Wilders on Wine

04/18/2026

The current wine glut — bad for the wine industry — continues to reap benefits for consumers. We’re not saying what’s going on is a good thing (small, great wineries struggling is NEVER good), but there are a couple linings of silver. 2020 $15 Barbera at Trader Joe’s is one such lining.

04/05/2026

New-ish winery in Paso Robles with a beautiful tasting room in the Bottle Shop, across from the railroad tracks.

The wines — both the Rhone blends and Cabernet Sauvignon-led offerings — are superb and show excellent winemaking by Fiorella DeRodeff (with consulting by the always fantastic Molly Lonborg). The GSM+ is not to be missed. It’s very complex without adding weight. It feels light while having an impressively-long finish. The 100% Syrah is an achievement: big and bold without being monolithic. Complex while undeniably delicious. And Raquel in the tasting room is an absolute delight. She took great care of us.

Bound over to Rockbound next time you’re visiting Paso.

01/10/2026

A stunning-achievement-of-a-wine. This Grenache has so much fruit, acid, and fun. Alamar in is deeee-livering! Giddy up!!!

01/01/2026

Welcoming ‘26 with dear friends, focused intention and zippy rosé champagne from biodynamic viticulture legend Leclerc Briant. May the year be as exquisite and bright as these bubbles. 🥂

12/25/2025

Guess we were good this year… Happy Holidays to all. May your glass and heart be full this season.

07/18/2025

03/24/2025

California Pinot Noir that is elegant yet structured, and light yet complex. The amazing came with a vision: wine that will pair beautifully with even the most delicate Japanese food. He, and brilliant winemaker have succeeded, and each wine from has the added benefit of bringing its own personality and sense of place. Really amazing. The one problem: the packaging is SO stunning (and intentionally very Japanese in presentation) that you won’t want to take the bottles out to drink them. Resist that urge and open them. With food. Even Sushi.

02/14/2025

No better way to celebrate a day of love. Open the good stuff.🍷♥️

02/02/2025

Meta on meta on wine. Bushong continues to kill us softly with his song.