SONOMA, CA–I really like trying unfamiliar wines. Chilling in the fridge was a bottle of Opolo Vineyards Albariño Central Coast 2010. Albariño is a popular grape used to make dry white wine in the Northwest of Spain. It’s been called “Spain’s premier white wine”. It’s zesty with a mouthful of minerality and, I believe, is best severed chilled on a hot summer evening. It has a strong, pleasing aroma with a lingering finish.

Everyone raves about Opolo’s reds — especially their Zinfandels. But, my dear redsters, please spread your untried wings and sample their whites. I think you’ll be pleased…

Though I taste wines on-the-fly while traveling, my preference is to enjoy wine with food.

Here’s what we served tonight: Poached King Salmon with cucumber-cilantro-yogurt dressing; potato-fennel-leek gratin; grilled organic zucchini with fresh lemon-pepper sprinkles. Dessert: Organic tree-ripened Santa Rosa plums. (It was a hyphenated night to remember!)

The food was fresh and DELICIOUS. This wine goes well with seafood and would also make a nice aperitif… Opolo Vineyards is a way cool place to visit. There’s a vibe there unlike any other winery in Paso Robles, California — especially during weekends.