The Cheese Shop of Salem

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Valentine's Day Wines


With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we’re all about LOVE. Specifically our love of wine, which has grown even deeper thanks to the challenges of 2020.  Wine has been a constant comfort throughout the year, has it not? For this Valentine’s Day we’re opening a few bottles of domestic wine while continuing to dream of the day when we can all safely hug friends and family again without wearing masks. So here’s to wine, our one true love. And here’s what you should drink on Love Day:




2017 Las Jaras ‘Old Vine Carignan’ Sparkling

This gorgeous bubbly is perfect to toast on Valentine’s Day. Who knew Carignan could be so delightful as bubbles? There isn’t much of it in the world, and Las Jaras is certainly unique to be trying it out and fully succeeding. Joel Burt and Eric Wareheim blend their old vine Carignan with just a touch (3%) of Zinfandel, and all vines are dry farmed over gravelly loam soil. This sparkling is a righteously balanced and easy drinking, almost Champagne-like, experience. No additional sulfur added either!


2019 Scribe ‘Pinot Noir Rosé’

An ethereal and rosy rosé with notes of melon, guava, and pink plum. Not only are the Scribe folks, using organics and natural winemaking methods but they’re also big contributors to their community. Read more about the Scribe Foundation and Scribe Scholarship Program, which provides college-level scholarships for BIPOC students from Sonoma County pursuing a course of study in viticulture, enology, agricultural business, or environmental sustainability.


2019 Martha Stoumen ‘Post Flirtation’ White

Get flirty with Martha Stoumen this Valentine’s. Martha started her own wine project in 2014, and has an effortless knack for making layered and balanced wine with a minimalistic approach to winemaking. Post Flirtation White is an intriguing white blend with notes of kiwi, sunflowers, and honeysuckle. For a cheese pairing try the delightful love bug of a goat cheese Chabichou.


2019 Inconnu ‘Lalalu’ Cabernet Franc

A lean and approachable Cabernet Franc without overt bell-peppery notes, but instead vibrant flavors of juicy raspberries. Winemaker Laura Brennan-Bissell comes highly recommended from our friends Jared and Tracey Brandt at Donkey & Goat out of Berkeley, CA. Lalalu is from 15-25 year old organically farmed vines from the Clarksburg AVA and is aged in neutral oak barrels imparting structure and depth on the finish.


Happy Valentine’s Day! Lots of love from all of us.


Martha Stoumen brings the love.