Wine and Romance — Julia Kelly

I might live in New York City, but I'm a California girl through and through. I'll go barefoot if I can, and if I have to wear shoes you better believe they're going to have at least a 3" heel on them. I thrive in dry heat and melt in the humidity, and I think that Atlantic beaches have nothing on Santa Monica and Malibu. In my recent release One Week in Wyoming, I made my hero a California wine grower. I grew up with parents who had "European" views on wine consumption, so I've been drinking wine for years. I'm a big cheerleader for the wines my home state produces, and I wanted to feature a touch of California in my novella. Plus, what's better than a man who wants to pour you a glass of cab at the end of the day.

This list features wines from all over the state that I drink on a regular basis. It also has a few that I'll reach for on a special occasion. I'll admit that it's a little red heavy as I drink a lot of pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon, but some of the whites are just fantastic (the J Pinot Gris in particular).

If you've got a favorite, let me know! I'm always looking for new recommendations.