Labor Day is a celebration of America’s labor movement and the contributions of American workers, but for most it is a time for family and friends to convene on location — preferably near a body of water or forest — and enjoy the last three-day weekend of summer.
There is no better time to keep wine choices uncomplicated and versatile. For this week’s recommendations I’m focusing on value wines from American wineries.
THE REDS
- 2015 Simple Life Pinot Noir, California (about $14 retail)
- 2015 Bogle Essential Red Blend, California (about $13 retail)
- 2015 Force of Nature Red Blend, California (about $18 retail)
- 2014 Cline Zinfandel, California (about $17 retail)
- 2015 Sean Minor Pinot Noir, California (about $14 retail)
- 2015 Francis Coppola Diamond Edition Claret, California (about $16 retail)
- 2015 14 Hands Merlot, California (about $15 retail)
- 2015 Bell Red Blend, California (about $18 retail)
- 2015 Seven Falls Cellars Merlot, Washington (about $16 retail)
- 2015 Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $17 retail)
- 2015 The Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $16 retail)
THE WHITES
- 2016 Five Rows Chardonnay, California (about $17 retail)
- 2016 McManis Family Vineyards Viognier, California (about $14 retail)
- 2016 Simi Chardonnay, California (about $20 retail)
- 2016 Bell Lake County Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $17 retail)
- 2016 Olema Chardonnay, California (about $15 retail)
- 2016 Charles Smith Vino Pinot Grigio, California (about $15 retail)
- 2016 Charles & Charles Riesling, California (about $16 retail)
- 2015 Kendall Jackson Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $12 retail)
- 2016 Leese-Fitch Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $12 retail)
- 2016 Sivas-Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $15 retail)
THE BUBBLYS
- NV Scharffenberger Methode Traditionnelle, California (about $20 retail)
- NV Roederer Estate Brut, California (about $32 retail)
- NV Piper Sonoma Blanc de Blancs, California (about $22 retail)
- NV Mumm Napa Blanc de Blancs, California (about $29 retail)
- NV Gruet Brut, New Mexico (about $19 retail)
- 2012 Domaine Carneros Brut, California (about $36 retail)
- NV Chandon Brut Classic, California (about $24 retail)