BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

As millions of us find ourselves currently ‘sheltering in place,’ working remotely, home schooling, or caring for loved ones, we seek normalcy and comfort in the smallest of joys. For many, a beautiful glass of wine is one of those joys. During these trying times, all Northern California winetasting rooms are temporarily closed to visitors, and wineries are offering novel ways for consumers to purchase, taste, and commune with others while enjoying a glass (or two) of wine - virtually of course. From Instagram live feed tastings, to Zoom happy hours, to doorstep delivery and shipping discounts, vintners and wineries are unleashing a bit of creativity, and in doing so, are doing their best to help calm collective nerves.

One such winery is the locally owned Lula Cellars, maker of award-winning Pinot Noirs from the ‘Deep End’ of the Anderson Valley. This boutique winery crafts a mere 4,000 cases annually of wines that garner accolades from both devoted fans and critics. (Wine Enthusiast has rated Lula Cellars’ Pinot Noirs at 93 or higher.) Their wines are sold direct to consumers (tasting room, wine club, and web site) and cannot be found in local restaurants or liquor stores. But as all Northern California tasting rooms are currently closed, Lula Cellars is discounting both their wines and shipping costs, and in some cases, Lula is delivering direct to doorsteps. 

Lula's home is on a 22-acre property in Philo, about 2 1/2 hours north of San Francisco. This Anderson Valley wine region is known for producing outstanding Pinot Noir and other cool-climate varietal wines. The vineyards are strongly influenced by the nearby Pacific Ocean that moderates day and night time temperatures. The result? Wines that are vibrant, intense and elegant.

While Lula’s focus is on Estate and Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs, winemaker Matt Parish produces a variety of other varietals such as Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet, and a red wine blend. His goal is to produce delicious world-class wines that are as approachable as they are memorable. Parish brings more than two decades of winemaking experience to Lula. “Matt has a stellar reputation as a top-tier winemaker in the US and around the world” says Lula Cellars proprietor and Lafayette resident Ken Avery. “He’s a rock star. His brilliance is particularly shone with our Pinot Noirs, and he has produced hundreds of 90+ rated wines, and earned countless accolades and medals across various brands, varietals and wine styles.”

Lula Cellars Tasting Room, Philo, California

A native of New Zealand who has called Northern California home for the last 15 years, Parish has a far-ranging background spanning 25 vintages – from small luxury wineries to the world’s largest publicly listed wine company. “I’m extremely excited to be part of the Lula family,” says Parish. “Their history, the people involved, Lula’s loyal customers and the opportunity to be part of the truly magnificent Anderson Valley all make this a great adventure. I’ve always loved Pinot Noir as a varietal, and the Anderson Valley is one of a few places in the world where I feel it truly expresses itself. Lula’s Pinots take full advantage of that originality."

In addition to a 20% discount on all wine orders, Lula Cellars is currently offering free home delivery to Lafayette addresses, and some parts of Walnut Creek. For those in and around Lafayette and Walnut Creek, please call (707) 972-8480, or email [email protected]. Others can order via Lula Cellars and use the offer code FF20 to receive the 20% discount. Shipping rates throughout the 48 states (some states have shipping restrictions) have also been substantially reduced to $10 on 4 bottles or more. Use code 10Ship.