Throughout the month of March, SOHO Atlanta Restaurant will showcase the wines and flavors of California, focusing specifically on regions outside of Napa Valley. The tour of the golden state begins on flight night, Wednesday, March 4. The wines and tapas introduced Wednesday will be available through Tuesday, March 10.

First, SOHO will pour a 2012 Cambria Chardonnay from the Santa Maria Valley. The winemaker says of the wine, “Subtle tropical and citrus aromas with pineapple, stone fruit and apple ­flavors. Oak and vanilla balance out the ­flavors on the

 palate. Nicely balanced with weight on the mid-palate leading into a crisp, fresh finish.”

Next, SOHO will pour a 2013 Sanford Flor De Campo Pinot Noir from California’s Central Coast. The wine is described, “The wine is garnet with a ruby hue and is busting with bright red fruits like raspberry and bing cherry with a hint of cola, pepper and some earthiness. On the palate this medium bodied and balanced wine delivers bright fruit and spice.”

Finally, SOHO will  pour a 2012 Gunsight Rock Cabernet from Paso Robles. The winemaker notes, “[The wine is] garnet in color and features an aromatic nose filled with tiers of blackberry, sweet leather and a hint of smokiness. Beautiful notes of Belgian milk chocolate, nutmeg and black pepper add layers of complexity to the bold fruit profile. Flavors of black currants and fresh fig mingle effortlessly with mocha, which comes from the 12 months of American oak aging.”

SOHO’s executive chef, Scott Warren, has created a tapas plate to pair with each California wine.

2012 Cambria Chardonnay
Paired with: Butter poached shrimp over stone-ground grits with bacon

2013 Sanford Flor De Campo Pinot Noir
Paired with: Duck confit, wild mushroom ragout, and homemade pasta

2012 Gunsight Rock Cabernet Sauvignon
Paired with: Braised lamb shanks with potato & root vegetable mash

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses) for $14.25. Or, pair the flight with a tapas plate for $19. Try a full glass of wine and tapas plate for $13. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9.50/glass and $6.50/tapas). See you soon!