It’s a new year, and I have new goals. On the bike, I’m crushing an 8-week power zone training challenge. When March rolls around, I’m going to tackle the climb challenge. Variety is fun, and Peloton has enough instructors and class options to keep me motivated.
I have wine goals too. As a wine writer and educator, I want to continue to share my favorite wine finds. I love telling stories that showcase small, family-owned wineries. As a wine drinker, I simply want to drink delicious, interesting wine with my friends and family.
Both wine and Peloton occupy a lot of my time and mental space. Is there a creative way to combine the two? I don’t recommend drinking while riding, although I know it has been done. (Pelowinos, I’m looking at you!) Instead, I decided to look to my Peloton instructors for wine motivation. The list that follows includes some of my favorite wines inspired by some of my favorite trainers. Read on for my selections.
Leanne Hainsby and Ben Alldis
Let’s raise a glass to celebrate our new instructors from across the pond. Leanne and Ben are Peloton pioneers in the UK, and that deserves a toast. Hold the Champagne though. Did you know that England makes sparkling wine? Ridgeview, among the first English producers to attempt sparkling wine, now has a 20-year track record of success.
2014 Ridgeview Blanc de Blancs
England
$78
It would be extremely difficult for most people to distinguish this sparkling wine from Champagne. In fact, it is made in the same meticulous manner as Champagne. This flagship wine is made from an estate Chardonnay vineyard and was awarded Trophy World’s Best Sparkling Wine at the 2010 Decanter World Wine Awards.
Jess King
Zeus, Jess King’s dog, may be the most famous Pelopup on Instagram. Perhaps the most famous dog in California wine country is Lord Sandwich. Sandwich, a Goldendoodle, belongs to Alison Smith-Story and her husband Eric Story. In 2013, they put their passion for wine into action by launching Smith Story Wine Cellars. Not only does Sandwich have his own wine label, he even started a non-profit that provides socks to needy children. With purpose-driven passion, intense focus, and cute dogs, Smith Story and Jess King are a perfect pairing.
Lord Sandwich Red Table Wine
Sonoma County
$24
Made from a blend of 7 different single vineyard sites, the wine is predominantly Zinfandel and also includes Syrah, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Carignane, and Petite Sirah. Look for Sandwich’s picture on the label. Proceeds from the wine support his charity, SocksforSandwich.org. A new pair of socks is given for each bottle sold. Sandwich also makes a white blend. The full Smith Story lineup includes delicious Sonoma Pinot noir, Cabernet Franc, Semillon, and German Riesling, among other varieties.
Matt Wilpers
Ernest may be Matt’s middle name. He seems like such a genuinely nice guy that I am sometimes momentarily distracted from his intense training regimens. Matt inspires me with his enthusiasm, boyish charm, and technical precision. He doesn’t accept shortcuts, and his methods are transformative. This wine has similar verve.
Ernest Vineyards “The Jester” Fallenleaf Vineyard Chardonnay 2016
Sonoma Coast
$38
Ernest Vineyards does everything with integrity, from working with small farmers to employing winemaking methods that allow fruit to shine. While Chardonnay can be made in many styles, this one hits the sweet spot. It shows bright fruit flavors untarnished by heavy-handed manipulation in the winery. Proprietors Todd Gottula and Erin Brooks are also partners in Sonoma’s Grand Cru Custom Crush facility. Plan to visit on your next wine country trip. You can taste Smith Story wines here too.
I had the pleasure to meet Erin Brooks and taste the Ernest lineup at the 2018 West of West tasting event in Dallas. Read about it and my other top finds here.
Robin Arzon
Robin likes to say that we bought a bike and inherited a family. Her classes demand our peak performance and reward us with endorphin highs. The good people at Lamborn Family Vineyards may be the nicest family in the wine business. Since 1971, the Lamborns have been growing grapes atop Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. Their winemaker, Heidi Barrett, is a rockstar winemaker who flies her own helicopter to visit the winery. One of the most sought after winemakers in the country, Heidi surely doesn’t let her crown slip. Robin’s classes and Lamborn wines are both mountain top experiences.
2014 Lamborn Vintage XII Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain / Napa Valley
$115
Mountain fruit is intense. The sun is hot up at 2200 feet above sea level, and grape skins get tough in the wind. The resulting wine, with powerful fruit aromas and firm structure, will age for decades. It will be hard to wait that long. Wine scores, like leaderboards, can be motivating for some. Robert Parker gave this wine 92 points. “Brilliant wine from Lamborn.” While you’re at it, don’t miss the Lamborn Zinfandel.
Ally Love
Ally’s personality is dazzling, and her classes fill me with joy. Sparkling wine is an obvious pairing choice for Ally. No other wine gives me all the feels quite like sparkling wine. Sparkling rose´ adds an additional level of style and sass. If you really want to boss up, find this wine in a magnum. If that doesn’t make you feel good, I don’t know what will.
Scarpetta Timido Rose´Vino Spumante Brut
Italy
$20
Made in the same method as Prosecco, this lively wine will pair with anything from Taco Tuesday to sushi. The wine is dry, fruity, and refreshing. Pinot nero (Italian for Pinot noir) provides red fruit aromas and mouth cleansing acidity . This wine inspired my leaderboard name, #PinkBubbly. I’ve enjoyed the whole Scarpetta lineup, and they’re great value wines too.
Hannah Marie Corbin
Hannah encourages us to breathe through the spicy parts of our workout. The new Peloton workout gear declares her signature word boldly–SPICY. Spicy is a wine word, too. One grape variety in particular is known to be spicy: Zinfandel!
2015 Caricature Old Vine Zinfandel
Lodi
$15
Lodi, California grows over 40% of the premium Zinfandel in California. There you’ll find gnarly 100+ year old grapevines producing rich, spicy wines. This wine has won numerous awards and adheres to LODI RULES, requirements for sustainable winegrowing. The Caricature Old Vine Zinfandel label states “wines of character with great legs.” HMC’s legs are far more impressive than the characters on this wine’s label!
Denis Morton
Denis has a personality as big as Texas, and his Peloton bio mentions that he was “heat-tested” in Texas. The Texas heat tests Lone Star State grapevines too. This enticing wine has layers of complexity. Just like Denis, this wine can be described as muscular and broad shouldered.
C.L. Butaud Tempranillo 2015
Texas High Plains
$45
Texas is the #5 wine producing state in the nation and has a special affinity for grapes that grow in a warm Mediterranean climate. C.L. Butaud produces Tempranillo and Rose´ from 100% Texas-grown grapes. This compellingly delicious Tempranillo will draw you in with aromas of dark fruit and spice. Ripe, velvety tannins linger on the finish. It’s as smooth as my pedal stroke after a Denis ride. Long-haired owner/winemaker Randy Hester also owns Lightning Wines, a Grenache focused label from California.
As Denis likes to say, “I make suggestions and you make decisions.” You’ve seen my 2019 wine suggestions. Now make your decisions, and enjoy the ride.
CHEERS!
Follow me at #PinkBubbly on Peloton and Toast Wine Talk on Facebook.
I have no idea whether or not Peloton instructors drink wine, but I like to think so. Support your local wine shop or order these wines directly from the winery. Please drink responsibly.
Lan says
Spot on with the wine pairings! Thanks for the shout out! 😊
toast wine talk says
Thanks for reading, Lan!