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Monterey Bay Wine Co
The Wine
A Gamay-based red blend from Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard, sourced from multiple vineyards across California, including fruit from the estate's Sta. Rita Hills holdings.
The wine combines Gamay with Valdiguié and Pinot Noir and is aged for eight months exclusively in stainless steel to preserve freshness and aromatic purity. Designed to be enjoyed with a slight chill, it offers a California interpretation of Gamay's easy-drinking, fruit-driven style while retaining the character and depth suggestive of a fine Cru Beaujolais.
Aromas are exuberant, offering Bing cherry, raspberry and rose petal, accompanied by subtle notes of blueberry, tomato leaf, earth and Provençal herbs. On the palate, the wine is immediately enticing, with flavors of blackberry, cranberry and wild bramble fruit. Floral hints of violet and rose hips on the mid-palate, while fresh acidity keeps the wine refreshing. The finish is bright and marked by black plum, red berries and a savory herbal edge that encourages another sip. Served lightly chilled, the wine gains even greater vibrancy and drinkability.
Pairings: Charcuterie boards, roast chicken, grilled sausages, duck confit, mushroom dishes, cedar-plank salmon, picnic fare, or semi-soft cheeses. Its bright fruit and refreshing acidity make it particularly versatile with casual meals and outdoor dining.
The Producer
Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard was established by Dave Phinney as the only American wine project produced entirely from a vineyard he owns and farms himself. Located in the western reaches of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County, the estate focuses primarily on cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, grown under the influence of Pacific Ocean breezes and a long growing season. The project reflects Phinney's desire to oversee every aspect of wine production, from vineyard management through to the finished bottle.
The Guero label pays tribute to Phinney's early years in the wine industry. While working on a Napa Valley harvest crew composed largely of Mexican-American and Mexican workers, he was given the nickname "Guero," a term of endearment commonly used for a lighter-skinned person. The name has remained with him throughout his career and inspired this approachable, value-focused bottling.
Guero is intended as a fun, unpretentious wine that celebrates friendship, community and everyday enjoyment while showcasing the bright, fruit-forward personality of California-grown Gamay and its blending partners.
