Oenophile mothers-to-be, no need to deprive yourself of 9+ months of imbibing. On a recent trip to discover America’s Greenest Wine Country in Mendocino, CA, I discovered Verjus.
As an alternative to fermented wine, Navarro Winery’s Verjus (literally translated from French as green juice), is the most delicious faux-wine I’ve ever tasted. It’s made from unripened Pinot Noir and Chardonnay green grapes, just the way champagne is made.
Be forewarned, it has serious pucker power. If you love sour apple or lemon like I do, you’re gonna love this too. With no added sorbates, sugars, artificial coloring or alcohol content, it’s a treat for both mama and baby to come.
Add some sparkling water and muddle your favorite berries in the Verjus, pour over ice and you have yourself a berrilicious mocktail.
If you like your bevvy a little sweeter, Navarro Vineyards makes two other non-alcoholic juice varietals as well: Gerwurztraminer and Pinot Noir. The great thing about these faux-wines is not just their refined flavors but also the packaging. Navarro did not cut corners just because the alcohol isn’t there. Each juice is bottled in a real glass bottle, cork, label and all. Now that’s some class in a glass for $11 each.
Next time you want to join in on a toast at a family picnic or party, simply bring your Verjus. You may get some looks when you or your other children pour you a ‘Big Jim’ sized wine glass of it and you take a big gulp, but it’s all a part of the fun.
About Navarro Vineyards
When in Mendocino and you’re not expecting (or driving), Navarro is a must visit winery in Anderson Valley’s wine country to try their rare white wine varietals. Since 1974, the family-owned Navarro Winery has been pioneering California aromatic white wines like Muscat Blanc, Gerwurztraminer, and Edelzwicker. Navarro Vineyards’ red wines are also Gold Medal winners like the 2009 Grenache, 2009 Syrah, 2009 Old Vine Zinfandel and 2009 Deep End Pinot Noir.
There is no tasting fee and Navarro Vineyards wine is not sold anywhere except on the farm. If you need further motivation to stop by, they have the most adorable Baby Doll sheep with a face like Yoda that serve as the vineyard’s eco-mowers and natural fertilizers.
Navarro Vineyards, 5601 HWY 128, Philo, California. Open 9 – 5 pm.
Mendo Wine – great resource in planning a trip to Mendocino Wine Country.
In other Wanderlust & Lipstick travel-beverage news, check out these thirsty gals’ blogs:
Goin’ Hawaiian: Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
Juice photo used courtesy of Navarro Vineyards. Other two photos are the authors.