Idola Wine Co 'Blush', Paso Robles, California

Watermelon candy, guava, wild strawberry, and citrus peel rise from the glass with bright aromatics and vivid energy. 2025 Idola Wine Co. "Blush" approaches California rosé from an unconventional angle, blending Vermentino and Valdiguié through short maceration, native fermentation, and restrained cellar handling to create a wine that sits between rosé, skin-contact white, and chilled light red. Its balance of playful fruit, savory texture, and freshness reflects Riley Hubbard’s minimal-intervention philosophy and focus on expressive small-lot winemaking.

Product Details:

• Winemaker/ Owner: Riley Hubbard
• Grapes: 60% Vermentino, 40% Valdiguié
• Farming: Organically farmed fruit
• Harvest Method: Hand harvested
• Fermentation: Native yeast fermentation
• Maceration: Approximately 6 days with whole cluster Valdiguié and destemmed Vermentino
• Aging: 5 months in neutral oak
• Filtration: Unfined and unfiltered
• ABV: 12.8%
• Production: 70 cases produced, approximately 840 bottles

Sensory Description:

The wine opens with guava, watermelon candy, ripe strawberry, and blood orange layered with subtle floral lift and a faint herbal edge. Vermentino contributes brightness, citrus tension, and a gentle saline note, while Valdiguié brings juicy red fruit and soft tannic structure through the mid-palate. Short skin contact adds texture without heaviness, and fresh acidity keeps the wine focused, energetic, and dry through a lightly savory finish.

Winemaker’s Background:

Founded in 2023 by Riley Hubbard, Idola Wine Co. is a small Paso Robles project centered on organically farmed fruit, native fermentations, and low-intervention cellar work. Hubbard approaches winemaking as both an agricultural and reflective practice, emphasizing transparency, site expression, and stylistic freedom over formulaic production. Working in limited quantities with restrained handling and unconventional blends, the winery produces wines that balance California fruit character with freshness, texture, and energetic drinkability.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve lightly chilled at 10 to 12 degrees Celsius in a universal wine glass to highlight aromatic lift and textural detail. Pair with grilled vegetables, tuna crudo, picnic fare, Southeast Asian dishes, soft cheeses, or charcuterie. Its bright acidity and gentle tannic structure also make it especially versatile for warm-weather aperitif service.