We've Made A Decision

We've learned a lot during our exploratory month in Argentina and Chile, and are excited to see the developments going on with some of the smaller, artisan wineries in both countries.

Chile has traditionally been the home of fewer larger wineries, though a few dedicated winemakers have begun branching out with smaller hand-crafted wines. This is very exciting for Chilean wine overall, and something we're looking to be a part of. This is still a very new effort, so while the artisan winemakers are crafting their wine we're going to head to Argentina, hoping to keep in close contact with like-minded Chileans and when the time is right begin exporting their labors of love to California. In the meantime, we're heading back to Mendoza, Argentina's wine capital.

There is a great energy in Mendoza, and it feels like I imagine Napa felt 30 or so years ago, when winemakers and vintners were beginning to experiment with clones, rootstock, varietals, as well as winemaking equipment and techniques, etc to find the styles that best suited the terroir and the winemakers' visions. International experts have begun arriving and producing wines in Mendoza, and many conversations include reference to the infamous Michael Rolland. We had some great wines at the few wineries we've visited so far, though this was only the tip of the iceberg so the real work will soon begin (such as finding a more permanent home in Mendoza!)