STORY

HOW IT STARTED:

FOR THE LOVE OF CONNECTION…

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the expression of my connection to a place, a style and a feeling.  For me, making great wine has everything to do with the site where the grapes are grown, and here in California some of the best fruit comes from places where mornings are cold and foggy, and daytime temperatures are warm, but not hot. These places typically occur near coastlines, sometimes on hillsides and often in or near forests – places I highly identify with, and that soothe my soul.  

  • Growing up in eastern California’s Mojave Desert, I spent much of my youth in nature, hiking up rugged desert canyons and exploring wildflower dense landscapes. My love for the outdoors was the initial hook that coaxed my interest in viticulture and winemaking. Once I began exploring the wine industry via course work at UC Davis, harvest stints in Napa Valley, and studies abroad, I realized that the wine industry encapsulated much more than just being in the vineyards getting your hands dirty; it is a dynamic blend of farming, science, history, culture and art that is alluring and perpetually fascinating.

STORY:

ADVENTURES IN WINE…

“So…..when are you going to make your own Pinot Noir?”

After spending multiple harvests in international travels producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, I found myself working full time at a beautiful vineyard in the Napa Valley. Creating handcrafted Cabernet was an incredible career opportunity that I couldn’t pass up, but my connection to Burgundian varietals continued to call to me. The passion to produce my own Pinot and Chard, and to immerse myself in the places they grow in California was ultimately overpowering.  

In 2014, celebrated farmer (and friend of mine), Paul Ardzrooni, reserved one ton of outstanding Pinot Noir from a vineyard in the “deep end” of Anderson Valley. Only a few miles from the ocean, this corner of the Anderson Valley is graced with cool foggy mornings and sunny afternoons. In other words, a fantastic location for growing varietally authentic Pinot Noir, and the ideal jumping off point for a wine adventure. Mojave Wines was born.