Bright, Electric, Unexpected: Introducing Skyview Aligoté

There’s something special about championing the underdog—and this release is exactly that.

We’re excited to introduce our Skyview Aligoté, a wine that reflects both curiosity and intention, born from a small but meaningful experiment at Skyview Vineyard. Back in 2020, a few hundred vines were grafted over to Aligoté—an often overlooked white varietal with deep roots in Burgundy and a reputation for bright, energetic wines that deserve far more attention.

If you’ve ever visited Skyview in Los Alamos, you may have noticed the vineyard tucked into the hillside just below the hotel. Those 2.5 acres of Pinot Noir vines have long been the source of something special—Skyview’s estate-grown rosé. But more recently, a small section of that vineyard has taken on a new life. Grafted over to Aligoté in 2020, it marks an exciting evolution for Skyview: a fresh expression from the same site, now offering something bright, zippy, and entirely unexpected alongside the rosé you know and love.

This release also builds on a long-standing partnership that has helped define Skyview’s wines. Back in 2018, Nomada partnered with Mikey and Gina Giugni — the duo behind Scar of the Sea and Lady of the Sunshine — to vinify Skyview’s grapes into a crisp, refreshing rosé that tastes like summer in a glass. Seven vintages later, the collaboration is still going strong, evolving alongside the vineyard and continuing to explore new expressions like this one.

Exclusively available across Nomada hotels and restaurants, the 2023 Skyview Aligoté is here.


Why Aligoté?

Often living in the shadow of Chardonnay, Aligoté has long been a quiet staple in Burgundy, traditionally used in everything from refreshing still wines to classic apéritifs. But in the right hands—and grown in the right site—it shines on its own. At Skyview, the grape finds a natural balance: retaining its signature acidity while developing texture and nuance through extended lees aging and neutral oak.

The result is a wine that’s both crisp and layered—zippy and refreshing, yet rounded with subtle depth.

In the Glass

The 2023 Skyview Aligoté is all about energy. Bright citrus leads the way—think lime peel and fresh-cut melon—followed by softer floral notes like chamomile. There’s a gentle texture from time spent on lees, but the overall impression is clean, lifted, and incredibly drinkable.

At the Table (or Poolside)

This is the kind of wine that thrives in relaxed settings. It pairs effortlessly with fresh seafood—oysters, ceviche, grilled shrimp—as well as light, herb-driven dishes like salads with vinaigrette or goat cheese. It also shines alongside simple summer fare: grilled vegetables, roast chicken, and picnic spreads.

Or, as Mikey says, it’s just as perfect on its own at a pool party.

A Small but Meaningful Release

With only a limited number of vines dedicated to Aligoté at Skyview, this wine represents a small slice of the vineyard—but an exciting one. It’s a reflection of experimentation, collaboration, and a shared love for wines that don’t always take center stage.

We’re thrilled to share it with you.


Meet the Makers: Mikey & Gina Giugni

As the winemakers behind Scar of the Sea, Lady of the Sunshine, and our own Skyview Rosé and Aligoté, we know that Mikey & Gina Giugni have good taste. In our Localist Guide series, they spill their favorite spots to eat, drink, and explore—perfect for anyone looking to sip and savor like a local.

Next
Next

Spring in San Luis Obispo: Top Picks for Hiking, Dining, Wine & Local Adventures