Winemaker needed for 2,000 lbs Cabernet Sauvignon

[Eero Teerikorpi]

We have a five (5) year old NOET Vineyard with 400+ Cabernet Sauvignon vines, which produces some 2,000 lbs grapes (last year 2,300 lbs, year before 1,600 lbs).

During the past four years our wines have been made by Sal Captain (Captain Vineyard), but he has his hands full with his own grapes and winemaking, and is no longer available to help us nor other people.

So, I am actively looking other options. Maybe one of you can do me a favor and let me know how you are getting your wines made. I have heard some people using successful some crush pads. Maybe you can point me to the right direction? Please provide the contact information.

Thanks in advance!

[Kay Schmaier]

Hi, wondering if you received replies to your query last year?  We are in a similar situation this year. We’ve had great experience with Judds Hill Microcrush in Napa but this year don’t have the volume of quality grapes for that to make financial sense. About half of our usual yield.

[Rebecca Stafford]

Hi Kay –

There is a vineyard caretaker in the area named Dylan Rahn who a number of us seem to use, and who’s sister Hannah is a winemaker.  She’d offered to do an “LWGA blend” if enough of us had been interested, and Eero did sign up with her, but he has enough to do his own grapes only and not blend with anyone else.  I am interested in banding together with others, but my understanding is that no one else raised their hand this year.  I guestimate that I have ~500lbs of grapes this year (I have 140 vines, but some of them don’t look very full I don’t think). If you have another couple hundred or so we could possibly pool together if you are interested. (Assuming it is not too late to sign up with Hannah.)

[Kay Schmaier]

Hi Rebecca,

Your idea sounds great if Hannah is still available.  We have 120 Cabernet vines with lower yield this year… perhaps 600 pounds or so.  So we’d definitely have a barrel plus between us. Shoot me am email if you’d like to discuss further.  Schkayt@yahoo.com.

[Robert Pintacsi]

If anyone needs a place to make their wine we offer custom crush services at our facility in Napa. Prices depend on type of wine and the services needed. We can’t really take on anything smaller than 2000 lbs because our equipment is not designed for such small quantities. Because we are bonded we can produce “house/family” wine for your personal (non-retail) consumption or we can produce tax-paid wine that can legally be sold. You can learn about our us and our label at http://www.stromedius.com

Don’t hesitate to reach out via email if you have any questions rpintacsi@stromedius.com

[Michael Rosenblatt]

Hi:

I am brand new to this forum and have ~80 vines of Syrah that need a good home as well.  Similarly we have just engaged with Dylan to help us with our vines so happy to add ours to the mix if people are interested.

-Michael

[Lin Wu]

Hi,

we have about 800 lb of Merlot, will be happy to add to the mix as well, how do I get in touch with Dylan?

-Lin