Cellar #8 Pinot Grigio

Cellar #8 Pinot Grigio is a California white wine made from 100% Pinot Grigio grapes, bottled at 750ml with approximately 12.5% ABV. Named after a historic cellar at the Asti Winery in Sonoma County — founded in 1881 by Italian immigrants — this bottling ties an accessible California white to a genuine piece of winemaking heritage.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~12.5%  |  Origin: Central & North Coast, California  |  Varietal: 100% Pinot Grigio  |  Producer: Bronco Wine Company (Asti Winery)

Production & Heritage

The Cellar #8 label draws its name from the eighth cellar inside the original 1887 building at Asti Winery, where early Sonoma County winemakers aged their red wines in barrel. The winery itself was established in 1881, making it one of the older continuously operating sites in the region. Today, Bronco Wine Company sources Pinot Grigio grapes from vineyards across California's Central Coast and North Coast appellations, blending fruit from these diverse growing areas to achieve a consistent, approachable style vintage to vintage.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with honeysuckle flowers and ripe white peach, followed by bright layers of fresh pineapple. A gentle floral lift carries through, giving the aromatics a summery, inviting character.

Taste: On the palate, melon and honey arrive first, rolling into a mid-palate defined by lemon zest and tropical pineapple. Sweet white peach surfaces toward the peak, balanced by enough natural acidity to keep the fruit flavors from turning cloying.

Finish: Subtle hints of spice give way to a crisp, clean close. The finish is moderate in length, leaving a refreshing citrus impression that invites another sip.

How to Drink Cellar #8 Pinot Grigio

Serve well chilled, between 45–50°F, to let the citrus and stone-fruit notes shine without muting the floral aromatics. This is a straightforward, food-friendly white that also works as a standalone pour.

• Spritz: Top with sparkling water and a lemon twist — the melon and peach notes hold up against the dilution and carbonation.
• White Wine Sangria: The tropical and citrus fruit profile blends naturally with sliced peaches, oranges, and a splash of elderflower liqueur.
• Hugo Cocktail: Combine with elderflower syrup, prosecco, and fresh mint — the honeysuckle aromatics complement the elderflower beautifully.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want a reliable, uncomplicated white
• Outdoor summer gatherings and backyard barbecues
• Introducing lighter white wines to friends who typically drink sweeter styles
• Stocking a house wine for casual entertaining

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cellar #8 Pinot Grigio taste like? It delivers ripe melon, honey, and lemon zest with underlying white peach and pineapple flavors, finishing crisp and clean with a subtle spice note.

How does Cellar #8 Pinot Grigio compare to Barefoot Pinot Grigio? Both are value-tier California Pinot Grigios, but Cellar #8 leans more toward honeysuckle and tropical fruit aromatics, while Barefoot tends to emphasize green apple and citrus. The two occupy a similar price bracket, making them natural alternatives for everyday drinking.

Is Cellar #8 Pinot Grigio good for beginners? Yes — its fruit-forward profile and moderate acidity make it approachable for drinkers who are new to dry white wines, and its clean finish avoids any bitterness that can put off newcomers.

Where is Cellar #8 Pinot Grigio made? It is produced by Bronco Wine Company at the historic Asti Winery in Sonoma County, California, using Pinot Grigio grapes sourced from vineyards in the Central Coast and North Coast appellations.

What foods pair well with Cellar #8 Pinot Grigio? Grilled shrimp or light seafood benefits from the wine's citrus acidity. Caprese salad mirrors the fresh, clean character. Chicken piccata pairs well thanks to the lemony overlap. Mild, creamy cheeses like fresh mozzarella or burrata complement the soft stone-fruit notes. Thai summer rolls work with the tropical and honeysuckle aromatics.

What sizes does Cellar #8 Pinot Grigio come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Cellar #8 Pinot Grigio worth the price? Cellar #8 positions as an entry-level everyday white, and at that tier it delivers solid varietal character — the honeysuckle and peach notes show more personality than many comparably priced California Pinot Grigios.

Why Cellar #8 Pinot Grigio?

What gives this wine its edge at the value end of the shelf is the story behind it and the sourcing strategy that supports it. Drawing grapes from both Central Coast and North Coast vineyards allows the winemaking team to blend warmer-climate ripeness with cooler-climate acidity, producing a wine that stays balanced rather than flat. The connection to Asti Winery — one of Sonoma County's oldest winemaking sites, dating to 1881 — lends genuine historical credibility to a label that could otherwise be overlooked. For a no-fuss California Pinot Grigio with actual provenance, Cellar #8 holds its ground.