About a year ago, I found myself at a lively wine tasting at Total Wine in Naples, FL, on a Friday night. The crowd was thinner than usual, which turned out to be a gift—it gave me the freedom to wander, sip, and savor at my own pace. Three bottles were waiting at the bar: one elegant white and two intriguing reds. As always, I began with the white, saving the reds for the finale.
The moment I raised my glass of Amici Sonoma Coast Chardonnay; it was enchantment in liquid form. The wine glided across my palate with a creamy richness, bursting with tropical fruit, soft poached pears, and a whisper of warm baking spices. Just as I lingered on those flavors, a subtle burnt oak finish tied it all together like a perfect closing note in a song. It was truly love at first sip—a glass that didn’t just taste fabulous but felt unforgettable.
The Amici Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is like coastal elegance decided to take a vacation in your glass. Bright aromas of zesty lemon peel and sun-ripened peach flirt with your nose, while a cheeky hint of crushed rock and salty sea breeze says, “Hey, I’m fancy but fun.” On the palate, it’s indulgent without being overbearing—lively acidity meets a cozy, toasty oak hug. Every sip is basically a seaside sunset you can sip, swirl, and silently applaud.
The Story
Amici was founded in 1990 by a group of friends—referred to as “amici”—who aimed to create small-production wines from Napa Valley that they enjoyed. Their wines became so successful that the group quickly expanded their vision to produce wines they could share with the public.
And the story behind the wine makes it even more special. Amici’s talented team includes veteran winemaker Tony Biagi, a Napa Valley legend with more than 25 years of experience, and Jesse Fox, a rising star celebrated for his vibrant, true-to-varietal style. Together, they’ve built lasting relationships with exceptional growers, crafting wines that reflect not just the vineyard’s soil and climate, but also the passion of the people who tend them. That’s what makes Amici so remarkable—it’s not just a wine; it’s a snapshot of place, time, and artistry poured into your glass.
Pairing
The Amici Chardonnay shines alongside dishes with rich textures and layered flavors, thanks to the depth added by its oak aging. It beautifully complements lightly smoked or grilled fare, as well as foods that echo oak’s signature notes of toast, vanilla, and sweet spices.
With its fuller body and luxurious richness, this Chardonnay is a natural partner for heartier meals—think roasted chicken with herbs, pasta cloaked in a velvety cream sauce, or buttery classics like crab legs and corn on the cob. It also pairs effortlessly with grilled favorites such as pork tenderloin, shrimp, fish, and nearly any seafood kissed by the flames.
Each pairing brings out the wine’s balance of elegance and power, creating a dining experience that lingers long after the last sip.
Try Amici with this grilled Tilapia
Grilled Tilapia
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard, or to taste
- garlic powder, or to taste
- 4 (4 ounce) fillets tilapia
- cooking spray
- Directions
- Mix olive oil, lemon pepper, cumin, paprika, dried mustard, and garlic powder together in a small bowl. Brush each tilapia fillet with mixture using a pastry brush. Flip; brush other side. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate.
- Spray a large piece of foil with cooking spray and place on the grill. Transfer tilapia onto the foil.
- Cook fillets on the preheated grill until they’re easily flaked with a fork, about 5
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