Wineries

Trail Marker Wine Co.

1160 Hopper Ave, Santa Rosa CA 95403
www.trailmarkerwineco.com

Region:  Sonoma County

Owners/Winemakers: Drew Huffine and Emily Virgil

About: We’re purists at Trail Marker and Kid Sister. We source fruit from small, yet responsibly farmed and passionately cared for vineyards, anywhere from Mendocino to Santa Cruz. Our traditional winemaking style allows us to make wines that are high acid, low alcohol — well balanced expressions of these uncommon places. They’re wines we like to drink and share, and we think you will too.

What is your favorite forgotten grape? Trousseau

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? Jura Trousseau

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? That people just taste from a place of pleasure rather than what they THINK the wine should taste like (as is the case with more typical varietals).

Two Shepherds

7763 Bell Road, Windsor, CA 95492
twoshepherds.com

Region: Sonoma County

Owner: William Allen and Karen Daenen

Winemaker: William Allen

About: Founded in 2010, partners William and Karen craft natural wines organically farmed, from leased vineyard row contracts. They also organically & regeneratively farm Grenache Gris and Noir on their small farm, alongside their adorable mini donkeys and goats.

Wines are made in their own facility, from unusual varietals, like Picpoul, Pinot Meunier, and more. Nicknamed “the insane master of small lots” William guides ~15-20 unique wines a year ranging from 25-400 case lots.

Wines are vinified with native yeast, small bin fermentations, neutral oak, and a small amount of SO2. Their light-handed approach, and reputation for unflawed wines has been heralded by the press, with articles in the NY Times, Washington Post, SF Chronicle, Sonoma Magazine and more.

What is your favorite forgotten grape? Trousseau Gris

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? Discovering Trousseau Gris was planted across the street from my farm.

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? 93% of the wine made in the North Coast of CA is from 7 varieties. Let’s embrace diversity.

Unti Vineyards

4202 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA
www.untivineyards.com

Region: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County

Owner: Mick, George and Linda Unti

Winemaker: Jason Valenti

About: Unti is a family owned estate with 60-acres of organically-farmed Italian and Rhone varieties ideally suited to our Mediterranean climate in the Dry Creek Valley.

What is your favorite forgotten grape? Vermentino, Sangiovese, Aglianico, Montepulciano

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? Sangiovese in the late 1990’s and Grenache, Barbera, Vermentino in early 2000’s.

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? They are ideally suited to our climate because they are native to the Mediterranean-which results in terroir-driven wines with balance. They are easy to make into interestng wines using traditional artisan winemaking methods.

Vega Vineyard and Farm

9496 Santa Rosa Road, Santa Ynez, CA
www.vegavineyardandfarm.com

Region: Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County

Owner: Jimmy Loizides

Winemaker: Steve Clifton

About: Beautiful winery and world-class restaurant nestled in the hills of the Santa Ynez Valley with amazing experiences around every corner.

What is your favorite forgotten grape? Sagrantino

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? It’s been too long to remember.

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? Variety! And greater pairings with food.