January Wine Club 2026

This month's photography is from The Breeze's own Destiny Robb. You can explore more of her work and book shoots through Instagram @allfunk

Bora Tier Brotte Family Rhône Viognier

From one of the Rhône Valley’s most respected winemaking families, this Viognier is a beautiful expression of both tradition and freshness. The Brotte family has been crafting wines in the Rhône since 1931, with a deep commitment to showcasing the character of the region rather than overpowering it. Their Viognier comes from carefully selected vineyards where warm days and cool nights allow th

e grape to develop its signature aromatics while maintaining balance.

In the glass, this wine opens with expressive aromas of white peach, apricot, honeysuckle, and orange blossom. On the palate, it’s silky and aromatic without being heavy, offering ripe stone fruit flavors layered with subtle citrus and a gentle floral lift. A touch of freshness keeps the wine vibrant and food-friendly, making it a great introduction to Rhône whites for both seasoned drinkers and newcomers.

Viognier is known for its ability to bridge the gap between crisp whites and richer styles, and this bottle does exactly that. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, scallops, creamy pastas, or dishes featuring herbs and stone-fruit elements. It’s also lovely on its own as an aperitif—especially when you want something aromatic and elegant.

This is a classic Rhône white that feels both comforting and special, perfect for relaxed evenings or sharing at the table with friends.

Dusted Valley “Boomtown”

Boomtown is Dusted Valley’s signature red blend and a true crowd-pleaser that still has plenty of depth. Produced in Washington State’s Columbia Valley, this wine reflects both the region’s bold fruit character and the winery’s down-to-earth philosophy. Dusted Valley was founded by Chad and Ann McDevitt Hill, who focus on honest, approachable wines made with a strong sense of place—and Boomtown is the perfect example. Our own Leo Braddock did a residency there in 2024 for his inaugural year of wine making. You can find his wines under the Quarky Wines label.

This blend typically features Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, along with other Bordeaux and Rhône varieties depending on the vintage. The result is a smooth, expressive red with aromas of blackberry, plum, and dark cherry, layered with notes of cocoa, vanilla, and a hint of spice. On the palate, it’s rich but not heavy, with soft tannins and a polished finish that makes it easy to enjoy right away.

Boomtown is incredibly versatile at the table. It pairs well with grilled meats, burgers, barbecue, and hearty pastas, but it’s also approachable enough to enjoy on its own. This is the kind of wine you open when friends stop by unexpectedly—or when you just want a reliable, satisfying bottle that always delivers.

Friendly, flavorful, and unfussy, Boomtown is a go-to red that lives up to its name: big personality, no pretense.

Le Mistral Tier Kurtatsch Alto Adige Müller-Thurgau I recently read the book Alpine Cooking from Meredith Erickson and was inspired to bring in an Alpine varietial that would trasport me to far Northern Italy. An absolutely beautiful cookbook and travelogue, my pairing suggestion for this wine is a fireplace, a book and hopefully a snuggly lap dog.

This alpine white from Cantina Kurtatsch is a beautiful example of how altitude and climate can shape a wine’s character. Grown in the steep, high-elevation vineyards of Alto Adige in northern Italy, Müller-Thurgau thrives in the region’s cool temperatures and dramatic day-night swings. Cantina Kurtatsch, founded in 1900, is one of Alto Adige’s most respected cooperatives, known for its meticulous vineyard work and expressive, terroir-driven wines.

In the glass, this Müller-Thurgau is fresh and aromatic, with notes of green apple, pear, white peach, and citrus zest, alongside subtle hints of alpine herbs and white flowers. The palate is light, crisp, and refreshing, with bright acidity and a clean, mineral finish that makes it incredibly easy to drink.

Often overlooked, Müller-Thurgau is a grape that shines in cooler climates, offering aromatics similar to Riesling but in a softer, more approachable style. This wine is perfect on its own or pairs with lighter Alpine fare—smoked trout, soft cheeses, or spinach & cheese stuffed pasta dishes with herbs and olive oil.

Elegant, refreshing, and quietly distinctive, this is a white wine that rewards curiosity and feels tailor-made for relaxed sipping and sunny afternoons. Two Mountain Yakima Valley Cabernet Franc

Two Mountain Winery is a family-owned estate in Washington’s Yakima Valley, farming the same land since the 1970s. With a strong focus on sustainability and estate-grown fruit, the winery is known for producing wines that balance ripeness with freshness—and their Cabernet Franc is a standout expression of the variety.

This Cabernet Franc opens with aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and plum, layered with notes of dried herbs, violet, and a subtle hint of pepper. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, offering juicy red fruit, savory herbal tones, and fine, polished tannins. The finish is clean and gently earthy, making it both expressive and highly food-friendly.

Often prized for its elegance and versatility, Cabernet Franc shines at the table. This bottle pairs effortlessly with grilled or roasted meats, mushroom dishes, herb-driven pastas, roasted vegetables, and dishes featuring rosemary or thyme. It’s also a great option for those who enjoy reds with structure and character without excessive weight.

Approachable yet distinctive, this Yakima Valley Cabernet Franc is a perfect example of how Washington State excels at crafting nuanced, terroir-driven reds that feel just as comfortable on a weeknight as they do at a dinner party. Syrocco Moroccan Syrah

Syrocco is a striking expression of Syrah from an unexpected place: Morocco. Made by the Thalvin estate in partnership with Rhône legend Alain Graillot, this wine showcases how well Syrah adapts to North Africa’s Atlantic-influenced climate. Vineyards are located near the coastal town of Essaouira, where cooling ocean breezes help preserve freshness and balance in the grapes.

In the glass, Syrocco delivers classic Syrah character with a distinctive twist. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and plum are layered with cracked pepper, violet, and warm spice. The palate is medium to full-bodied, juicy and savory, with notes of dark fruit, olive, and subtle earthiness, supported by fine tannins and a fresh, lifted finish.

This wine feels both familiar and adventurous—perfect for drinkers who love Rhône-style Syrah but want to explore something new. It pairs beautifully with Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes like lamb tagine, grilled meats with spices, roasted vegetables, or stews seasoned with cumin and coriander. It’s equally at home with weeknight dinners or a shared table with friends.

Syrocco is a confident, expressive wine that tells a story of place, blending Old World technique with a sense of discovery.