I had the pleasure recently of meeting Winemaker Melissa Stackhouse, of Meiomi wines this past month. Meiomi wines are produced in the Central Coast of California and are very approachable, food friendly wines. This year I had the opportunity to taste the 2016 Meiomi Rosé with Melissa, which won me over instantly. 

The grapes for the rosé are sourced from Sonoma, Monterey, and Santa Barbara, which creates a wine thats delightfully dry and vibrant. This wine is perfectly balanced with aromas of watermelon, orange peel, and rose petal. On the palate you will notice some mineral notes along with lush strawberry and stone fruit notes. This wine pairs beautifully with smoked cheeses, bbq, as well as seafood.

“With a passion for the artistry behind winemaking coupled with an appreciation of a balanced lifestyle, Melissa brings a unique vision and spirit to her role at Meiomi. Melissa aspires to create wines that are meant to be enjoyed while laughing and sharing a delicious meal with friends and family. While laid back and easygoing by nature, Melissa has an extensive and impressive background at some of California’s top wineries. Melissa approaches her role as Meiomi winemaker as an exercise in balancing the best fruit of Sonoma, Monterey and Santa Barbara Counties. In her blends of the cool-climate grapes, she creates wines of bold character and harmony, ripe and rich, with expressive depth and taste.” -Meiomi.com

A number of food and wine writers had the opportunity to meet and dine with Melissa at Loring Place, NYC. Here we tasted through the 2016 Rosé, 2015 Chardonnay, and 2016 Pinot Noir. The chardonnay I really enjoy from Meiomi because it has a nice balance of creaminess, oak, and acidity. It paired beautifully with Loring Place’s Market Grains Salad, Baked Ricotta, and Chicken Breast. The 2016 pinot noir is a great pinot for those who seek something smooth, medium plus bodied, and fruit forward but dry. The pinot paired perfectly with the Pekin Duck, Baked Ricotta, and Vanilla Ice Cream Blizzard on Loring Place’s menu, however it’s also the perfect summer bbq wine!

Meiomi is widely distributed to many retailers and is even available online. If you’re seeking some fun sips that pair great with backyard bbq’s, charcuterie, and friends…. Meiomi has a wine for you.

Please pair responsibly!