While the week before last was pretty low key for us here in Venice, Florida 🏝️, last week picked up just enough to make things interesting. Even with a lighter schedule, we made time to slow down, open a couple of bottles through the week, and enjoy some wine with friends — which is really what it’s all about. 🍷
We started the week by pulling a bottle of Zinfandel from Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants out of our cellar. It may have been a gift (we’ve lost track), but one thing was clear — it wasn’t getting any better sitting unopened. Later in the week, friends stopped by, giving us the perfect excuse to open something a bit more special: the 2019 Dragon’s Tooth from Trefethen Family Vineyards.
Check out the details of last week’s wines below!
🍷 Monday Wine
Wine: 2021 Zinfandel
Winery: Cooper’s Hawk Winery
Region: Lodi
Blend:
100% Zinfandel
Price: ~$20
Rating: 🏝️
Tasting Notes
This is a classic, easy-going Zinfandel — fruit-forward with notes of berries, rounded out by hints of pepper and baking spice. It’s smooth and leans light-to-medium in body, making it an easy weekday pour. While it doesn’t bring a ton of complexity, the balance and subtle spice keep it interesting enough to come back for another glass.
Paired With: We enjoyed this one on its own, but it would pair nicely with casual fare — think snacks, light pasta, or even pizza on a relaxed Venice evening.
Where to buy: Cooper’s Hawk Winery online or in the Sarasota restaurant, located off of I-75 and Fruitville Road. It’s a quick ride up from Venice, and is a great option for brunch.
🍷 Wednesday Wine
Wine: 2019 Dragon’s Tooth
Winery: Trefethen
Region: Napa
Blend:
40% Malbec
32% Petit Verdot
23% Cabernet Sauvignon
5% Merlot
Price: ~$65
Rating: 🏝️🏝️🏝️
Tasting Notes
This was the standout of the week. A smooth, medium-to-full-bodied red blend with layered notes of ripe red and dark fruit, a touch of spice, and a subtle hint of cedar. It’s well-balanced with just enough acidity to keep things lively, making each sip as enjoyable as the first. We’ve had several vintages of Dragon’s Tooth over the years and this one is another good one.
Pair With: We kept things simple with a light charcuterie-style dinner — gouda, brie, fresh veggies, and hummus — and it paired beautifully. That said, this is just as enjoyable on its own, especially when shared with good company, or with a more complex meal. It would be great with a veggie burger or a nice pasta primavera.
Where to buy: The Trefethen Website (the 2019 is no longer available online for this one, but the 2022 is, and we’d buy that one in a minute, too!)
Venice Wine Experience Thoughts
All in all, a somewhat easygoing week with two very drinkable wines — one perfect for a casual night at home, and one that felt a bit more elevated for sharing with friends. We’d happily revisit the Dragon’s Tooth, especially given our appreciation for family-run wineries like Trefethen and the memories tied to visiting them in Napa.
That’s one of the things we love most about wine — every bottle has a story, and sometimes it brings you right back to the place you first experienced it.
What did you drink last week in Venice, or beyond? Let us know in the comments!