We have been very fortunate to meet and learn many things from a very skilled and successful set of California winemakers and Pinot Noir experts. A warm thanks to these friends and advisors, and I encourage you to visit their websites and try their wonderful wines.
CrushPad - We make our Twin Oaks Cellars wines at CrushPad, which is a commercial winemaking cooperative ("coop") facility in San Francisco, California. They are truly collaborative, warm and friendly people to work and make wine with. Check out their facility, and maybe make your own barrel someday: www.crushpadwines.com
Ed Kurtzman (August West, Freeman) -
Ed is well known as a leading Pinot Noir expert since the early 90s, with experience in winemaking at Chalone, Testarossa, Freeman and his own premium label August West. My first winemaking mentor and ongoing guide, Ed and August West are great to get to know:
www.augustwestwine.com
Brian & Kimberly Loring (Loring Wine Company) -
Brian, Kimberly and Loring Wine Co. are industry leaders in single vineyard Pinot Noirs, with many awards and a fast sell-out annually. Their wines are great, as is their warm spirit and love of the business; try their wines if you can:
www.loringwinecompany.com
Bill Brosseau (Testarossa, Gabilan Cellars) -
Bill is a lifelong vintner, and the lead winemaker at Testarossa Vineyards and his own label Gabilan Cellars. Bill and his family are also winegrowers, with an excellent vineyard near Chalone and the Pinnacles.
www.testarossa.com
Andrew Vingiello (AP Vin) -
Andrew is the perfect example of what you can do if you really go after your life's passion 110%. From a successful financial professional to an even more successful vintner, Andrew has rapidly jumped into the ultra-premium Pinot Noir scene with a series of sold-out vintages. Check it out yourself, if you're lucky enough to get some:
www.apvin.com
Gary Franscioni (ROAR, Garys' & Rosella's Vineyards) -
When you think of great California Pinots, you easily think of these vineyards. Third generation Monterey County agricultural growers, Gary has developed some of the most sought after vineyards in the country, and in recent years followed that with a very highly rated set of wines from them, and neighboring vineyards:
www.roarwines.com
Adam Lee (Siduri, Novy) -
Another top leader in ultra-premium Pinot Noir, and a warm and "always open-to-helping the small guy " vintner. Adam has helped several small winemakers get started, and is always kind enough to lend a wise thought or hand. Check out his wide list of highly acclaimed Pinots and Syrahs:
www.siduri.com / www.novywines.com |
