Margins Wine 'Paicines Ranch' Verdejo, California

Margins Wine Paicines Verdejo is a striking small-batch white wine that reflects the power of regenerative farming and minimal-intervention winemaking. Sourced from the forward-thinking Paicines Ranch Vineyard in San Benito County, this bottling is a rare California expression of Verdejo, delicate, complex, and alive with character.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: 100% Verdejo
• Alcohol by Volume: 12.4%
• Brix at Harvest: 21
• Farming: Organic, regenerative
• Vineyard: Paicines Ranch Vineyard
• Fermentation & Aging: Destemmed and soaked on skins overnight, then pressed and aged six months in neutral oak; native fermentation; no fining, filtration, or temperature control; 20 ppm sulfur added pre-bottling
• Production: 70 cases
• Winemaker & Owner: Megan Bell

Sensory Description:

This Verdejo offers a vivid expression of its regenerative origins with aromatics of citrus blossom, tangerine peel, and hay. The palate is lean yet textural, with notes of green melon, lemon zest, and hints of white tea. A subtle grip from the overnight skin contact adds dimension, while six months in neutral oak lends a soft, rounded edge to its fresh, mineral backbone. A wine as contemplative as it is refreshing.

Winemaker's Background:

Margins Wine is led by Santa Cruz–based winemaker Megan Bell, who founded the label in 2016 to elevate underappreciated regions, varietals, and farming philosophies within California. Bell employs a steadfast low-intervention philosophy: grapes from organically farmed vineyards, fermented with native yeast, and bottled without fining or filtration. With her hands-on winemaking and a background that spans regions from the Willamette Valley to New Zealand and the Loire, Bell brings a holistic approach to her craft. Paicines Ranch Vineyard is a living example of regenerative agriculture, combining viticulture with holistic grazing, organic vegetables, academic research, and ecological education. The Verdejo block was planted in 2017 by viticulturist Kelly Mulville using a unique high-trellis design, which enables year-round sheep grazing without compromising the fruit. This approach fosters biodiversity, soil health, and self-sustaining farming, a philosophy clearly expressed in the wine’s purity and complexity.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve lightly chilled at 50–54°F. This Verdejo pairs beautifully with grilled asparagus, citrus-marinated fish tacos, or herbaceous salads with fennel, goat cheese, and orange segments. Its subtle skin contact and bright acidity also make it an excellent match for Mediterranean mezze spreads or savory vegetable tarts.

Margins Wine Paicines Verdejo is a soulful, terroir-driven white that brings together regenerative farming, thoughtful winemaking, and a reverence for the land. It’s a wine that speaks softly but leaves a lasting impression.