This fall marks my 10th harvest of winemaking. I moved out to Napa in 2006 with high hopes and a 10 year plan. That plan continues to evolve as I learn more about the wine business and about the kind of winemaker I want to be, but all in all, we have exceeded our expectations and feel very fortunate as we look back over the previous nine harvests.
My first job started as an internship at Cakebread Cellars in 2006. I was able to learn in a high quality winery from some top-notch people. Cosme Arenalles was the cellar foreman who took me in and patiently showed me the ropes. I still thank him when I see him and was very excited to share a bottle of MY wine with him just a few weeks ago.
I’ll never forget when the 2006 Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc was released. As I tasted it I thought back to every part in the process that I had a hand in and realized that I KNEW HOW TO MAKE WINE! That was one of the most gratifying moments of my life.
How have things changed since then? I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the best in the business here in Napa Valley, I am celebrating my 5th harvest for my personal brand of Rhone-inspired wines, and I’m even making wine back home in Texas! I have to admit, I still celebrate every little win and appreciate every little step we take. I hope to make wines that people celebrate with, that they drink with friends on their front porch, and that they want to share with others.
This harvest I will be focusing on our Grenache (red, blanc and pink!) in Napa as well as spending time in Texas with our second vintage of Tempranillo. These days I am involved in every aspect of the business and the process, from vineyard to crush, from aging to bottling, and finally to you. I don’t have a recipe, I don’t take shortcuts, and I do put everything I have into my wines. It’s way more responsibility than I had that first harvest at Cakebread but just as much excitement and awe.
Thanks for following our Lightning Wines journey. It’s been quite a ride for us –
Drink more Grenache – RANDY
**As a thank you for supporting our journey, we are offering $10 shipping on 6+ bottle orders through September 1st. Thanks for helping Randy do what he loves to do! XXOO – Brooke**