And I should know, because I’m an expert {drinker}.
October marks the beginning of our season of entertaining, which starts with Levon’s birthday and ends with New Year’s, when I annually declare that I will never host a party or let anyone inside my house ever again.
Whether you’re planning Thanksgiving dinner or gifting a bottle to the host, picking a good wine is a must. Chardonnay is the most popular wine in the U.S., and even if you’re not a wine connoisseur, you can feel confident grabbing a bottle from the Sonoma Coast in the 25 – 30 dollar range. When it comes to California Chardonnay, full-bodied with citrus notes or oaky, buttery profiles are my favorites. I’ve listed my go-tos at a variety of price points below. Happy hosting!
Patz & Hall
Sonoma Coast, CA
SHOP
Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay
Sonoma, CA
SHOP
Saddleback Chardonnay
Napa Valley, CA
SHOP
Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay Russian River
Russian River Valley, CA
SHOP
Strange Family Vineyards Chardonnay
Santa Rita Hills, CA
SHOP
Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay
Napa Valley, CA
SHOP
Paul Lato "Le Souvenir" Chardonnay
Sierra Madre Vineyard
SHOP
Flowers Chardonnay
Sonoma Coast, CA
SHOP
Sea Smoke 'Monopole' Chardonnay
Santa Rita Hills, CA
SHOP
ROAR Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay
Santa Lucia, Highlands, CA
SHOP
Jessica Butler is the co-founder of Raise, stepmother of two, and adoptive mother of one. Prior to Raise, she was a writer on USA’s "In Plain Sight" and TNT’s "The Last Ship." She and her husband, writer/producer Warren Bell, co-created the Nick at Nite series "Instant Mom," based on her life as a stepmother. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and six-year-old son, Levon.