(SONOMA, CA.) — As snow laid across the fields behind our home, I received a package full of California sunshine at my front porch.
After writing 10 Illinois Winery Tour articles in 2023, I decided it was time to spread my wings a bit and expand the tour. I was thrilled when I connected with Sean Minor Wines on Instagram, and the rest was history.
I love the brand of Sean Minor Wines. It’s very clean, elegant yet friendly and welcoming. “Always Invited,” is a motto they use.
The company was founded in 2005 by Sean and his wife Nicole Minor, it’s still family-owned and operated today. It was originally named Four Bears Winery after Sean and Nicole’s four children. One of their children, Elle Minor, joined the team in 2023 as Production Manager and Assistant Winemaker.
While based in Sonoma, California, the Minors don’t own a vineyard you can go and visit. They invest directly in long-term contracts with grape growers and sustainable farms throughout California and Oregon, according to Skurnik Wine & Spirits.
So let’s get started with the wines I tried. You’ll get to see that lovely snow I mentioned at the beginning of the article.
California Series 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, California
Vibrant and juicy, our Sauvignon Blanc has vibrant, refreshing flavors of kiwi, green apple, pink grapefruit and peach. An ideal aperitif or year-round sipper.
I proved the Sauvignon Blanc is in fact a year-round sipper, seeing I’m drinking it in December! This is a semi-dry white wine that is so smooth even sweet wine lovers would enjoy this. I first drank a glass of this at room temperature, which I enjoyed.
But, I’m a “I like my food hot and drinks cold” kind of guy, so I chilled it in the refrigerator to have another time. I thought the chilled Sauvignon Blanc was just as fantastic as the room temp.
A little background about me, I worked as a banquet server one summer in college at the Country Club of Peoria. This is where I learned how to say Sauvignon, and where I realized how many people enjoyed it.
Signature Series 2021 Nicole Marie Red Blend, North Coast
This full bodied, zesty blend has flavors of warm blueberry pie and dark cherry compote with hints of vanilla and cassis, making it perfect for your weekly pasta night.
50% Merlot – 25% Zinfandel – 25% Petite Sirah
With many awards and honors under its belt, the Nicole Marie Red Blend is a dry red, blossoming with flavor so unique and refreshing.
For my Peoria followers, you can find Sean Minor Wines at the Hy-Vee Grand Prairie location, as well as Binny’s Beverage Depot on Lake Avenue.
For Bloomington folks, Binny’s and Friar has it, as well as a few more locations.
You can find the ‘Where to Buy’ locator here.
I want to thank Sean Minor Wines for partnering with me on this exciting project. I always enjoy trying different wines throughout the region in which I live, but it was nice to sip on something out of state.
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Matt Sheehan Official 