Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc 2008 Impresses at Lunch

Rare find of Pinot Blanc wine pairs well with sunny spring meal.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

On a recent weekday off, the author and their spouse decided to try out Henry's Hat, a sister restaurant to Luna Park. Perusing the wine list, the author spotted a bottle of Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc 2008 and decided to give it a try, as the author doesn't often see Pinot Blanc offered at restaurants. The wine proved to be a perfect pairing for their sunny lunch, with bright lemon zest and tropical notes on the nose leading to a taste of pears and apples, complemented by fabulous minerality and a crisp finish.

Why it matters

Pinot Blanc is a lesser-known white wine varietal that can be difficult to find, especially at restaurants. This review highlights how a well-crafted Pinot Blanc can make for an excellent pairing with a casual, sunny lunch, showcasing the versatility of the grape.

The details

The Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc 2008 is a blend of 99% Pinot Blanc and 1% Chardonnay, sourced from the Russian River Valley and Sonoma County. The wine's bright, zesty, and tropical aromas lead to a crisp, mineral-driven palate with flavors of pear and apple.

  • The author and their spouse visited Henry's Hat on a recent weekday off.

The players

Valley of the Moon

A winery located in Sonoma, California that produces the Pinot Blanc wine reviewed in the article.

Henry's Hat

A sister restaurant to Luna Park, described as more of a sports bar than its sibling establishment.

Luna Park

A restaurant that is related to Henry's Hat, though the exact nature of the relationship is not specified.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This review highlights how a well-crafted Pinot Blanc can make for an excellent pairing with a casual, sunny lunch, showcasing the versatility of this lesser-known white wine varietal.