…and Why You Should Serve It at Your Next Dinner Party

If you’re looking for a refreshing alternative to your “usual” white wine, look no further. Albariño combines many of the qualities people love about other white varietals into one beautiful glass. It’s a crowd-pleasing wine that also feels like an intentional choice, one that says something about the person pouring it.

Albariño originates on Spain’s Iberian Peninsula and is most closely associated with the Rías Baixas appellation in Galicia, Spain’s cool, rainy northwest corner along the Atlantic coast. Just across the border in Portugal, the same grape is known as Alvarinho and is a key component of wines from the Vinho Verde region.

What Does Albariño Taste Like?

Albariño is an aromatic, thick-skinned white grape that thrives in cool to moderate maritime climates. It occupies a unique niche among white wines because it combines:

• The aromatic appeal of Riesling, without the sweetness
• The crisp acidity of Sauvignon Blanc
• The texture of Chardonnay, without the heavy oak
• A distinctive mineral and saline character that reflects its coastal origins

For me, it’s one of the best combinations of freshness, complexity, and food-friendliness in the world of dry white wines. It pairs beautifully with Spanish foods like tapas, paella, Iberica or Serrano ham and rice. Other great options are oysters, shrimp, grilled fish, and Dungeness Crab from Oregon’s coastal waters.  We have these and other recipes on our website when you scroll to the bottom of each wine’s page. 

When I pour Albariño in our tasting room, it is almost universally loved and always sparks great conversation. Guests often leave feeling like they’ve discovered something new and can’t wait to introduce it to their friends and family.

What Else Can You Expect?

Common aromas and flavors include citrus zest, white blossoms, nectarine, crisp apple, and crushed-stone minerality. We’ve taken this flavor profile a step further by aging our Albariño predominately in Italian sandstone amphoras. This traditional vessel preserves the grape’s natural varietal character while enhancing the wine’s mineral expression and texture.

Why We Planted Albariño

Brian and I have had several memorable encounters with Albariño over the years, including a wonderful trip to Spain. But one person, more than any destination, inspired us to plant this remarkable grape.

Her name is Dahe Good, our dear friend, neighbor, and the real estate broker who helped us find our vineyard and home in Oregon. Her passion for Albariño became our fascination, and today we’re proud to call our Albariño vineyard block The Good Block in her honor.

Today, you can enjoy our Albariño at our tasting room, order it through our website, or find it in select restaurants and wine shops in Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, and Florida.

Whether you’re planning a summer dinner party, serving tapas, or simply looking to discover a new favorite white wine, we invite you to experience what makes Albariño so special.