24 Jan Orange Boots Wine
Orange Boots Wine
330 Zachary St, Unit 108, Moorpark, Ca 93021
Region: Ventura County
Owner: Felecia Hodges
Winemaker: Felecia Hodges
About: What started in 2009 as a home-winemaking endeavor with the possibility of moving to South Africa and becoming involved in the wine industry has gradually grown into Orange Boots Wine. Felecia is a Los Angeles-based winemaker crafting 100% hands-on, small batch, minimum intervention, or as she prefers to label them “Personal” California wines. Orange Boots Wine focuses on obscure varietals, such as Tannat, Negroamaro, Aglianico, Arneis and others sourced from vineyards in Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, and as far north as Mendocino. The name Orange Boots refers to Felecia’s orange Hunter boots that are worn when she’s in the winery, vineyards and out and about… There’s always more to the story, enquire when you’re tasting at her space.
What is your favorite forgotten grape? Tannat
What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? As a home winemaker, I decided to venture from Merlot to Sangiovese and Malbec. I was mesmerized at their complexity and finish. Most importantly I was pleased that I was able to create two amazing wines that rendered the applause from a few wine professionals.
What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? For the winemaker, the grape does not allow complacency, you need to have a plan. For the public, they don’t know what they’re getting, however they do know it will not fall within the lines of mediocrity and normalcy. I love ones’ expression when tasting a forgotten grape for the first time.
