Surdyk's Price

Most lifelong Minnesotans (me being one) will say that fall is their favorite season. And while that is true for me, you can’t deny that it is an interesting few months where you often get to experience the other seasons’ weather within this 3-month time frame. Rain, yes. Heat spikes, definitely. Snow, sadly on occasion. Since I can’t control the weather, but I most definitely can control the menu, I choose Gruner Veltliner. Particularly this Gruner from Ecker-Eckhof, a third-generation, family-run winery in Mitterstockstall, Austria, with roots in winemaking dating back to 1580. They began practicing organic in 2019 and became certified in 2022. We are still grilling heavily at my house during the fall months, but burgers and brats are replaced by chicken, salmon, and pork. Vegetables show up in more places than just the salad bowl, and everything seems to be adorned with a ton of herbs. With a citrus core, balanced minerality, and herbaceous, pepper-spice notes, this will pair beautifully with all the vegetables, all the herbs, and white meat (especially but not exclusively) that cooks on a grill. It’s not as sharp as Sauvignon Blanc can be, (which I enjoyed plenty of during summer), and yet leaner than typical Chardonnay or Viognier, which I prefer in much colder months. I should mention it is a 1-liter bottle, which makes this an excellent choice for entertaining. The Ecker-Eckhof Gruner Veltliner is so versatile… perhaps it is to wine what fall is to the other seasons?

Surdyk's Price

I stumbled upon Paysan Rosé in late spring during a sudden spike in what had been a long run of damp, cool temperatures. Like many of you, I felt an irresistible urge to sit outside after work and celebrate having survived another Minnesota winter. That, of course, called for a glass of wine. I headed to our rosé section and found myself facing over 100 options. My eye landed on Paysan from California’s Central Coast. Perhaps it was the color—more fuchsia than the pale blush tones typical of Southern France, yet still translucent enough not to be mistaken for a red. Either way, it came home with me. Once chilled, I poured a glass and stepped into the sunshine. Paysan crafts village-inspired wines from the Central Coast, and this rosé pays homage to the Rhône Valley with its blend of 71% Mourvèdre, 15% Cinsault, and 14% Grenache. Though the grape varieties are French, the wine is unmistakably Central Coast, thanks to the influence of the region’s signature calcareous alluvium and calcium-rich shale soils. Harvested early enough to retain bright acidity and pressed after just 3–6 hours of skin contact, this rosé offers vibrant notes of dark berries, savory herbal hints, and a beautiful mouthfeel. It pairs wonderfully with grilled salmon, chicken, or lamb (my personal favorite). What I love most is its seasonal versatility. It was perfect in spring, it’s just right for summer, and I fully expect it to shine come fall. Stock up now and enjoy it in the months ahead. 

Surdyk's Price

The Russian River Valley AVA is a true gem of Sonoma County, named for the river that winds its way to the Pacific, bringing with it a cool microclimate perfect for growing world-class wine. The region’s misty mornings and sunny afternoons mean an extended ripening period which result in wines with exceptional depth, refined tannins, and beautifully balanced acidity.  L’Oliveto Pinot Noir comes from Brack Mountain Wine Company, founded in 2008 by Jason Enos and winemaker, Chris Fitzgerald. Rather than take on the staggering cost of purchasing land in California’s top wine-growing regions, they chose a different path – partnering with small, family-owned vineyards through long-term contracts. This allows them to craft exceptional wines from the regions they love while passing the savings on to the customer. Their RRV Pinot shows luscious cherry and black raspberry fruit that unfolds into layers of earthy richness, dried herbs, and a touch of warm baking spice. The vibrant fruit carries through to a silky, elegant finish. Pair it with grilled salmon (I coat mine in a smoky-sweet blend of paprika, brown sugar, and thyme) or a creamy mushroom risotto for a truly unforgettable experience.