McFadden Family 'Blue Quail' Pinot Gris, Potter Valley, California

A graceful expression of California cool-climate clarity, the 2024 Blue Quail Pinot Gris offers an elegant balance of orchard freshness and organic purity. Grown on the McFadden family’s estate in Potter Valley, where organic farming has thrived since the 1970s, this wine radiates both terroir and thoughtful stewardship.

Product Details:

• Wine Style: Dry white, medium-bodied with crisp build
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Gris
• Production: Whole-cluster pressing, cold stainless-steel fermentation to preserve brightness and varietal purity

Sensory Description:

The wine pours a pale straw tone with a light, silvery sheen. Its nose is vivid and inviting, overflowing with juicy Golden Delicious apples, Asian pear, and lightly spiced white nectarine. On the palate, bright notes of quince and crisp apple mingle with Meyer lemon zest, delicate quince blossom, all grounded by a touch of limestone minerality. A vibrant finish, crisply refreshing and elegantly balanced, lures you in for another sip.

Winemaker's Background:

Blue Quail’s story is rooted in sustainability and heritage. Founded by Guinness McFadden in the heart of Potter Valley, the McFadden Family Vineyard & Farm has practiced organic farming since 1970, long before Potter Valley earned AVA status. A family-owned operation, the estate extends beyond grapes, producing culinary herbs, garlic braids, wild rice, and even generating surplus clean energy from solar and hydroelectric systems. In Blue Quail wines, this legacy of environmental responsibility melds seamlessly with accessible quality.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled between 46–50 °F in a tulip or standard white wine glass to highlight its aromatic clarity and refined texture. Blue Quail Pinot Gris pairs beautifully with light seafood dishes, like grilled scallops or ceviche, as well as creamy pastas, fresh goat cheese, or spring vegetable salads. It’s equally refreshing as a solo sipper on a bright afternoon, capturing the freshness of Mendocino breeze in each sip.