A special part of the book-signing dinner for The Blooming Platter Cookbook in San Francisco last month was a really fun wine reception, as well as different wine pairings for each course of the fabulous meal at Millennium Restaurant.
Made possible by John and Yvonne Niven, our co-host, Yvette Hetrick’s parents, the 5 labels that were served before and during the dinner comprise what are known as the Niven Family Wines. The business is a multi-generational boutique affair nestled into Edna Valley near San Luis Obisbo in the central coast of California. Committed to ensuring that these vineyards will remain for the enjoyment of generations to come, the Niven Family Wines proudly bear “SIP” certification (Sustainability in Practice).
There are hundreds of great wines out there. But, more and more, I’m interested in wines with a story. And the Niven story is one I embrace. Plus, what they offer truly is great wine made by great people.
All five labels hail from a single estate in what the owners describe as “an extreme range of wines…in a wide array of carefully focused styles.” Here’s a quick run-down:
Baileyana–Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah from the Firepeak Vineyard
Tangent–like the name implies, alternative white varietals–“a niche and purpose driven wine with all these cool, funky alternative white wines” (sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, albariño, pinot blanc, ecclestone, viognier, riesling, and grenache blanc)
Zocker–Grüner Veltliner (at the time of this post, Riesling is coming soon)
Trenza–Spanish-inspired new world blends (Tinto, Blanco, and Roado)
Cadre–Pinot Noir (from the South Central Coast)
Overall, the wines are very affordable (well under $20), even without the club price. Baileyana runs between $23-27 and, at around $50, Cadre is the priciest.
Baileyana and Tangent are probably the best known, but that shouldn’t stop you from sampling the others. I’ve been a fan of Baileyana Chardonnay since Yvette had a case sent to my 40th birthday party at Prospect Hill B&B in Charlottesville, VA. But Zocker is only one of my many new favorites.
To learn much more as well as to order any of the wines, visit the beautiful Niven Family Wine Estates website where each label has its own distinctive home page and a simple ordering process, along with wine club offers.
And for a really informative and fun overview about these wines, check out Wine Country This Week Magazine.
Below is a photo of the Niven Family Estate Wine Tasting Room located in a 1909 schoolhouse in Edna Valley near San Luis Obisbo in the central coast region of CA. For Yvette’s 40th birthday a few years ago, which included a tour of the vineyards, we enjoyed lunch under tents set up on the front lawn.
