Any tips for other husbands and wives who would like to work
a family business together?
John: We learned that each person has to have their own specific area of
responsibility and then the other person has to let go and trust that it will
get done.
Carolyn: It took a little while to adjust and to figure out how to work together.
Any new releases or anything special for the coming year?
John: I recently sourced Cinsault vines for the first time and am excited to
add it to my Hope red wine blend. It should add a little complexity and
spice. I also sourced a new local vineyard of Grenache which will add
another “color” to my palette for making southern Rhone wines. We are
also debuting a new website with amazing photography.
What makes your wines so special?
Carolyn: John is super focused on the quality of our grapes—whether what
he grows or what he sources—and never wavers on getting the absolute
best fruit. All of our wines are a result of John’s vision, specializing in Rhone
style wines and blended to his palette Our organic farming practices make
for a complete quality system. John recently completed a three-day seminar
on soil and is on the leading edge of developing the best soil conditions.
John: In the end, it’s all about the quality of the soil because it is the soil
that nurtures the vines and predicts the quality of the grapes.
Best advice you received from another winemaker?
John: Always make what you like because you never know if you may
have to drink it all someday. Also, believe in yourself and your instincts.
Don’t go in for fads.
You frequently post photos of your dogs. Do they help around
the vineyard?
Carolyn: We currently have four dogs: Princess and Benny keep us
company in the office and Max and Hope patrol the property; keeping
critters away from the vines.
What is your favorite award or accolade you have received?
John: Despite all the gold medals our wines have received, what always
touches me is when someone says that they love every single wine on our
tasting list – that there isn’t one wine that they don’t absolutely love. To me,
that is better than any other award.
What kind of vibe does your winery have?
J ohn: It’s casual—our tag line is “Where friends become family.” People feel
welcome and comfortable here – they can bring a picnic and relax. Kids
get popsicles and dogs are welcome, too.
Carolyn: Our house has always been the place where our friends and
family gather and so we like our winery to offer the same welcoming feeling.
Our winery is all John’s vision – his clear and unwavering view of what kind
of wine we make, the level of quality and the experience he wants to deliver
to our customers. I do everything I can to help execute John’s vision.
Why are your club members so loyal?
John: Our wine club is an extension of us – folks that are new to the area
and appreciate good wine especially like to join. It’s a way to discover
good friends who have similar interests in food and wine. We plan an
annual river cruise to European wine regions which always sell out fast.
Do you have a favorite wine and food pairing?
Carolyn: We don’t go out to dinner a lot and prefer to cook together at
home. One of our favorite pairings is grilled lamb chops rubbed with fresh
garden herbs and paired with our Hope red blend. Or cracked crab with
our Viognier. I post my recipes under “Carolyn’s Kitchen” on our website for
other great pairing ideas.
John: Several years ago, at a winemaker’s dinner, the chef slow cooked ox
tail in Moroccan spices paired with our Carignane – it was simply amazing.
What advice do you have for people new to wine?
John: My philosophy is: there are a million wines out there and you will
never know what wine you will like until you try it. Don’t let anyone tell you
what you should like. If you like a $2.00 bottle or a $2,000.00 bottle
– either is fine. But please invite me over if you have a $2,000 bottle
because I’ve never had one!
What does the future hold for our local wine industry?
John: I see our wine industry going forward in a very positive way. Many of
us have received excellent scores from Wine Enthusiast. I was excited when
Tim Slater, the winemaker at Sarah’s Vineyard, recently received recognition
in Wine Spectator. The challenge is our land prices are so expensive which
makes it difficult for other new wineries to come in. We’ve become a well-
recognized wine region and we are all part of making that happen. It is
an exciting legacy for all of us.