Since 2013 our mission has been to find great wines of great value that are ready to drink tonight.
Larry Schaffer knows your palate better than you do. He does. Walk into his tasting room on Alamo Pintado Avenue in Los Olivos, and, after being wowed by his stunning wine wall, you’ll find yourself in the presence of a man who’s part winemaker, part palate whisperer, and part stand-up philosopher of Rhône varietals.
Larry doesn’t just pour wine — he starts a conversation. And not one of those “let me tell you what you should be tasting” kinds of conversations, either. No, Larry’s style is all about you. He’ll hand you a glass, raise an eyebrow, and ask, “How do you drink your coffee?” It’s his favorite question — and before you know it, you’re actually paying attention to your senses instead of the tasting notes you read online five minutes before walking in.
That’s Larry’s genius. He’s not trying to imprint his palate on yours. He wants to unlock yours. He knows that wine isn’t about being right — it’s about being curious. That’s probably why, in addition to being one of Santa Barbara County’s most respected winemakers, he’s also the current President of the Rhône Rangers, the group dedicated to promoting America’s Rhône-style wines. Translation: if there’s a grape that sounds French, is tricky to pronounce, and has flavor for days — Larry’s your guy.
Which brings us to our November Wine of the Month: the 2023 Tercero Wines Counoise Santa Barbara County (pronounced “coon-wahz,” but don’t worry — Larry will make you say it a few times until you get it right).
Counoise is one of those underdog grapes that rarely gets the spotlight in Rhône blends, but in Larry’s hands, it’s the star of the show. The wine practically dances in the glass and soars aromatically — bright ruby, bursting with energy, and radiating juicy red fruit. It has that playful mix of cranberry, pomegranate, and wild strawberry you think you smell, plus a little spice that sneaks in at the finish like a knowing wink. It’s nimble on its feet but full of character — much like Larry himself.
And when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, this Counoise might just be your secret weapon. It’s friendly with turkey, unbothered by cranberry sauce, and perfectly chill about sharing the table with stuffing, sweet potatoes, and your aunt’s “experimental” side dish. The gentle tannins and lively acidity make it the ideal bottle for a feast full of competing flavors — the one wine that can keep the peace between the mashed potatoes and the green bean casserole.
So this November, as you give thanks for family, friends, and food that’s slightly overcooked but made with love, raise a glass of slightly chilled Tercero Counoise. And maybe, just maybe, channel a little Larry Schaffer while you sip — open-minded, curious, and confident enough to trust your own palate. Because Larry knows your palate better than you do… at least until he teaches you to know it just as well.
Learn more about Tercero, purchase their wine (including the 2023 Counoise at the killer value of $40), and follow them here:
@TerceroWines
