Part 01: Avaline My Short Story Characters Would Drink IRL
After moving to Los Angeles two years ago, I signed up for a wine subscription from none other than Cameron Diaz’s wine brand, Avaline. Let’s just say: I have zero regrets. Kind of like the wine has zero sugar and no additives whatsoever. It’s made from organic grapes and they only partner with winemakers who prioritize sustainable farming. So, being a big fan of the wine (and sustainability) myself, I got to thinking: what Avaline wine would my short story characters drink in real life?
First up, I’m going to talk about one of my favourite short story characters from Thirteen Emotions. Her name is Gabriela Garcia and she’s a powerhouse of a woman. Of course she would drink and love Avaline! She also loves vintage fashion, true crime shows, and heaping plates of pasta. If she sounds like your kind of woman, read on.
Avaline Wine My Short Story Characters Would Drink IRL
In A Bold Woman, Gabriela Garcia is on the worst date of her life. And to make matters worse, her date orders her food and wine for her. Ugh. She’s appalled. Not only by his (lack of) fashion sense, but by his unwelcome audacity. Who does that? Especially on a first date. Some women might find this faux “take charge” machismo appealing but to Gabriela, she’d rather eat alone than in the company of someone so vulgar and presumptuous. Nevertheless, their meals are on the way and Gabriela decides to give him the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps he’s nervous. Or he really thinks that it’s a chivalrous way to behave.
The Avaline wine I selected for Gabriela is the Sauvignon Blanc. It’s crisp and fresh, not unlike Gabriela’s sense of style. (On the night of her disastrous date, she’s in a cheetah-print dress with a killer slit and pointed boots.) Avaline’s Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with shared plates—which her date seems to have taken the liberty of—and easy conversation. The conversation on Gabriela’s blind date is more painful than easy breezy, but on a regular night with friends, her conversation would be effortless as she discussed everything from former flings to Haider Ackermann’s debut collection for Tom Ford.
Other tasting notes include ripe citrus and rose petals, which remind Gabriela of Jacquemus and Valentino, respectively. I have a feeling that along with the Sauvignon Blanc, Gabriela would take delight in Avaline’s citrusy and effortlessly refreshing Italian Bianco. A little bit about it:
“Perfect for pairing with your favourite cozy meals—whether it's a hearty pasta dish, light seafood, or a simple charcuterie board—or sipping as you start dreaming of spring. With the crisp citrus notes and clean finish, Italian Bianco is ideal for those moments when you're craving something refreshing, but still want that comforting, laid-back vibe. It’s versatile, refreshing, and just the kind of wine you’ll want to have on hand as the seasons shift.”
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Here’s another situation where my short story character Gabriela is drinking Avaline on a much better date:
As the sun dipped below the skyline, casting a warm golden hue over the bustling rooftop bar, Gabriela poured a crisp glass of Avaline wine for herself and her man-of-the-moment, Mark. The lightness of the blend mirrored the carefree atmosphere of their early evening escape, the laughter of nearby patrons blending with the soft notes of a live band. Gabriela savoured the smooth finish, each sip igniting memories of their shared adventures, while Mark raised his glass in a toast to the uncertainty of the future, a reckless optimism swirling in his eyes. In that moment, the world was theirs—filled with possibilities, and the crisp white wine flowing between them signalled a promise of friendship, love, and the whimsical narratives just waiting to unfold.
Shop all wines from Avaline here. And of course, pick up a copy of Thirteen Emotions from my bookstore, Amazon, Bookshop, or wherever you feel like supporting an indie author’s dreams.
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Ps. For more fashion & fiction posts, check out my Substack, Thirteen Thoughts by Melina Maria Morry.