This under $10 wine we purchased from Trader Joe’s is a beautiful blend of a kiss of oak meets floral fields. It’s a sip that relaxes the soul and makes you present in the moment.

Why? First of all, wine is a journey. These French grapes blended to perfection, makes me think of a bistro along a cobblestone street. The aromas of freshly baked breads and pastries. Green olives with pits, cheese and chips. A warm sunny day, but not too hot. The perfect day. People watching, children’s laughter, music in the background.

This Chardonnay is crisp almost like a fall pear picked fresh from a backyard tree with one or two more days to ripen. It’s simple freshness blended with a floral Viognier of violets, roses and apricots. Yes…apricots.

My first taste of Viognier was several years ago. I have to be honest; my glass met with the dump bucket. I wasn’t a fan. Think about your first taste of cilantro. There was a misunderstanding and judgement on my palate. I didn’t like cilantro. I didn’t like Viognier. For me, individually, both took time and appreciation. Now I crave both.

My chance encounter with my original glass of 100% Viognier has taken me down an adventurous lane. What I used to drink were always my favorite tried and true varietals Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc to name a few. But Viognier was the one wine that put me into a new perspective. I’ve always thought of wine as a journey from where it started to when it pours in my glass. Now I love to reach for the unique wines. Don’t get me wrong, I still love my favorites but I’m always willing to try something new and keep an open mind and palate.

Start with this wine before you switch to reds. Pair this with cheeses, salads with pears, roasted nuts and a simple vinaigrette. This would go so well with a shrimp quesadilla with a sprinkle of cilantro. Taste and savor. Close your eyes and visualize that moment of time when your palate meets adventure. Maybe your vision will also be that French bistro, or just a simple dinner with family and friends. No matter what, enjoy!

Viognier is known as a French grape varietal but also grows in California. It blends perfectly with Chardonnay. Which makes me grab a bottle or two for my favorite wine sips from Trader Joe’s.