Sipping & Playing in Jacksonville – May 2026
I’LL BE HONEST. Most days I’m just trying to get dinner on the table, keep the kids somewhat on schedule, and maybe enjoy a glass of wine at the end of it.
I know what I like. I just don’t spend a lot of time thinking about “why.”
So, I recently sat down with Andrea Breault, my now go-to “wine translator,” to help simplify things. Not make it fancy. Just make it make sense for real life. And because I learned so much from Andrea, we are turning this into a two-part series.
Andrea works in transportation consulting during the week, but over the years has pursued her passion for wine through formal training and hands-on experience. She completed Level III through the Wine and Spirit Educational Trust and even spent time in Napa Valley working harvest as a “cellar rat,” learning how wine is made from the ground up. Now you can find her on weekends at Hummingbird Estate helping people like me feel a lot more comfortable with wine.
Because most nights at our house look a lot more like pizza and chaos than a perfectly paired dinner.
One of the first things I asked her was what actually goes with meals like that? Her answer was straightforward. Pinot Noir. It is light and easy to drink. It is not going to overpower your food or make anything taste off. In other words, it works with pizza, pasta, and whatever else is happening at your table. And if you like reds, Andrea shared that other great varietals that do well locally in Southern Oregon include Grenache and Tempranillo, which made me realize how many great options we have right here.
Then I asked the question I think a lot of us have. If friends are coming over and I do not want to overthink it, what should I grab?
Her answer was: start with bubbles. It is always a good way to kick things off and it does not need to be expensive. A Spanish Cava around $15 works great. And a quick fun fact she shared, Cava is from Spain, Champagne is from France, and Prosecco is from Italy. They are all sparkling, just from different regions. For dinner, a white blend or red blend in that $18 to $25 range will usually make everyone happy. Try to look for bottles that feel tied to an actual winery rather than something overly marketed.
We also talked about planning winery visits, especially with kids. Her advice was to do a quick-check ahead of time. Many wineries now clearly say if they are family-friendly, adults-only, or dog-friendly. Some have space for kids to run around, food options, or more casual environments, while others are better suited for a quieter experience. A quick look online can make all the difference.
The biggest takeaway for me was this. Wine is not something you need to get perfect. It is something you get to enjoy.
Try something new. Grab a bottle you have not had before. Order something different than your usual.
Worst case, you do not love it. Best case, you find a new favorite.
Either way, you are still sitting down with a glass of wine at the end of the day, and that feels like a win.
Disclaimer: I’m just a wine-loving mom with no formal wine education. Just a mission to find the best places to sip, stay, and savor in Southern Oregon.
Featured image is of Andrea Breault.