Fodor's Expert Review Lola Wines

A winery with personality galore, Lola earns plaudits from critics for owner-winemaker Seth Cripe's accessible, unconventional wines. The Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Malvasia Bianca, Riesling, and other whites favor acidity and "unripeness" over bombastic flavors. The rosé of Pinot Noir and reds including Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon also share this succulent trait. All the wines are from single vineyards and 100% their varietal. Cripe, who also runs a lucrative side business selling bottarga (fish roe) to fine-dining restaurants nationwide, presents his wines with wife and business partner Rafaela Costa at a redbrick 1892 former home a few blocks from the center of town. Some of her artworks adorn the walls inside. In good weather, most tastings take place on the tree-shaded patio out back.