on last week to carry me through the sweaty stretch of summer and those unexpected cozy nights in:
🍋 Lagar de Cervera Albariño 2023 – Rías Baixas, Spain
Something about salty Spanish whites has been calling my name lately. This is the perfect sip-in-the-sun wine—fresh, light, bursting with gorgeous fruit. It’s got that unmistakable coastal vibe that only vines grown right by the sea can bring. Pure beachside brilliance.
🌿 Tenuta le Calcinaie Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2022 – Tuscany, Italy
San Gimignano: a white in a sea of reds. From a tiny village in the heart of Tuscany, this bottle offers clean minerality, a whisper of almond, and a soft herbaceous note. It’s a refreshing reminder that Tuscany isn’t just Chianti and Brunello—it’s also quietly elegant whites that deserve the spotlight.
🌸 Stagård Grüner Veltliner “Handwerk” 2022 – Kremstal, Austria
Floral and fresh with notes of white pepper and a focused mineral core. White flowers, honeysuckle, and intense orchard fruit—apple, pear, even a hint of pineapple—rounded out with a touch of dried herbs. It’s Grüner in full bloom.
🍷 Mary Taylor x Filipe Ferreira Douro Tinto 2022 – Douro, Portugal
Mary Taylor is known for discovering hidden gems, and this is no exception. A blend of native Portuguese grapes, it showcases the aromatic intensity of Touriga Nacional with the brightness of Tinta Roriz. Fresh red berries lead into polished tannins and a rustic, charming finish. Proof that Portuguese table wine is having a moment—and we’re here for it.
🌊 Grattamacco Bolgheri Rosso 2022 – Tuscany, Italy
Grattamacco was the second estate in the Bolgheri appellation (right after the legendary Sassicaia), and this wine brings that pedigree to the table. Grown just 330 feet above sea level near the Tuscan coast, the Rosso is fresh and meant for early drinking. Dark fruit and chocolate on the nose, with juicy plum, balsamic, and ripe, textured tannins. Super Tuscan luxury without the super Tuscan price tag.
Whether you’re sipping in the sun or curling up for a night in, I hope one of these bottles finds its way into your glass. Remember, we have all of these here at Warren, and they’re all under $30 a bottle at retail! If you’re not sure where to start?
Just say the word—I’ll pour you what I’m having.
Cheers!
Jess 🤗🫶🏻