Key Facts:
September marks two major moments on the drinks calendar: California Wine Month and Bourbon Heritage Month. This year, California Wines and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States are bringing the two together at hatted Melbourne dining destination Reine & La Rue.
September marks two major moments on the drinks calendar: California Wine Month and Bourbon Heritage Month. This year, California Wines and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States are bringing the two together at hatted Melbourne dining destination Reine & La Rue.
The month-long menu taps into Australians’ growing curiosity around California wine and American Bourbon, introducing drinkers to different regions, producers and styles across both categories.
The collaboration is a natural fit for Reine & La Rue, where the United States is already one of three country focuses on the venue’s wine list, alongside France and Australia. The American selection brings a contemporary edge to the program, while complementing the spirit of its New York-style dining room.
Producing more than 80 per cent of all American wine, California is home to an extraordinary range of wine regions, climates and varietals. Bourbon also remains one of the country’s most celebrated spirits, recognised globally for its rich heritage and craftsmanship.
Four California wines will be available by the glass, spanning some of the state’s best-known wine regions. The selection includes the Hartford Court Sevens Bench Chardonnay from Carneros, the 2021 Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc from the heart of Napa Valley, the 2024 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir from the cool-climate vineyards of Santa Barbara County, and the 2021 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon, another iconic expression of Napa Valley, famously tasted blind at the 1976 Judgment of Paris.
Bourbon Heritage Month will also be marked with an exclusive signature cocktail inspired by the classic Whiskey Sour, crafted with Yellowstone Bourbon, mandarin, lemon, toasted rice orgeat and pastis. Balancing bright citrus with rich bourbon and subtle spice, it offers a contemporary interpretation of the American classic.
Callie Poole, Head Sommelier at Reine and La Rue, says the collaboration reflects a growing willingness among Australian drinkers to explore beyond the labels and regions they already know.
“The United States has always been an important part of our wine program, so September gives us a great opportunity to lean further into that and introduce guests to some exceptional California wines alongside American Bourbon. We’re seeing Australians become much more adventurous in what they’re drinking, and we love being able to help people explore new producers, regions and styles in an approachable and considered way.”
Guests can enjoy the California wines by the glass or bottle, alongside the signature bourbon cocktail at Reine & La Rue throughout September.
About us:
Presented by California Wine Institute and Distilled Spirits Council of the United States
