LIFE BY THE GLASS
SUMMER 2026
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
• Vineyard Spotlight: Owsley Ranch Vineyard
• A Fresh Look for Sonoma-Cutrer
• What’s New at The Duckhorn Collection
• Summer Recipes from Chef Dominic Orsini
• Set Sail with Sonoma-Cutrer
Vineyard Spotlight
OWSLEY RANCH VINEYARD - WHERE FOG SHAPES THE STORY
Tucked into the Sebastopol Hills near the Bloomfield Gap, Owsley Vineyard sits in one of the coolest pockets of the Russian River Valley—where daily fog from the Pacific plays a defining role in every vintage. Each morning begins under a blanket of marine fog that lingers longer here than at neighboring sites, often not lifting until late morning and returning again by mid-afternoon. This extended cooling slows ripening, stretching the growing season and allowing the fruit to develop with remarkable precision. The result is Pinot Noir marked by vibrant natural acidity, lifted aromatics, and refined structure—an unmistakable expression of place where climate leads the conversation.
Beneath the vines, prized Goldridge sandy loam soils provide excellent drainage and naturally low vigor, yielding smaller crops with concentrated flavor and depth.
Planted in the early 2000s on the site of a former apple orchard, the vineyard now spans 86 acres, 53 acres of Pinot Noir - 33 acres of Chardonnay.
Owsley Vineyard exemplifies the delicate interplay between environment and vine. Its location near the ocean, its exposure to dense, lingering fog, and its Goldridge soils all converge to create wines of clarity, vibrancy, and depth.
Here, patience is not just a virtue—it’s a necessity. And in that patience, Owsley reveals the full potential of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.
A Fresh Look for Sonoma-Cutrer
You may notice something a little different about Sonoma-Cutrer at your local wine shop. Beginning this summer, our wines will gradually appear in updated packaging – an elegant evolution that reflects the quality and craftsmanship you’ve always known in the glass.
While the look is new, the wines themselves remain true to the style and heritage you love. This update simply refines the details, elevating our labels to better reflect what’s inside each bottle.
For signature offerings including the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Russian River Ranches Chardonnay, you’ll notice a deeper, more vibrant yellow capsule paired with enhanced textures and subtle foil accents on the label. Our new Pinot Noir look introduces a rich, dark blue color that signals elegance and depth while remaining unmistakably Sonoma-Cutrer.
For our most distinctive chardonnays, including Les Pierres and The Cutrer, this redesign is brought to another level. A textured border, dual-tone color palette, and striking gold accents highlight the craftsmanship and vineyard expression these wines represent.
You may also notice a refreshed icon – an element that continues to reflect the sense of radiance that defines our story.
As these refreshed bottles begin appearing in stores and restaurants throughout the summer and fall, we hope you’ll see them as a modern expression of Sonoma-Cutrer’s enduring style – thoughtfully refined, yet always rooted in tradition.
LIFE BY THE GLASS
A New Way to Experience Sonoma-Cutrer
There’s a new way to experience Sonoma-Cutrer - and we’re bringing it directly to you.
You may recognize Club Cutrer as the name of our wine club, but it’s also the expression of the Sonoma-Cutrer experience. Whether enjoyed at home or in person, Club Cutrer is about thoughtfully elevated moments - where great wine, beautiful surroundings, and time well spent come together.
This summer, that spirit comes to life through an elevated happy hour experience in select bars and restaurants nationwide. Designed to feel polished yet approachable, these gatherings pair Sonoma-Cutrer wines with curated music, considered details, and thoughtful pairings -occasionally reimagined through a wine cocktail.
Each event offers a fresh way to experience Sonoma-Cutrer: elegant Chardonnays, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc, and an atmosphere that feels intentional and refined - turning an everyday glass into a moment worth savoring.
Dates and locations are still taking shape, and we’d love to hear from you.
Let us know where you’d like to see these Sonoma-Cutrer experiences next by reaching out on social media.
New Wine Tasting Experiences
THE DUCKHORN COLLECTION AT PARADUXX
As a Sonoma-Cutrer member, you enjoy access to experiences across The Duckhorn Collection, including complimentary essential tastings at The Duckhorn Collection at Paraduxx, Goldeneye and Calera and discounted pricing on elevated experiences and event tickets. Check out the newest offerings at The Duckhorn Collection!
Duckhorn Vineyards Flight
In celebration of Duckhorn Vineyards’ 50th Anniversary, the Portfolio Tasting highlights five of our current release wines. Anchored by exceptional Napa Valley wines and guided by the warm hospitality of our talented wine specialists, a visit to Duckhorn Vineyards has long been recognized as a “don’t miss” experience in Napa Valley. This milestone year makes the occasion even more special, and we look forward to celebrating with you.
Terroir & Traditions
Our story begins in Napa Valley, where terroir and tradition shape every bottle. This curated tasting experience celebrates the enduring passion of Pinot Noir enthusiasts, offering a thoughtful exploration of this noble varietal. Beginning with a Pinot Noir from our acclaimed Napa Valley vineyard, El Veredicto, the experience continues to reveal the distinct expressions of Pinot Noir with additional select offerings. Your seated tasting is complemented by seasonal bites, crafted to enhance each sip.
Gather & Graze
At The Duckhorn Collection, we believe memories are created when people gather, share stories, and truly connect. This wine & food experience is served family-style, featuring wines from across our Portfolio. Each course is designed to inspire exploration & play, encouraging you to mix, match & savor. You may even uncover an unexpected favorite along the way and an idea you can bring home with you!
We’d love to see you soon!
For questions or reservations, reach out 707-237-3498 or Wineclub@SonomaCutrer.com
Grilled Chicken Paillard with Kale & Pear Salad
RECIPE PAIRED BY CHEF DOMINIC ORSINI
Light, refreshing, and exactly the kind of dish I want to eat in beautiful weather. I highly recommend planning ahead and marinating the chicken breasts overnight, which creates a remarkable depth of flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a bright, refreshing Chardonnay, such as our Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches.
Total Time: 90 minutes (includes marinating)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4-8 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE CHICKEN & MARINADE
2 chicken breasts, pounded thin
¼ cup olive oil
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp finely chopped rosemary leaves
FOR THE SALAD & DRESSING VINAIGRETTE:
1 cup shredded kale
1 cup shredded romaine
½ cup shaved fennel
½ each Asian Pear Shaved
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
PREPARATION
1 tsp finely chopped thyme leaves
1 tsp finely chopped parsley
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1. Make the herb marinade by mixing all marinade ingredients together in a bowl. Add the chicken with the herb marinade and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferrable overnight.
2. Make the vinaigrette: mix everything except the olive oil in a bowl. Slowly stream in the oil while whisking to emulsify. Taste and adjust seasoning.
3. Heat a grill to medium-high. Remove the chicken from the bowl and scrape off any excess marinade. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly oil the grill. Cook the chicken for about 2-4 minutes per side, until cooked through.
4. Assemble: combine kale, romaine, pears, and fennel, in a bowl. Toss with vinaigrette. Serve on top of the grilled chicken breasts.
Mushroom & Shallot Tart Tatin with Burrata Cheese
RECIPE PAIRED BY CHEF DOMINIC ORSINI
Sautéed mushrooms and caramelized shallots finished with balsamic—proof that red wine doesn’t need meat. This dish pairs beautifully with Pinot Noir and is served with a light salad for an elegant, year-round option.
Total Time: 55 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS
1 sheet best-quality puff pastry thawed
3 tablespoon Butter
4 ounces Mix Mushrooms, trimmed and roughly chopped Salt & freshly ground black pepper
PREPARATION
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
4 small shallots, peeled and cut in thirds
2 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
2 ounces fresh goat cheese, crumbled
2. Gently unfold puff pastry and cut into about an 11 circle (use a plate as a guide, if needed). Cover with plastic wrap and put into the refrigerator to chill.
3. In a 10” oven-proof skillet, melt the butter over mediumhigh heat. Add mushrooms, thyme, salt and pepper. Sauté until mushrooms have released their water, turn golden brown and slightly dry. Remove mushrooms to a bowl and set aside.
4. To the same skillet over medium-low heat, add shallots. Cover the pan and cook without touching until shallots are soft and have just started to caramelize. Remove from heat and drizzle in balsamic vinegar, and add the mushrooms back to the pan in an even layer. Place the puff pastry round over the mushroom mixture and gently tuck in edges.
5. Place pan in the oven and bake until puff pastry is deeply brown and crisp, about 20-25 minutes.
6. Cool for about 10 minutes. Place a serving plate upside down over the pan and carefully invert tarte tatin.
7. Tear piece of burrata and arrange on top of the Tart Tatin. Serve warm or at room temperature with a side salad.
Gems of Southeast Europe
APRIL 26 – MAY 3, 2027 | 7-NIGHT
RIVER CRUISE | AMABELLA
Budapest, Mohacs, Pecs, Vukovar, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Iron Gates, Vidin, Rousse, Veliko Tarnovo, Bucharest, Giurgiu
Your Journey Along the Lower Danube River
HOSTED BY CARA MORRISON, DIRECTOR OF WINEMAKING SONOMA-CUTRER
Sail with us along the lower Danube River –through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania – for a Sonoma-Cutrer member journey hosted by winemaker Cara Morrison. Together, we’ll explore the region’s centuriesold vineyard hillsides, tasting wines shaped by history and place. Along the way, you’ll enjoy guided experiences and specially curated pairings on board – an unforgettable way to savor the moment and connect with fellow members.
For more information, contact:
EXPEDIA CRUISES, NORTH BAY