A long time ago in a vineyard far, far away … there was Skywalker Ranch, where grapevines made wine infused with the Force, and Yoda proclaimed, “Drink it, you will.”
Whether your favorite “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” character is Han Solo, Kylo Ren or Rey, here’s a perfect pairing of galactic world inhabitants and down-to-earth wines.
Luke Skywalker: Master Luke enjoys the fruits of his family’s labor from George Lucas’ Marin County ranch. Pour the smooth 2012 Skywalker Vineyards Pinot Noir ($70) for your favorite Jedi master.
General Leia: Only bubbles will do for this princess-turned-resistance-leader. The crisp, citrusy 2007 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvee ($37) is a most regal wine.
Chewbacca: A Wookiee needs a wine that will put (more) hair on his chest. Big Basin’s 2012 Grizzly ($55), a fleshy, full-bodied Santa Cruz Mountains grenache-based blend, fits the bill.
Han Solo: A scoundrel and renegade, Captain Solo is the furthest thing from a wine snob. This space pirate’s go-to quaff is the fruity, easy-drinking non-vintage Shebang! Red Wine blend ($12).
C-3PO: A protocol droid requires a proper riesling. C-3PO would opt for the off-dry (slightly sweet) 2014 J. Lohr Estates Bay Mist White riesling ($10).
Kylo Ren: This evil First Order lord has taken up Darth Vader’s mantle. With dense black fruit and bold tannins, Nottingham Cellar’s 2012 Supremacy Bordeaux blend ($80) from Livermore is a wine for the dark side.
Rey: This badass scavenger and survivor would quench her thirst with the 2013 Murrieta’s Well The Whip ($22), a Livermore Valley white wine blend as gutsy as she is.
Finn: Is this rebel Stormtrooper the next Jedi knight? All we know is that it is Finn’s destiny to drink the complex, smoky 2013 Michael David 6th Sense Syrah ($17).
Poe Dameron: The X-wing pilot and resistance leader is driven, but it’s useless for him to resist the Force surrounding the 2011 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon ($53), a wine with beguiling red fruit and seductive velvety finish.
Lor San Tekka: This elder statesman is young Rey’s mentor. The rich, peppery 2013 Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel ($19), made from noble ancient grapevines, will help the sage channel the Force within.
— Mary Orlin, Staff
