One diversion output of 2020—aside from the influx of new banana bread makers—is the yield of new plant parents. Succulents, snake plants, eucalyptus, you name it. Along for the ride is the resurgence of in-vogue macrame plant hanger enthusiasts. I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s something about tending, nurturing something to be put on display, even if it’s for your eyes only. 

Something that’s living, separate from the other living beings of our lives. Living things in need of a mist of of H₂O every now and again, not a diaper change or to be put on our health insurance. 

Wine is one of those things that oozes with the living embodiment of transitional phases. And with the cooler months among us, like wine, plant children are looking seasonal transition in the eyes, yet holding on to pieces of the summer months. Almost like a preparation pep talk to transition and endure the coming months of alternate living situations.

With that thought, here is a LUCKY 7 selection of transitional wines to help channel your inner plant parent, for both actual and non-plant parents alike!

Loimer Grüner Veltliner 2019

This medium-bodied lover is a delicate Grüner which teams up well with fresh veggies like artichokes, yet is sturdy enough to stand with savory fall pork chops. It’s not difficult to find great value Grüner Veltliner in general, Austria’s premier white grape which makes up a huge chunk of wines produced from all their winegrowing regions combined.

Alumbro Blanco 2018

I see those natural wine sneers from a mile away. It took/is taking me a while to warm up to this category but the reality is: it will just keep growing. There are some worthwhile options out there for those who need a little push. This is a great starter, and will pair great with a luscious, crispy catfish.

 

Domaine Weinbach Pinot Blanc 2018

Pinot Blanc is the white grape mutation of Pinot Noir. This one in particular is a refreshing take on its peachy character and pairs well with creamy pâté. Domaine Weinbach is a renowned Alsace producer. Shall We Wine has previously featured Domaine Weinbach’s Gewürztraminer on Shall We Wine TV.

Bodegas Atalaya Almansa Laya 2018 

Looks opaque and elegant in the glass… without the elegant price! It’s a lovely red to transition to fall mushrooms and sausages. Primarily Garnacha Tintorera and screams mighty. Lots of tremendous value here.

 

Gros Ventre First Born Pinot Noir 2018

Plants like Orchids and Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees are particularly difficult to keep alive. They need extra TLC and even the most seasoned plant parent still has difficulty with them—peak growth spurts short lived. It’s the plant persistence equivalent of trying to score ultra-small production, highly sought gems like this Gros Ventre First Born. So when you get there, toast and celebrate with a soft cheese like goat cheese or scrumptious roast chicken.

Zafa Visions of Gideon “Carver” Sparkling

Some plant parents get into plant hybrids. Take the Meyer Lemon Tree for example, a hybrid of a lemon tree and a mandarin orange tree. Here’s another headturner in the natural category, a grape and apple focused sparkling from Vermont! It’s a hybrid I can get on board with from the brainchild of ZAFA Wines, Krista Scruggs, who is also a previous Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker recipient.

Ayala Brut Majeur Champagne NV

All the natural light needed for avid plant care is like a hug of warmth. Lofty yet guarded, almost like a spiritual-like mini getaway, except on your windowsill or bedroom floor. Recreate that getaway with the finesse of this non-vintage Champagne from historic Champagne Ayala. Plus, let’s celebrate a woman Cellar Master in Cellar Master Caroline Latrive in the way a plant parent might celebrate a newly acquired buddy for their green thumb hobby. Cheers!