Birdhorse Vermentino, Clements Hills, California

There’s a joyful curiosity woven into every bottle from Birdhorse Wines, and their Vermentino is no exception. This bright, electric white is a testament to what happens when two visionary women lean into adventure, embrace the unfamiliar, and let intuition guide the process. Corinne Rich and Katie Rouse, Birdhorse’s dynamic winemaking duo, set out to celebrate the underdog grapes of California. Here, they’ve zeroed in on Vermentino, a Mediterranean gem reimagined through a West Coast lens. It’s racy, mouthwatering, and completely unadorned—just the way nature (and these two science-loving, soul-driven winemakers) intended.

Product Details

• Grape: 100% Vermentino
• Vineyard: Bench Vineyard, Clements Hills AVA (Lodi), planted in 2014
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Soil Type: Well-drained sandy soils
• Fermentation: Native yeast
• Vinification: Direct pressed by hand to stainless steel, racked after four months
• Malolactic Fermentation: None
• Alcohol: 12.3%
• Winemakers: Corinne Rich & Katie Rouse (female, LGBTQ+ owned and operated)

Sensory Description

This is the kind of white wine that makes you sit up and take notice. On the nose, it’s a rush of zesty citrus—think Meyer lemon and a twist of lime peel—layered with crisp green apple and a delicate floral lift. On the palate, it’s sleek and salty, with a snap of minerality that brings to mind wet stones and sea spray. There’s an energy here that keeps you coming back: juicy acidity, clean lines, and a whisper of orchard blossoms on the finish. As Jennifer would say, “This is what we reach for when we want a wine that’s wild in spirit but sharp in execution.”

Winemaker’s Background

Corinne Rich and Katie Rouse are more than winemakers—they’re explorers of California’s untapped potential. Both have earned their stripes in some of the world’s most respected wine regions (from Burgundy to South Africa), but Birdhorse is their personal love letter to diversity—in varietals, people, and places. Corinne brings a background in chemistry and winemaking stints from Willamette to New Zealand. Katie’s geology roots make her a soil whisperer, fine-tuning their vineyard sourcing with a rock-hound’s precision. Together, they’re crafting wines that challenge convention and celebrate California’s hidden gems. Birdhorse is proudly female and LGBTQ+ owned, with a fierce commitment to transparency, sustainability, and deliciousness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Vermentino well-chilled, around 45°F, to let its zippy brightness shine. It’s a knockout alongside briny oysters, crispy calamari, or grilled shrimp with a squeeze of lemon. We also love it with crunchy greens—try a shaved fennel salad or anything with fresh herbs. And if you’re feeling casual? Fried chicken or kettle chips are a match made in heaven. This is a wine that invites curiosity and play.