It was undeniably difficult to reach an agreement on our inaugural Fun Pairing, with so many books, puzzles, Netflix series and Zoom meetings crowding our thinking. But after debating the lengthy list of pairable items in our cellar and around our home, we felt the shelter in place order called for something both unusual and satisfying, serious but pleasurable, with staying power AND a hearty dollop of history, blood, and intrigue. We feel that this particular pairing checks all the boxes.

Campbell Ranch vineyard is located in the hamlet of Annapolis, about 5 miles from the ocean. To get there, you drive west a long long way, take a right at the ocean, head into the hills, and drive up a series of windy and increasingly rougher roads, ’til there’s a break in the redwoods and a vineyard appears. Among the vines is a rusted out jalopy, an old saw mill, and a biplane that still flies, if you dare. But if you’re a Pinot geek, Campbell Ranch is a thing of rare beauty. It is just so perfectly perfect for Pinot. Coastal fog in the mornings and afternoons. Salty sea breezes. Warming sunshine for a few hours a day. It is rugged, wild, remote and extreme, yet it produces wines that are pure, elegant, full of fruit, structured and complex. It’s included in your wine club shipment.