Cab Franc Chronicles: Dracaena— from Humble Beginnings to Authentic Excellence
Credit: Dracaena Wines In the world of wine, passion often emerges from unexpected places. Lori and Michael Budd’s journey began humbly, as they met at work and enjoyed early dates strolling to the supermarket. There, they carefully selected wine, returning to Michael’s apartment where he, the food scientist, showcased his culinary skills. As their careers advanced, so did their wine exploration, transitioning from the bottom shelf to eye-level wines, revealing the depth of the wine world. Vacations soon revolved around wine regions, captivated by the diversity of wines and the stories within each glass. […]
From Vineyard to Victory: the Inspiring Epic of Peltier Winery in Lodi
Credit: Peltier Winery Rodney Schatz’s upbringing in a family of Lodi growers instilled in him a deep love for the land, a strong work ethic, and an appreciation for the rural lifestyle. Food and wine played integral roles in their family celebrations, and Rodney honed his kitchen skills from a young age. His early experiences ignited a passion for farming and a visionary outlook. […]
Fiddletown’s Treasures Unveiled: Crafting Excellence at PleinAir Vineyards in Amador County
For Tom and Sarah Malone, their appreciation for wine shared among friends evolved into an unexpected adventure when their son Dan's career in the wine industry took an intriguing turn. Amidst the picturesque landscapes of Amador County, the Malones found themselves on the brink of a new journey, envisioning a commercial winery that blended family ties with their deep passion for viticulture.
Rooted Dreams: the Hope Family’s Paso Robles Legacy
The tale of the Hope family's legacy begins at the heart of Paso Robles, where the roots of their story find nourishment. Chuck and Marlyn Hope, driven by a profound vision, planted the seeds of vineyards and apple orchards, laying the groundwork for generations to come. Chuck, originally from the San Joaquin Valley, intertwined his fate with Marlyn's family.
Distinctive Hillside Wines: the Evolution of Crystal Springs AVA of Napa Valley
For Steven Burgess, his origin story reads like a compelling novel, beginning with childhood memories of presenting family wines in the heart of Napa Valley and evolving into a deep understanding of the industry’s marketing. A degree in Agriculture Engineering Technology, along with experience selling wine exposed him to a crowded wine landscape.
Paix Sur Terre: Fear and Loathing in Winemaking– A Cosmic Mourvedre Adventure
The transition from a finance background to winemaking casts an intriguing light on Ryan Pease’s journey. His foray into owning a winery was no mere passion project; it was a calculated move, underpinned by financial and business acumen. Recognizing the inherent value of the product, coupled with the upward trajectory of the Paso Robles wine region and insights garnered from Paso Robles finest wine industry talents, Ryan embarked on an unconventional path.
Romance and Resilience on Howell Mountain: The Story of Red Thread Wines
Once upon a vibrant Friday night in the lively Mission District of San Francisco, fate wove an intricate tapestry, bringing together two souls destined for an extraordinary journey. Brian Brakesman, still exhilarated from the Cow Palace rodeo, found himself at Slims, while Gretchen, celebrating her co-ed softball team's triumph, was enjoying the same bar with her friends.
Neighbors to Winemakers: Opolo Vineyards and the Pursuit of Excellence in Paso Robles
They recognized an opportunity in Paso Robles–an emerging wine region with immense potential at the time. Undeterred by the challenges that lay ahead, they independently planted their own vineyards, taking a leap of faith into the world of winemaking, but it was their collective vision that would ultimately unite their paths and give rise to Opolo.
Lava Cap Winery: A High Elevation Bordeaux Style Paradise in the Sierra Foothills
El Dorado County in the Sierra Foothills is home to Lava Cap Winery, a hidden gem that combines nature’s beauty with exceptional winemaking. Founded in the 1980’s by UC Berkeley professor David Jones and his wife Jeanne, along with their son Charlie, Lava Cap has flourished under their dedicated stewardship.
Digital MacGyverism: Wine Influencers Solving Problems and Wearing Many Hats
Listen up, restless souls navigating the world of wine and digital mischief. Fear not, for the wine marketing game is alive and thriving. It is fueled by innovation and carried forth by the winds of change. The wine influencer scene is not fading into oblivion; it is transforming, driven by digital progress and shifting consumer behavior.
Savoring the Legacy: Husch Vineyards and the Authentic Charm of Anderson Valley
Courtesy: Husch Vineyards Step into the rich history and rustic charm of Husch Vineyards, the oldest winery nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Anderson Valley. With roots dating back to 1971, Husch stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of winemaking excellence. But the story doesn’t end there. […]
Tension, Balance and Precision take Flight at Fulldraw Vineyard in Paso Robles
Credit: Fulldraw Vineyard Our story begins in Fairfield, Iowa, where Connor McMahon spent his childhood surrounded by corn fields and pig farms. It was in this heartland that Connor’s passion for winemaking took root, nurtured by his patience and precision honed through fly fishing and hunting. […]
Linne Calodo Winery: Unveiling the Essence of Paso Robles through Passionate Winemaking and Thoughtful Artistry
Credit: Linne Calodo Winery Linne Calodo Winery was founded by Matt Trevisan, a passionate and determined individual with a background in aeronautical engineering and flight. However, his love for wine was ignited when he encountered unlabeled wines produced by Justin Smith’s father, who had deep roots in Paso Robles wine country. Inspired by this experience, Matt pursued a career in the wine industry, working at various wineries and honing his skills in cellar management and winemaking. […]
Napa Valley’s Audacious Journey Down the Wine Tech Rabbit Hole
Bob Dylan once sang, “Admit the waters around you have grown,” and boy-oh-boy was he right. On the rugged and treacherous terrain of the wine industry, where fortunes are made and lost with every sip, the tides of change have swept through like a tempest, leaving many wine tech companies in its wake. […]
The Resounding Success of ROAR in the Santa Lucia Highlands
With roots tracing back to the northern hills of Italy and the serene valleys of Switzerland, their journey began with their great grandfathers, who bravely immigrated to the fertile Salinas Valley, embarking on a new life as dairy and vegetable farmers.
Revolutionizing Wine through Innovation and Sustainability: Alileo Wines, From Sicily to Massachusetts
Courtesy Alileo Wines It was a chance encounter in 2001 that brought Alexandra Dane and Antonio Bertone together. Some might describe them as extreme business travelers–always on the move– others might say it was just plain serendipity. […]
3 Steves Winery: Friendship, Resilience, and Exquisite Wines in Livermore Valley
Credit: 3 Steves Winery The story of 3 Steves Winery is not just about exquisite wines, but also about friendship, resilience, and a deep passion for winemaking. It all started when three men named Steve – Steve Burman, Steve Melander, and Steve Ziganti – met at a shareholder meeting for another winery they had invested in. Dissatisfied with the direction of that winery, they decided to venture out on their own and start their own label. […]
Pushing Boundaries: Brandlin Estate’s Focus on Innovation and the Future of Mountain Winemaking in the Napa Valley
© 2020 Marc Fiorito // Gamma Nine Photography Nestled among the rugged terrain of Mount Veeder lies Brandlin Estate, a winery with a rich history dating back to the 1870s. Once a homestead where the Brandlin family farmed orchard fruit and operated the local grain store and stagecoach, the estate eventually became a premier winery. […]
Baldacci Family Vineyards: A Heartwarming Story of Family, Sustainability, and Exceptional Wines in Napa Valley
(Photo Credit: Rocco Ceselin) Family dynamics can be challenging at times, but there is something about the bonds of blood that keep people united, especially when it comes to working together towards a common goal. This is particularly true for family owned businesses, where members often wear many hats and work long hours to keep the business thriving. For the Baldacci family, this is the heart and soul of their operation. […]
Kiona: From a Ten Acre Vineyard to a Thriving Operation in Red Mountain
Kiona Estate Vineyard. Courtesy Kiona Vineyards. Since its establishment in 1975, Kiona Vineyards has come a long way. What started as a ten acre vineyard in the desert, pioneered by John and Ann Williams and their friends Jim and Pat Holmes, has now grown into a thriving operation that contributes significantly to the development of the Red Mountain AVA. […]