Winemakers

Interviews

While creating the Wine-Oh! Guide to California's Sierra Foothills, the first book in the Wine-Oh! Guide series (being rebranded as Wine Wherever), we interviewed winemakers, winery owners and grape growers from throughout the Sierra foothill region. Originally the plan was to include these interviews in the book, but due to the publisher's concern regarding price point, 30,000 words had to be removed from the manuscript. Thus, the interviews were pulled.

Since we always look at the wine glass have full, not half empty, we are taking advantage of this opportunity to share these wonderful, funny and interesting interviews here instead. In reflection, we like this idea even better because it allows us to conduct and include even more interviews, and we also will not be tied to length or space restrictions for photos and extra tidbits. So be sure to check back to see if your favorite winery or grape grower is featured!

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We learned many things during our interviews. One example is that winemakers have eclectic and often fascinating backgrounds. From engineers to inventors, hobbyists to university-trained viticulturalists, all have one thing in common: they love making great wines! And many of the winemakers we talked with are also winery owners or grape growers, which brought on a whole new set of questions and things to learn!

For ease of use, we have listed the wineries by county, along with the interviewee's name and title.

Enjoy!

Amador County

Bray Vineyards: John Hoddy, winemaker
C.G. Di Arie: Chaim Gur-Arieh, owner and winemaker
Cooper Vineyards: Dick Cooper, owner and grower
Dobra Zemlja Winery: Milan Matulich, owner and winemaker
Renwood Winery: Robert Smerling, owner
Terra d'Oro Winery: Chris Leamy, winemaker

Calaveras County

Domaine Becquet Winery: Charles Becquet de Mille, owner and winemaker
Ironstone Vineyards: Steve Millier, winemaker
Vina Moda Winery: Nathan Vader, owner and winemaker

El Dorado County

Boeger Winery: Justin Boeger, winemaker
Chevalier Winery: Pierre Chevalier, owner and winemaker
David Girard Vineyards: Mari Wells, winemaker
Shadow Ranch Vineyard and Winery: Sam Patterson, owner and winemaker

Nevada County

Montoliva Vineyard and Winery: Mark Henry, owner and winemaker
Nevada City Winery: Mark Foster, winemaker
Sierra Starr Vineyard: Phil Starr, owner and winemaker

Placer County

Interviews coming soon!