Wine Soundtrack - USA

Almina is all about relationships. Relationships that bring people back to the table to sustain themselves with good wine and food, conversation and a small respite from the hustle and bustle of today’s world. Palmina crafts wines that are a key part of that equation; wines that can be enjoyed everyday, and that complement and enhance a wide range of food styles.

Palmina produces wines from Italian varietals grown in Santa Barbara County, California. Steve found that the climate and soil types here are similar to those in their favorite regions of Northern Italy. Each have unique microclimates – Piemonte, Friuli and Santa Barbara County - that are similar. All feature cold air pushing warm air to create growing conditions that provide enough sunlight to help fully develop fruit flavors. And all three regions enjoy cool night temperatures that maintain the grape’s natural acidity levels, and which allow winemakers to create “food wines” with a balance of fruit, tannin and acid.
Palmina, though, is not attempting to emulate what the Italians have done for years with these grapes. The intent is to make the best food wines possible by understanding the translation of the region, grapes and foods and how they are best interpreted here in Santa Barbara County. Just like translating a piece of literature from one language to another, the meaning must be the focus, not just the verbiage.

In Italy, food and wine is part of a healthy, happy way of life that brings people together. Palmina wines are made in a deliberate manner that allow each to complement food. Indeed, these wines are simply a part of the meal - an extension of the plate.

Tercero wines is the brainchild of Larry Schaffer, owner and winemaker. He began the brand shortly after graduating with his Masters Degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis – but this was well after he had completely switched directions in life and charted a new and exciting path.

Larry started his college career at UC Davis as an undergraduate, but had no interest in wine. He transferred to UC Berkeley and received his BS in Business Administration from the Haas School of business. His first job out of school was in the music industry as he envisioned himself getting into the artist management and/or marketing side of music (he took pictures of punk bands in the LA music scene during high school). That never fully materialized and he switched directions, getting into the sales and marketing of educational products for teachers, eventually helping to create new markets for these products. He then went into the trade publishing field, working for a pop-up book publisher. He really enjoyed what he did – for awhile – but eventually felt that he was not being challenged intellectually at all.

The idea of getting into wine was something he had considered in the past – but more on the sales and marketing side because of his background. Science was not something he was comfortable with or felt he could do very well – but as most of you know, winemaking involves lots of science. He therefore took the challenge on, taking basic science classes at community colleges with kids who literally could have been his kids, before transferring back to UC Davis to get his master’s degree.

After graduating with his degree, he joined the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery, where he stayed for nearly a decade before it was time to branch off and concentrate 100% on his own brand – and he could not be happier today.

Larry is adept not only at winemaking but at explaining the process in a very user-friendly manner. Visit his tasting room or follow him on social media to see for yourself.

At the Central Coast Group Project (CCGP), the goal is simple: we hope our love of wine, generosity of spirit and humble efforts in the cellar fully translate to your glass, transporting you, if only for a sip, to the golden age.

CCGP is a boutique producer of fine wines located in Santa Barbara County. Committed to excellence, we source only the highest quality fruit from local, world-class vineyards that farm organically and/or sustainably to our particular specifications. In the cellar, we take a natural approach, using modern means to enhance ancient techniques that gently build flavor, structure, texture and balance from the grapes themselves. Specializing in small lot, vigilantly handcrafted Syrah and Grenache based red wines, we endeavor to express the cooler climes, unique soils and exceptional vineyard sites of our Central Coast with super-Cali typicity, purity & inimitable style.

Sol-miner as in mining the "Sun" which in turn nourishes the soul. The name inspires us to discover and unearth the treasures in the soils of the California Central Coast. Our
decisions have always been personal (not commercial) and involve what we call "conscious farming". As we learn about our little piece of earth and our place in it, the picture
begins to widen. We have a feeling of connectedness as each trip around the sun gives us the chance to experience the magical process of exchange from the dirt, plants, fruit,
wine, humans, sky, moon, sun and stars. We found our vineyard and farmhouse in 2012 and named it “deLanda” a combination of our first and last names. It reflects our
personal desire to produce natural wines using varietals related to our Austrian heritage. Certified organic in 2014 and Biodynamic® in 2018 deLanda is evolving as we evolve as
farmers. Ultimately it shines with individuality and biodiversity as we incorporate chickens, donkeys, sheep, bees, fruit trees, native plants, biodynamic compost, preparations and
herb teas all to support the microorganisms in the dirt and health of the vineyard.
Today we are known for both our Austrian varieties and also our willingness to experiment and create wines outside of
the traditional box. Some of our most popular wines are our skin fermented white wines, like our Austrian inspired Field
Blend. The Field Blend is a blend of all of the white varieties we grow: Grüner Veltliner, Muscat and Riesling, which are
fermented on their skins for about two weeks creating an incredibly floral and tropical amber colored wine. Another
favorite is always our carbonic macerated Syrah, which is served chilled. It's juicy, easy drinking and packed with
aromas of red cherries. In 2020, we started experimenting with making cider from the 13+ heirloom apple varieties we
have planted around our vineyard. We are super excited to see how our cider and winemaking evolves and what the
everchanging future holds for us.

Kings Carey Wines entails boutique, small production wines crafted by winemaker, James Sparks. Single varietal, single vineyard. Carefully - curated - grapes and pick times. Little to no manipulation. Ex - mormon, James Sparks entered the winemaking world in 2009, working alongside his brother-in-law at Dragonette Cellars. In 2013, James became winemaker for Liquid Farm, and in 2014 he picked the first grapes for Kings Carey: Grenache from Sta. Rita Hills.

The Miller family’s California farming and ranching legacy dates to back to 1871, when William and Francis Broome moved from England to the West Coast of California and began farming in southern Ventura County.

The farming legacy passed down to William Broome’s granddaughter Elizabeth, and following her marriage to Robert Miller in 1942, the Miller Family became the steward of the farming business.

In 1973, the Miller family developed a vineyard in the Paso Robles highlands and named it French Camp for the Basque shepherds who once populated the area. The area had a special allure thanks to the largest day/night temperature swings, mineral rich soils and highest elevations in the regions.

The 1400 acres of French Camp provide the Miller Family with the highest quality fruit sources that help to create the highest quality wines.

A career winemaker, Jason’s been making wines for both large and small producers for over two decades. His personal craft has been showcased in his own brick and mortar in the late fall of 2017, providing a welcoming space without pretense to enjoy and discover new varietals, crisp whites and rich red blends. Product Innovations: Tannat specialist. Future Products: Wherever the wine takes us. Distinguishing features: Amazing wines, matched with a collection of vinyl LPs and audiophiles dream equipment.

All estate, family owned & operated winery dedicated to quality over the long term. We have three exceptional vineyards: Bootjack Ranch, Heart Hill Vineyard and Jespersen Ranch. We farm and operate sustainably with LEED Certified buildings and SIP Certified vineyards and Winery.

A huge part of our story at Epoch is about preserving two integral pieces of Paso Robles history. When we purchased our Paderewski Vineyard in 2004, not only did we hit the jackpot as far as soils and views were concerned, we were also buying a property that was once owned, planted, and cherished by Polish pianist and Prime Minister, Ignacy Jan Paderewski. In 2010, we were fortunate enough to purchase the old York Mountain property, which was the site of the first bonded winery on the Central Coast. To own two properties that boast such rich history is a dream come true, and we make it a priority to preserve and share both the Paderewski and York Mountain legacies through our wines and the Epoch experience…