Skip to content

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to discover what’s new from California’s trend-setting wineries, farms, and kitchens.

1 月, 2020

Chardonnay glasses

TRAVEL TIP

You’ll find dozens of crab-friendly Chardonnays in Monterey County tasting rooms; the county leads the state in growing Chardonnay grapes. And don’t miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium on Monterey’s Cannery Row; it’s a visitor favorite.

The Pour

Which Wine?

White wine, please. That was easy. But now let’s drill down a bit in case you have options. White wines can be lean and sprightly or rich and creamy. The perfect choice depends on the crab preparation.

If the recipe relies on fresh herbs and lemon or lime juice, choose a leaner white wine such as California Sauvignon Blanc.

If the recipe includes butter and cream, open a richer white wine such as California Chardonnay.

If the recipe incorporates Asian seasonings (ginger, chilies, soy sauce, coconut milk), go with an aromatic white wine such as California Riesling.

For a little more pairing help, watch this: Two Chardonnays. Two somms. Two minutes


Wine Institute is an association of nearly 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses from the beautiful and diverse wine regions throughout the state. Wine Institute works to create an environment where the wine community can flourish and contribute in a positive fashion to our nation, state and local communities. For information please contact communications@wineinstitute.org.

Certified sustainable producer Jordan Winery, owner of the Wine Country Table website and magazine, consents to Wine Institute’s use of its trademark for this book. Find food, wine, entertaining and travel tips at www.winecountrytable.com.