As we head into peak of Autumn, sports fans and gourmands alike are looking towards the fall season which always guarantees two things: football and tailgating. We can count on the American pastime to bring us together virtually or in-person to talk, celebrate, and drink together, and while beer is often thought of as a tailgating go-to, we think that food-and-wallet-friendly wines deserve consideration this time of year. Whether you like an upscale tailgate or a bowl of chips and dip, there’s a wine out there for your game day celebrations

La Crema 2019 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($23): 

The winemaking team at La Crema has been perfecting Chardonnay for 40 years, and it shows. The 2019 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is flavorful, bright, and juicy, making it an ideal pairing for a wide variety of cheese-centric Sunday snacks - plus, it’s incredibly easy to find at your local grocery store while you’re out hunting for game day supplies. For a low-key pairing, kick back with a bowl of cheese-its or some warm, gooey queso with chips. If you’re looking to take things up a notch, try dungeness crab mac and cheese or honeycrisp apple pizza with balsamic onions. 

Acrobat 2018 Pinot Noir ($19): 

At the heart of this wine is the love of pairing an honest wine with casual meals and gatherings. Acrobat should always be an effortless selection – a wine that consistently pairs in every way with our lives. This Pinot Noir has rich, fruit-forward aromas of bright cherry and raspberries, with hints of cinnamon and baking spices. Notable ripe strawberries and dark chocolate up front, followed by earthy and spicy notes of clove. If you’re keeping up with the latest cooking trends, then crispy smashed potatoes will be the perfect pairing indeed. 

ETTORE 2018 ETTORE Red Wine ($50): 

An old-school California red blend, that's briary, jammy and plump, with blackberry and currant flavors highlighted by savory underbrush, licorice and smoke notes, leading to medium-grained tannins. This wine was crafted with finesse and power, just like your favorite team. The ETTORE Red Wine is the best selection to pair with your cheese boards or mouth-watering hamburgers on the grill.  

2019 Post & Beam Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($50): 

This expressive wine explodes with a perfume of wild raspberry preserves with hints of clove and confectionary spice. Soft red fruit flavors take over the palate, supported by leather and elegant botanical accents on the mid-palate, with lovely notes of toasted espresso beans on the finish. Serve with cowboy steaks, crispy sage potatoes, and sauteed tuscan kale for an elevated tailgate.

2016 Aldina Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon ($74):

2016 Aldina Vineyards harvested in early fall embodies the dark red volcanic soil. Its gorgeous magenta hue has intensifying aromatics of pomegranate, dark cherry, anise and allspice. This Cabernet Sauvignon strikes the palate with silky soft, yet lush flavors of sweet oak spices intertwined with caramel, toasty vanilla, tart cherries, and dark fruits. This wine has a tasty expression of elegance and is ready to be enjoyed!

2018 Lolita Vineyard Pinot Noir ($60):

Dark berries and plums resonate on the palate with framing tannins and bright acidity typical of the Forestville region of the Russian River Valley. Pairs well with grilled mushrooms, salmon, lamb, game fowl, and cool nights cuddled up in a blanket by the fire pit. Drink now through 2026.