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| Featured Boutique Wineries from our Chardonnay Wine Club |
Adelaida Cellars
The synergy of unique “terroir”, sustainable agriculture and minimalist
winemaking all come together in the ripe, well balanced wines made at
Adelaida Cellars. Named after a 19th century settlement in the Santa Lucia
Mountains the winery lies on the west side of Paso Robles, some 15 miles
from the fog shrouded Pacific coast at elevations of 2000 feet. This dramatic
terrain has become synonymous with ancient calcareous soils of limestone
and chalk, diurnal temperature changes of 40-50 degrees and inherently low
yielding vines with concentrated grape flavors. The adelaida Estate features
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the historic microclimate of HMR Vineyard
(established on 1963) and Reserve quality Cabernet and Syrah from the
steep rocky outcropping of the Viking Vineyard. A rigorous selection process
allows for medium intensity estate fruit to find a home in our good value
“SLO” and “Schoolhouse” labels. Winemaker Terry Culton’s passion and
finesse ensure that the purity of the vineyard comes through in the finished
wine.
The synergy of unique “terroir”, sustainable agriculture and minimalist
winemaking all come together in the ripe, well balanced wines made at
Adelaida Cellars. Named after a 19th century settlement in the Santa Lucia
Mountains the winery lies on the west side of Paso Robles, some 15 miles
from the fog shrouded Pacific coast at elevations of 2000 feet. This dramatic
terrain has become synonymous with ancient calcareous soils of limestone
and chalk, diurnal temperature changes of 40-50 degrees and inherently low
yielding vines with concentrated grape flavors. The adelaida Estate features
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the historic microclimate of HMR Vineyard
(established on 1963) and Reserve quality Cabernet and Syrah from the
steep rocky outcropping of the Viking Vineyard. A rigorous selection process
allows for medium intensity estate fruit to find a home in our good value
“SLO” and “Schoolhouse” labels. Winemaker Terry Culton’s passion and
finesse ensure that the purity of the vineyard comes through in the finished
wine.
Aqua Pumkin
Established in 1996 by Ken Volk. The Aqua Pumpkin label has always
represented quality and value from the Central Coast. The Aqua Pumpkin
label has poked fun at the often pretentious wine industry. It’s silly back
labels associated with the Central Coast and oblique references to
American cultural icons are a hallmark of the Aqua Pumpkin Brand. Aqua
Pumpkin “fun wine from happy grapes.”
Established in 1996 by Ken Volk. The Aqua Pumpkin label has always
represented quality and value from the Central Coast. The Aqua Pumpkin
label has poked fun at the often pretentious wine industry. It’s silly back
labels associated with the Central Coast and oblique references to
American cultural icons are a hallmark of the Aqua Pumpkin Brand. Aqua
Pumpkin “fun wine from happy grapes.”
Brucher
Proprietor Peter Brucher has been involved in almost every facet of the
California wine industry for more than thirty years. He was drawn to the
Central Coast with a mission to make world class Chardonnay and Pinot
Noir. Peter’s innovative style is quite evident with the multi-vintage Pinot
Noir. His non-vintage Champagne approach of holding back juice to
maintain a house style serves well for the California market, especially in the
face of spiraling Pinot Noir prices.
Proprietor Peter Brucher has been involved in almost every facet of the
California wine industry for more than thirty years. He was drawn to the
Central Coast with a mission to make world class Chardonnay and Pinot
Noir. Peter’s innovative style is quite evident with the multi-vintage Pinot
Noir. His non-vintage Champagne approach of holding back juice to
maintain a house style serves well for the California market, especially in the
face of spiraling Pinot Noir prices.
Chumeia Vineyards
“Chumeia” (pronounced Koo-may-a) is the ancient Greek word for “alchemy”
which involves transforming one thing into something precious. Our goal at
Chumeia is to take the best fruit from the myriad of excellent growing areas
in California and turn it into great wine. Chumeia’s vision of striving to make
great wine from quality fruit started with Lee Nesbitt, who discovered his
passion for wine over ten years ago when he worked in the cellar for J. Lohr
in Paso Robles and later down the road at Meridian Vineyards. It was at
these two respected wineries that Lee was exposed to the many facets of
the alchemic process of winemaking, fueling the fire to start work on
producing his own wines.
“Chumeia” (pronounced Koo-may-a) is the ancient Greek word for “alchemy”
which involves transforming one thing into something precious. Our goal at
Chumeia is to take the best fruit from the myriad of excellent growing areas
in California and turn it into great wine. Chumeia’s vision of striving to make
great wine from quality fruit started with Lee Nesbitt, who discovered his
passion for wine over ten years ago when he worked in the cellar for J. Lohr
in Paso Robles and later down the road at Meridian Vineyards. It was at
these two respected wineries that Lee was exposed to the many facets of
the alchemic process of winemaking, fueling the fire to start work on
producing his own wines.
Domaine Alfred
Domaine Alfred is a winery, born from a tradition of excellence, merged with
innovative approaches and blessed by the wonders of the Central California
coast. Domaine Alfred’s home vineyard is Chamisal Vineyard, which was
the first vineyard planted in the Edna Valley in 1972, It was replanted in
1996 with the first clonal diversity in the Edna Valley of Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay. In 1999, multiple clones of Syrah, Grenache and Pinot Gris
were added to the organic and biodynamic farmed 80 acres.
Domaine Alfred is a winery, born from a tradition of excellence, merged with
innovative approaches and blessed by the wonders of the Central California
coast. Domaine Alfred’s home vineyard is Chamisal Vineyard, which was
the first vineyard planted in the Edna Valley in 1972, It was replanted in
1996 with the first clonal diversity in the Edna Valley of Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay. In 1999, multiple clones of Syrah, Grenache and Pinot Gris
were added to the organic and biodynamic farmed 80 acres.
Jack Creek Cellars
We are a small, family owned and operated vineyard and winery. Our
vineyard and winemaking practices are mutually defined by quality and close
personal attention. Hand-crafting limited amounts of sumptuous wines for
you to enjoy is our daily focus. Our vines are hand tended and harvested at
the peak of performance, yielding fruit with unique and intense flavors. The
Vineyard is situated in the York Mountain Appelation: a cool micro-climate on
the south end of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. This exposes our
distinctive grapes to brisk, foggy mornings and warm afternoons cooled by
coastal breezes blowing through the Templeton Gap — perfect and prized
conditions for the varietals we have chosen. Nurtured gently from the vine to
the bottle, our remarkable wines reflect the beautiful terroir of the Central
Coast of California.
We are a small, family owned and operated vineyard and winery. Our
vineyard and winemaking practices are mutually defined by quality and close
personal attention. Hand-crafting limited amounts of sumptuous wines for
you to enjoy is our daily focus. Our vines are hand tended and harvested at
the peak of performance, yielding fruit with unique and intense flavors. The
Vineyard is situated in the York Mountain Appelation: a cool micro-climate on
the south end of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. This exposes our
distinctive grapes to brisk, foggy mornings and warm afternoons cooled by
coastal breezes blowing through the Templeton Gap — perfect and prized
conditions for the varietals we have chosen. Nurtured gently from the vine to
the bottle, our remarkable wines reflect the beautiful terroir of the Central
Coast of California.
San Simeon
The seaside town of San Simeon, located in San Luis Obispo County,
embodies the image of California’s majestic coast: rocky shorelines,
morning fog, sunny afternoons, and ocean breezes. In fact, the coast creates
the ideal climate for superior grape growing. California’s Central Coast
appellation is composed of three counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and
Santa Barbara. The Central Coast is the most rapidly growing premium wine
The Riboli Family farms estate vineyards in Monterey in order to insure the
ultimate level of grape quality. The Loma Vista Vineyard, located in the
prestigious Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey, embodies our family’s
commitment to estate grown wines. Named for its spectacular view of the
Santa Lucia Foothills, this vineyard site was chosen for its well-drained,
alluvial soils and cool, coastal microclimate.
The seaside town of San Simeon, located in San Luis Obispo County,
embodies the image of California’s majestic coast: rocky shorelines,
morning fog, sunny afternoons, and ocean breezes. In fact, the coast creates
the ideal climate for superior grape growing. California’s Central Coast
appellation is composed of three counties: Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and
Santa Barbara. The Central Coast is the most rapidly growing premium wine
The Riboli Family farms estate vineyards in Monterey in order to insure the
ultimate level of grape quality. The Loma Vista Vineyard, located in the
prestigious Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey, embodies our family’s
commitment to estate grown wines. Named for its spectacular view of the
Santa Lucia Foothills, this vineyard site was chosen for its well-drained,
alluvial soils and cool, coastal microclimate.
Santa Barbara Winery
In 1962 Pierre Lafond was the first, since prohibition, to reestablish Santa
Barbara County’s winemaking tradition by founding Santa Barbara Winery.
In the early years Pierre made wine from purchased fruit, but in 1970 he
purchased property in the Santa Ynez Valley and began planting the now 72-
acre vineyard. Winemaker Bruce McGuire believes the quality and integrity of
the wine is inextricably linked to what happens in the field. His wines are
vibrant and fruity, capturing the essence of the grapes, as they taste in the
vineyard.
In 1962 Pierre Lafond was the first, since prohibition, to reestablish Santa
Barbara County’s winemaking tradition by founding Santa Barbara Winery.
In the early years Pierre made wine from purchased fruit, but in 1970 he
purchased property in the Santa Ynez Valley and began planting the now 72-
acre vineyard. Winemaker Bruce McGuire believes the quality and integrity of
the wine is inextricably linked to what happens in the field. His wines are
vibrant and fruity, capturing the essence of the grapes, as they taste in the
vineyard.
Stephen's Cellar
Steve Goldman has been making Pinot Noir from the York Mountain AVA and
Central Coast grapes for more than 30 years, garnering numerous awards
and accolades for his efforts. Goldman stated “the new cellar is close to
completion and we’re excited about our new releases.” Specializing in
Burgundian varieties the wines are made from select lots made from
organically grown grapes.
Steve Goldman has been making Pinot Noir from the York Mountain AVA and
Central Coast grapes for more than 30 years, garnering numerous awards
and accolades for his efforts. Goldman stated “the new cellar is close to
completion and we’re excited about our new releases.” Specializing in
Burgundian varieties the wines are made from select lots made from
organically grown grapes.
Tarrica Wine Cellars
With hard work and great care the first vintage of Tarrica evolved in April of
2003. These hand crafted limited release wines are produced from
selected Paso Robles and Monterey vineyards. The winery also produces
an award winning specialty port under Shandon Port works. Tarrica: Made
for the Connoisseur, priced for everyday.
With hard work and great care the first vintage of Tarrica evolved in April of
2003. These hand crafted limited release wines are produced from
selected Paso Robles and Monterey vineyards. The winery also produces
an award winning specialty port under Shandon Port works. Tarrica: Made
for the Connoisseur, priced for everyday.
Tobin James Cellars
Tobin James Cellars’ first wine, the 1985 Blue Moon Reserve Zinfandel, was
an instant success. Since then, the winery has enjoyed steady growth.
Owners, Tobin (Toby) James and Lance Silver are justifiably proud of the
quality of their wines. Year after year, Tobin James Cellars produces big,
fruit driven wines, which are perfect for early consumption, but have the
structure to age. While the winery is perhaps best known for Zinfandel, a
huge following has developed for all of the Tobin James wines.
Tobin James Cellars’ first wine, the 1985 Blue Moon Reserve Zinfandel, was
an instant success. Since then, the winery has enjoyed steady growth.
Owners, Tobin (Toby) James and Lance Silver are justifiably proud of the
quality of their wines. Year after year, Tobin James Cellars produces big,
fruit driven wines, which are perfect for early consumption, but have the
structure to age. While the winery is perhaps best known for Zinfandel, a
huge following has developed for all of the Tobin James wines.
Bargetto Winery
Two vintners who believed in the Santa Cruz Mountains as a world-class
wine-growing region were brothers Phillip and John Bargetto. Immigrants
from the Piedmont region in Italy, they founded Bargetto Winery on the day
prohibition was repealed, Dec. 5th, 1933. Today Bargetto Winery, with its
nearly seven decades of history has the longest tradition of producing fine
Santa Cruz Mountains wines, and is still owned and operated by the
Bargetto family. In addition to fine premium varietals from vinifera grapes,
Bargetto also makes excellent dessert wines under the Chaucer’s label.
Two vintners who believed in the Santa Cruz Mountains as a world-class
wine-growing region were brothers Phillip and John Bargetto. Immigrants
from the Piedmont region in Italy, they founded Bargetto Winery on the day
prohibition was repealed, Dec. 5th, 1933. Today Bargetto Winery, with its
nearly seven decades of history has the longest tradition of producing fine
Santa Cruz Mountains wines, and is still owned and operated by the
Bargetto family. In addition to fine premium varietals from vinifera grapes,
Bargetto also makes excellent dessert wines under the Chaucer’s label.
Carmody-McKnight Estate Wines
Establishing the winery in 1989 as Silver Canyon, actor, artist Gary Carmody
Conway and former Miss America Marian McKnight Conway changed the
name in 1995 to Carmody McKnight, bringing an individual vision (Gary
paints all of the label art) to their 100% estate grown and produced Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their
daughter, who produces her own line of one-of-a-kind “Kathleen” dessert
and late harvest wines works closely with Greg Cropper who oversees
vineyard management and wine production. His overall experience from the
soil on up brings versatility to wine making that must start in the vineyard.
Establishing the winery in 1989 as Silver Canyon, actor, artist Gary Carmody
Conway and former Miss America Marian McKnight Conway changed the
name in 1995 to Carmody McKnight, bringing an individual vision (Gary
paints all of the label art) to their 100% estate grown and produced Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their
daughter, who produces her own line of one-of-a-kind “Kathleen” dessert
and late harvest wines works closely with Greg Cropper who oversees
vineyard management and wine production. His overall experience from the
soil on up brings versatility to wine making that must start in the vineyard.
Casa Cassara Winery
Bennie Cassara was running his masonry construction firm in Orange
County and looking for a weekend family retreat when he purchased property
in the Santa Rita Hills, in 1981. He raised horses, cattle, chickens and even
a few goats until 1990 when the first vines were planted at the urging of
Brian Babcock. Brian told Bennie his property’s hillside exposure would be
the perfect growing environment for Pinot Noir. Bye 1996 there was enough
crops for Babcock to produce 35 cases of vineyard-designated wine. The
first Casa Cassara Pinot Noir released was from the 1999 vintage. Vineyard
manager-winemaker John Krska, dedicated to producing world class wines,
as added Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah.
Bennie Cassara was running his masonry construction firm in Orange
County and looking for a weekend family retreat when he purchased property
in the Santa Rita Hills, in 1981. He raised horses, cattle, chickens and even
a few goats until 1990 when the first vines were planted at the urging of
Brian Babcock. Brian told Bennie his property’s hillside exposure would be
the perfect growing environment for Pinot Noir. Bye 1996 there was enough
crops for Babcock to produce 35 cases of vineyard-designated wine. The
first Casa Cassara Pinot Noir released was from the 1999 vintage. Vineyard
manager-winemaker John Krska, dedicated to producing world class wines,
as added Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah.
Eberle Winery
Celebrating “25 years of fine winemaking” the Eberle label debuted with the
1979 release of owner Gary Eberle’s flagship wine, Cabernet Sauvignon. A
co-founder of the Paso Robles appellation, Gary Eberle and Eberle Winery
remain committed to producing premium, hand crafted 100% varietal wines
sourced from vineyards representing the unique diversity of the Paso Robles
terrior. Still a boutique-size winery today, producing roughly 23,000 cases
annually, Eberle Winery has expanded into the limited production of several
new varieties, always adhering to the principle of quality over quantity. The
press seems to agree: for the third year in a row, Eberle ranks among the
top 15 award winning wineries in the United States according to the
California Wine Winners 2005. The Eberle Viognier ranks the highest award
winning in California for the third year in a row.
Celebrating “25 years of fine winemaking” the Eberle label debuted with the
1979 release of owner Gary Eberle’s flagship wine, Cabernet Sauvignon. A
co-founder of the Paso Robles appellation, Gary Eberle and Eberle Winery
remain committed to producing premium, hand crafted 100% varietal wines
sourced from vineyards representing the unique diversity of the Paso Robles
terrior. Still a boutique-size winery today, producing roughly 23,000 cases
annually, Eberle Winery has expanded into the limited production of several
new varieties, always adhering to the principle of quality over quantity. The
press seems to agree: for the third year in a row, Eberle ranks among the
top 15 award winning wineries in the United States according to the
California Wine Winners 2005. The Eberle Viognier ranks the highest award
winning in California for the third year in a row.
Harmony Cellars Winery
Nestled in the hills overlooking the quaint, artisan town of Harmony, just off
Highway 1, Harmony Cellars Winery produces award-winning wines and
offers a remarkable view of the coastal countryside. Owners Chuck and Kim
Mulligan built their winery to reflect the unique country atmosphere of the
surrounding area. A Chardonnay vineyard is planted on the hillside
surrounding the winery.
Nestled in the hills overlooking the quaint, artisan town of Harmony, just off
Highway 1, Harmony Cellars Winery produces award-winning wines and
offers a remarkable view of the coastal countryside. Owners Chuck and Kim
Mulligan built their winery to reflect the unique country atmosphere of the
surrounding area. A Chardonnay vineyard is planted on the hillside
surrounding the winery.
Midnight Cellars
The Hartenberger family began the Midnight Cellars adventure with one idea
in mind, to create ultra-premium wines of which they can be proud. They
decided to settle in Paso Robles after an extensive search for properties
throughout California. The family planted their first vines in the spring of
1996, and has expanded these plantings each year since. The hillside
vineyard is now approximately 31 acres and planted with Zinfandel, Merlot,
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Future plantings will
consist of Cabernet Franc and more Cabernet Sauvignon, with the intention
of bottling a Bordeaux style blend from 100% estate grapes.
The Hartenberger family began the Midnight Cellars adventure with one idea
in mind, to create ultra-premium wines of which they can be proud. They
decided to settle in Paso Robles after an extensive search for properties
throughout California. The family planted their first vines in the spring of
1996, and has expanded these plantings each year since. The hillside
vineyard is now approximately 31 acres and planted with Zinfandel, Merlot,
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Future plantings will
consist of Cabernet Franc and more Cabernet Sauvignon, with the intention
of bottling a Bordeaux style blend from 100% estate grapes.
Art and Lei Norman began planting their vineyards in the hills of Adelaida,
west of Paso Robles, in 1971. At first they sold most of the grapes. The
original winery at Norman Vineyards was a tractor shed where Art and a few
friends made some Barbera and Zinfandel for family use. From that humble
beginning the Normans constructed their present day winery. Art’s first love
was the vineyard where he believed the wines are truly made. When asked
about their winemaking style, they say. “Showcase the vineyard!” The wines
from Norman do exactly that.
Presidio Winery
Presidio Vineyard and Winery produces wines from our certified organic and
Biodynamic® estate vineyard west of the Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara
County. Over the years, Presidio found that using chemical fertilizers leads
to unbalanced wines with undesirable aromatics. In the
Presidio strongly believes in matching varietals to their preferred climactic
regions and the Presidio Vineyard’s cool micro-climate is particularly well-
suited for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Extensive research was
required to discover the highest quality clones to produce the highest quality
ultra-premium wines from the vineyard. Increased vine density creates root
competition and higher quality ultra-premium fruit. Additionally, the
orientation of the rows is north/south to maximize the photosynthetic process
by the sun’s movement.
Presidio Vineyard, organic and Biodynamic® techniques are practiced by
using composts to create a healthy and more balanced soil, accentuating
the desirable aromatics of the fruit.
Presidio Vineyard and Winery produces wines from our certified organic and
Biodynamic® estate vineyard west of the Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara
County. Over the years, Presidio found that using chemical fertilizers leads
to unbalanced wines with undesirable aromatics. In the
Presidio strongly believes in matching varietals to their preferred climactic
regions and the Presidio Vineyard’s cool micro-climate is particularly well-
suited for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Extensive research was
required to discover the highest quality clones to produce the highest quality
ultra-premium wines from the vineyard. Increased vine density creates root
competition and higher quality ultra-premium fruit. Additionally, the
orientation of the rows is north/south to maximize the photosynthetic process
by the sun’s movement.
Presidio Vineyard, organic and Biodynamic® techniques are practiced by
using composts to create a healthy and more balanced soil, accentuating
the desirable aromatics of the fruit.
Rotta Winery
Rotta Winery, founded in 1908, is the oldest originally family-owned winery in
San Luis Obispo County. Mike Giubbini, Steve Pesenti, and Mark Caporale
have combined their talents to bring back to life the historic and rustic winery
first established by Mike’s grandparents. To longtime fans of this wine
region, the name Rotta Winery might ring a few bells, but only if you were
familiar with Paso Robles’ wines before the rest of the country barely knew
where Paso was. In fact, you have to go back several decades to discover
the beginnings of Rotta Winery, which was one of the first three wineries
established in Paso Robles – the others were York Mountain and Pesenti.
In reviving the Rotta Winery label, Giubbini is also re-establishing a link with
history by working with Winemaker Steve Pesenti, whose grandparents and
parents were neighbors of Giubbini’s. For now the Rotta label is focusing
on red wines such as Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Black
Monukka – a dessert wine, but white wines will also be appearing on the list
as well. All of the fruit for the label will be sourced from local vineyards,
especially those from the Westside. Both Giubbini and Pesenti are strong
believers in the potential of the Paso area, and particularly the Templeton
region where their ancestors farmed.
Rotta Winery, founded in 1908, is the oldest originally family-owned winery in
San Luis Obispo County. Mike Giubbini, Steve Pesenti, and Mark Caporale
have combined their talents to bring back to life the historic and rustic winery
first established by Mike’s grandparents. To longtime fans of this wine
region, the name Rotta Winery might ring a few bells, but only if you were
familiar with Paso Robles’ wines before the rest of the country barely knew
where Paso was. In fact, you have to go back several decades to discover
the beginnings of Rotta Winery, which was one of the first three wineries
established in Paso Robles – the others were York Mountain and Pesenti.
In reviving the Rotta Winery label, Giubbini is also re-establishing a link with
history by working with Winemaker Steve Pesenti, whose grandparents and
parents were neighbors of Giubbini’s. For now the Rotta label is focusing
on red wines such as Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Black
Monukka – a dessert wine, but white wines will also be appearing on the list
as well. All of the fruit for the label will be sourced from local vineyards,
especially those from the Westside. Both Giubbini and Pesenti are strong
believers in the potential of the Paso area, and particularly the Templeton
region where their ancestors farmed.
Scherrer Winery
The Scherrer Winery is a small operation focusing on the production of
handcrafted wines that express the personality of the vineyards they
represent. Owner/winemaker Fred Scherrer completed his technical training
at U.C. Davis and then came back to the “Real World” to learn where, when,
how, and if to apply science to the art of winemaking. This real world
experience included some early days making wine in Alexander Valley and
in Mendocino County. He returned to Sonoma County in 1988, making wine
at Dehlinger for 10 years. During this time, Fred refined his original
philosophy that “winemaking revolves around the vineyard”.
Fred began making Zinfandel from his father’s vineyard in 1991. The first
vintage consisted of 600 cases. Over the next 5 years, Fred was able to
slowly expand production of Zinfandel as he continued his “day job” as
winemaker at Dehlinger. In 1997, Fred was able to expand production to
include Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay from the Scherrer Vineyard
and in 1998 began making Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Russian River
and Sonoma Coast vineyards. This expansion included making the winery a
full time occupation and moving into its current location in an insulated metal
building near Sebastopol.
The Scherrer Winery is a small operation focusing on the production of
handcrafted wines that express the personality of the vineyards they
represent. Owner/winemaker Fred Scherrer completed his technical training
at U.C. Davis and then came back to the “Real World” to learn where, when,
how, and if to apply science to the art of winemaking. This real world
experience included some early days making wine in Alexander Valley and
in Mendocino County. He returned to Sonoma County in 1988, making wine
at Dehlinger for 10 years. During this time, Fred refined his original
philosophy that “winemaking revolves around the vineyard”.
Fred began making Zinfandel from his father’s vineyard in 1991. The first
vintage consisted of 600 cases. Over the next 5 years, Fred was able to
slowly expand production of Zinfandel as he continued his “day job” as
winemaker at Dehlinger. In 1997, Fred was able to expand production to
include Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay from the Scherrer Vineyard
and in 1998 began making Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Russian River
and Sonoma Coast vineyards. This expansion included making the winery a
full time occupation and moving into its current location in an insulated metal
building near Sebastopol.
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