I have a very funky family. From my husband’s classic cars and pinball machines to my mother-in-law’s midcentury modern furniture and décor, there are a whole lotta vintage vibes to go around! One of the things I like about visiting my mother-in-law is checking out her vintage clothing. With Halloween around the corner, I just had to pair a wine with an outfit so I grabbed a 2016 Chateau Ste. Michelle Dry Riesling.

Courtesy Chateau Ste. Michelle

Chateau’s founding fathers set out to prove the misconception that only great wine could come from Italy or California. Located in Washington state, the winery’s roots date back to the repeal of prohibition. Founded in 1934, Chateau Ste. Michelle pioneered vinifera grape growing in Washington State and has been producing classic European varietal wines under the Ste. Michelle label since 1967. The winery owns 3,900 acres of vineyards in the Columbia Valley of Eastern Washington, including Canoe Ridge Estate and Cold Creek, which are LIVE and Salmon Safe certified. In 2018, Chateau Ste. Michelle celebrated more than 50 years of winemaking.

Courtesy Chateau Ste. Michelle

The 2016 vintage experienced a hot spring and early summer, but also a cool fall season. Cooler temperatures in August and September, slowed down ripening and resulted in longer hang time for the grapes and the longest harvest on record in Washington State (August 15-November 15). Overall, 2016 saw very favorable growing conditions, producing wines with ripeness and elegance.

The wine was pale straw yellow in color and was fresh on the nose – pear and apple. On the palate, it was dry and refreshing with green apple, light lemon/citrus, and peach flavors. There was a nice tartness and acidity to it. I got it for under $10 at Publix, it was a great value. I paired it with an amazing orange vintage outfit (if only I had orange wine for it) 3/5.