While some may be drinking pumpkin spice lattes, we’re gearing up for fall with the perfect wines for the season. But we’re not settling for just any bottle of wine this season.

As the air turns crisp and the leaves change to colorful shades, there’s one type of wine for fall that our experts and our customers always turn to.

Whether you're enjoying a cozy evening at home, or a hearty meal with family, it’s extra important to select your wines with care. That’s because when you choose the right wine for the occasion, every sip becomes a memory that lingers long after the glass is empty.

In a season of celebrations and intimate gatherings, now more than ever you deserve to enjoy special sips.

Each fall, we see an uptick in certain wines of a special variety that Wally’s customers keep coming back for. And it’s no surprise — this variety pairs perfectly with transitional weather, warmer dishes, and sipping slowly at special occasions.

Keep reading to find out the best-selling bottles that our customers always enjoy during the fall months.

What Makes a Wine Great For Fall?

In a season of cooler weather and hearty meals, you can’t go wrong with a glass of wine that delivers warmth and richness during the season. Whether you’re enjoying a special meal or having a glass with friends, look for a wine with versatility and complexity for every fall occasion.

Wines with rich, earthy notes can be a great option during this time. Look for fruity notes of blackberries and dark cherries, balanced by warming spices and earthy or herbaceous characteristics.

Since fall often offers plenty of hearty meals, try to enjoy wines with a great balance of acidity and tannins to hold up to those rich, flavorful foods. At the same time, it’s ideal to have an elegant wine that won’t overpower more delicate flavors and can complement a variety of dishes.

Why Is Pinot Noir the Perfect Fall Wine?

When you’re looking for a wine with the perfect balance of flavors, acidity, tannins, and elegance, Pinot Noir stands out as the quintessential option of the season. Its unique flavors and characteristics make it a perfect pour alongside hearty dishes and cooler weather.

Pinot Noir is known for a beautiful balance of fruit-driven flavors without being overpowering. You’ll often find notes of cherries, cranberries, and plums, which all perfectly complement many harvest dishes. These juicy notes often find balance with more complex and earthy flavors such as mushrooms and herbs, which are a great match for roasted vegetables and meat.

Pinot Noir wines are also typically medium-bodied with smooth, silky tannins. This makes the wine wonderfully drinkable with a variety of dishes and occasions. You can enjoy it with everything from pre-dinner apps to roast chicken or cheese.

Plus, this variety is famous for its bright acidity that can lift up the flavors of rich dishes. Finally, with its finely structured tannins, Pinot Noir can carry a meal without overpowering any of the individual components.

The Best Pinot Noir Bottles For Fall

We looked at our historic best-selling Pinot Noirs to see what Wally’s customers always love to drink in the Fall. When you’re looking for the perfect bottles for fall, take a page from our customers and try one of these tried-and-true favorites: 

(For the record, we’ve updated some bottles to their current vintages, but the wines are still the same Wally’s crowd favorites)

1.) 2021 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sta Rita Hills ($115) 

Customers love this elegant, fruit-forward Pinot Noir with notes of black cherries, raspberries, and spice, which are perfect for cooler evenings. The beautiful balance of acidity and depth also pairs beautifully with roasted meat or mushroom risotto. Shop this wine. 

2.) 2021 DuMOL 'Ryan' Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($100) 

With powerful layers of berries, herbs, and exotic spices, this Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is intricate and expressive. Its lively acidity and lingering finish make it a great choice for cooler temperatures and cozy nights. Shop this wine.

3.) 2021 Wayfarer Pinot Noir Fort Ross Seaview ($95) 

Floral and fragrant, this Pinot Noir invites you in with lovely aromas of roses, cranberries, and raspberries. Balanced with delicate spices and dried herbs, it’s an excellent choice for fall’s heartier dishes, like game meats or roasted vegetables. Shop this wine.

4.) 2022 Summer Dreams 'Stargazing' Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast ($80) 

Bursting with racy energy and ripe red fruit notes, this luscious Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a delight with any meal. With its great structure and complexity, it makes a perfect companion for fall-inspired dishes like roasted squash or braised meats. Shop this wine. 

5.) 2022 Occidental Pinot Noir Freestone-Occidental ($75) 

This wine brings intense energy and purity of flavor with notes of juicy red berries and a hint of coastal salinity. Its fresh, bright profile and sculpted tannins are perfect for fall meals featuring roasted vegetables or light pasta dishes.  Shop this wine.

6.) 2022 Flowers Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast ($60) 

Customers always come back for this delicious expression of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, offering notes of coastal evergreens and tangy berries. Enjoy the play of fresh acidity and textured tannins with dishes like roasted pork or butternut squash. Shop this wine.

7.) 2021 The Hilt 'Cuvee Fleur' Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills ($45) 

A beautiful Pinot Noir with exuberant red fruit and spice notes. Its balanced acidity and elegant tannins make it a customer favorite for sipping with appetizers or pairing with fall dishes like roast turkey or salmon. Shop this wine.

8.) 2022 Melville Pinot Noir Estate Santa Rita Hills ($40) 

This crowd-favorite Pinot Noir is popular for its enticing aromas of blood orange and rose petals. It offers vibrant acidity that carries a complex palate of spices and earthiness, balanced with smooth tannins that make it ideal for autumnal fare like grilled root vegetables. Shop this wine.

9.) 2022 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands ($30)

When customers want something with exuberant aromas yet a delicate palate, this Pinot Noir delivers. Enjoy juicy notes of cherries and cranberries, rounded out with hints of cedar and violets, for a luxurious fall pairing.  Shop this wine.

10.) 2022 RouteStock Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast ($25)

With juicy red berry flavors, hints of spice, and a smooth, velvety finish, this wine is approachable and easy-drinking. It’s great for fall gatherings, especially when served with charcuterie or roasted chicken. Shop this wine.

11.) 2022 Benton Lane Pinot Noir ($25)

Customers love stocking up on this balanced, fruit-forward Pinot Noir with notes of fresh raspberries and cherries. It has perfect tannins and acidity for pairing with hearty stews or roasted meat.  Shop this wine.