What I’m Drinking Now: Sommelier Jason Hisaw says Palmina Wines Speak the Language of Love

The cool sea breeze at your face.

The smell of roasting garlic wafting from the kitchen.

The thwop of a bottle being opened then that first splash into the glass.

Maybe you’re sitting beachside on the coast of the Adriatic. But you might as easily be in Lompoc, California, at the Palmina Winery.

Nestled in the Central Coast area of California, Palmina Winery, the creation of Steve Clifton, opened in 1995. Steve named Palmina after his friend Paula, who taught him to love cooking, wine, and the Italian lifestyle. Palmina wines focuses on Italian varietals grown in Santa Barbara County, including the refreshing white grape Tocai Fruliano and the rich, red wine made from Nebbiolo grapes.

I love these wines. Steve does an amazing job letting the grapes and the soil speak their own language, and it’s the language of love. He’s not trying to recreated an Italian wine, but instead focuses on the unique expressions of Italian grapes grown in Santa Barbara County.

With warmer weather approaching, seek out a bottle of 2008 Malvasia Bianca from Santa Ynez Valley. The wine has a delicious golden color, and screams with minerality. It’s not sweet, but bone dry, which will only make you cravce more. Its tropical fruit flavors will enhance anything you grill outdoors this summer. If you are looking to break out of the usual suspects you’d normally sip during warm weather, check out Palmina’s line up. You won’t be disappointed.

Jason Hisaw is certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers as an Advanced Level Sommelier. He is a member of the wine team at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Dallas and writes for EscapeHatchDallas.com.