September is California Wine Month. Cucina Enoteca at Fashion Island marks the occasion with exceptional pricing on the state’s celebrated wines and thoughtful pairing suggestions.

Led by restaurateur Tracy Borkum and executive chef Cesar Sarmiento, Cucina Enoteca is known as much for its wine programs and curated bottle shops as it is for its award-winning cuisine.

Throughout the month, wines from some of California’s finest vineyards are available by the glass, half glass or bottle – and in the case of bottle-shop purchases, no corkage fees.

Sarmiento and beverage director Luke Wilmoth offer pairing ideas to elevate the tasting experiences.

Consider a glass of 2022 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs for $16 – “consistently one of the U.S.A.’s finest bubblies,” Wilmoth says – with roasted garlic and rosemary focaccia.

A 3-ounce pour of coveted 2016 Aleksander Reserve Red Wine for $18 serves as the ideal prelude to a bavette steak. Wilmoth describes it as “a deeply personal, family-crafted wine that captures the soul of Paso Robles – rich, balanced and unforgettable.”

A bottle of 2018 Stolpman La Croce sangiovese/syrah from Ballard Canyon, priced at $72, is “a 50/50 blend born from curiosity and perfected over decades, savory and vibrant,” Wilmoth says. It pairs ideally with Sarmiento’s rigatoni amatriciana.