Posts tagged California Wine

The Best Summer Wines for 2026: Crisp, Fresh, and Ready to Chill

With the summer solstice already in the rearview mirror and 4th of July celebrations in full effect for America’s 250th birthday, I figured I should talk a little about some of the crispest, most refreshing wines in our selection. As a lover of white and rosé wines in general, I can’t get enough of wines that enliven the palate—wines that need nothing more than a little sunshine to pair with them. When the opportunity for some day drinking reveals itself, I like to be ready to roll. So let’s keep the fridge stocked, the cooler bag at the ready, and something zesty and refreshing always within arm’s reach.

California Wine, Wine NewsletterRyan WoodhouseJuly 3, 2026K&L Wine MerchantsSummer Wine, Albariño, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Trousseau Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Ryan Woodhouse, California Wine, Pax, La Marea, Tatomer, Assiduous, Anonymous Wine Collective

Samuel Louis Smith: The Central Coast Winemaker to Watch

When K&L Domestic Buyer Ryan Woodhouse stops a tasting and says "keep an eye on this winemaker," you listen. That was six years ago, and Samuel Louis Smith has been one of our favorite producers ever since. He makes about 1,300 cases a year across Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and cool-climate Syrah from some of the most compelling sites on the Central Coast — all organically farmed, all minimal intervention, all genuinely outstanding. We've visited him in the vineyards, poured his wines at our tent events, and we're re-running our 2019 interview now that new vintages are in stock.

On the TrailMay 4, 2026K&L Wine MerchantsSamuel Louis Smith, Central Coast, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Syrah, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey, Monterey Wine, Micro-Négociant, Organic Wine, Ryan Woodhouse, Winemaker Interview, California Wine

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