SPOTLIGHT ON SAUVIGNON BLANC

Crisp, refreshing, and endlessly versatile, Sauvignon Blanc is the ultimate late-summer sipper. From bright, citrus-driven pours to complex, layered expressions, this grape thrives in a range of styles and terroirs. Whether you’re planning a backyard dinner party, a casual picnic, or a refined evening pairing, Sauvignon Blanc delivers a wine that always feels right for the moment.

This month, we’re highlighting four standout bottles that showcase the variety and brilliance of the grape—ranging from California elegance to Loire-inspired charm.

Amici Cellars 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

Vibrant, focused, and refreshingly balanced, this California classic is an expression of purity and energy. Bright aromas of minerals, lemon, and white pepper lead into stony, lightly herbal flavors with zippy acidity. The result is a wine that feels as crisp and lively as a coastal breeze.

"Brilliant, focused aromas … bright, snappy texture." – 91 pts, James Suckling

Keever 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

From Napa Valley comes a Sauvignon Blanc of true elegance and depth. The nose offers a captivating bouquet of lemon rind, pineapple, lemongrass, honeysuckle, passion fruit, and orchard fruits. On the palate, layers unfold with precision—light oak lending a creamy mid-palate and a lingering, luxurious finish. A gem for those who crave complexity in their glass.

Olema 2023 Sauvignon Blanc (Loire-style)

Inspired by the Loire Valley tradition, this bright and budget-friendly expression bursts with citrus and floral energy. Notes of lemon and lime mingle with delicate grassy complexity, finishing with a refreshing snap. It’s a wine that begs to be paired with oysters, shellfish, or simple summer salads—a crowd-pleaser for everyday enjoyment.

"Floral and fruity… great with lunch, oysters and pre-dinner." – 91 pts, James Suckling

Andis 2023 Sauvignon Blanc

Showcasing California fruit with a fresh, modern touch, the Andis Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and expressive, balancing ripe citrus with tropical hints. Lively acidity and a clean finish make it endlessly food-friendly, pairing just as well with light seafood as it does with casual gatherings on the patio.

Why Sauvignon Blanc Belongs on Your Table

Sauvignon Blanc continues to shine as one of the most versatile white wines available. Its refreshing acidity, expressive aromatics, and wide stylistic range make it a favorite among casual drinkers and serious collectors alike. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with food, these wines offer a taste of summer in every sip.

NEW BRAND: SCRIBE WINERY

Nestled in the heart of Sonoma, California, Scribe Winery has become a beacon for vibrant, terroir-driven wines that capture the essence of both place and time. Founded in 2007 by brothers Andrew and Adam Mariani, Scribe sits on a historic estate that once pioneered pre-Prohibition winemaking. Today, the Mariani brothers honor their family’s fourth-generation farming heritage by cultivating the vineyard as a living ecosystem—one that thrives in harmony with nature.

At Scribe, authenticity is everything. By practicing non-interventionist winemaking, the Marianis allow the vineyard to speak for itself. Each bottling is a true reflection of the land, preserving not only the purity of the fruit but also the story of the place it was grown. The result? Wines that are vibrant, balanced, and unmistakably Scribe.

Scribe 2023 Carneros Pinot Noir

Silky and expressive, this Pinot Noir brims with red cherry and raspberry notes layered with rose petal and subtle spice. Its elegant structure and lingering finish make it a quintessential expression of Carneros.

Scribe 2023 Pet-Nat

Lively, refreshing, and unfiltered, this naturally sparkling wine bursts with zesty citrus, white peach, and fresh florals. A playful choice for any occasion, the Pet-Nat captures Scribe’s adventurous spirit.

Scribe 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon – Atlas West

A bold yet refined Cabernet, this bottling showcases dark cassis and blackberry accented by graphite, sage, and cocoa. With depth, polish, and age-worthy structure, it’s a wine built for both savoring now and cellaring.

Scribe 2022 Chardonnay

Bright and balanced, this Chardonnay offers golden apple, lemon curd, and honeysuckle wrapped in minerality and a creamy texture. Fresh and elegant, it’s a vibrant reflection of Sonoma’s cool-climate fruit.

From the vineyard to the glass, Scribe Winery continues to embody a philosophy rooted in respect for the land, thoughtful farming, and wines that celebrate authenticity.

NEW BRAND: GLASSMEN WINES

We’re thrilled to welcome GlassMen Wines to The Wine Poor Distribution family. Founded in 2021 and based in Napa, California, this brand embodies a refreshing philosophy: exceptional, honest winemaking delivered at a price point that invites enjoyment—not hesitation.

A Brand Rooted in Passion and Purpose

GlassMen was conceived by Advanced Sommelier Brian Kulich, whose inspiration springs from both a lifelong devotion to hospitality and a tribute to his grandfather—an artist whose “two artforms” gave rise to the evocative name GlassMen. From vineyards in Russian River and Franz Valley, GlassMen sources fruit from Parr Vineyard, achieving a rare balance: wines that are complex yet eminently approachable.

The Winemaking Ethos

“At GlassMen, great wine should bring joy—not stress,” the winemaking team shares. “We could price higher, but we’d rather prioritize your experience over profit.” That sincerity and focus on integrity resonate deeply with our own values at The Wine Poor.

What’s in the Glass: Highlighted Wines

2023 GlassMen Pinot Noir – Knights Valley (Parr Vineyard)

• Tasting notes: Deep ruby with aromas of black cherry, bramble berry, kola nut, forest floor, and exotic spice. On the palate, expect supple tannins and concentrated flavors of black forest cherry, mocha, Damson plum—rich yet focused and elegant.

• Profile: Fuller-bodied for a Pinot, with structure, aromatic liveliness, and tight-knit tannins—a gorgeous expression of Knights Valley’s unique microclimate.

• Winemaking pedigree: Crafted by William Knuttel, whose background includes 13 years at Saintsbury and seven at Chalk Hill.

2023 GlassMen Chardonnay – Sonoma County (Russian River Valley)

• Tasting notes: Fresh citrus and orchard fruit—lemon, lime, green and yellow apple—with white peach highlights. There’s a mineral overlay of river rock, subtle toasty French oak, and silky, elegant mid-palate with a lean, bright finish.

Why It Matters to You—and Your Customers

GlassMen’s wines aren’t just bottles—they’re experiences. They combine:

• Thoughtful craftsmanship by experts rooted in elite culinary wine programs

• A transparent, value-first ethos that makes opening a bottle feel effortlessly celebratory, not transactional

• Bold, terroir-driven bottlings that showcase the expressive range of Sonoma and Napa’s cooler AVAs

These wines are tailor-made for retailers, wine clubs, and restaurants looking to offer something exceptional yet accessible.

SPOTLIGHT ON MAAYAN KOSCHITSKY, LA PELLE WINES

This month, we're sitting down with Maayan Koschitzky, a world-class winemaker whose reputation continues to rise across Napa Valley and beyond.

With a foundation in engineering and a relentless drive for excellence, Maayan brings a meticulous, hands-on approach to every project he touches. His winemaking career took off at the highest levels—including time on the elite team at Screaming Eagle—and since then, his name has become synonymous with site-driven, small-lot wines that speak to place and purpose.

Today, Maayan serves as the Director of Winemaking at La Pelle, a winery he co-founded with a grower-first philosophy and a focus on crafting expressive, vineyard-specific wines. He also lends his expertise to a select group of boutique labels, including The Vineyard House, Brilliant Mistake Wines and Ride Wines.

La Pelle Wines

La Pelle—French for “the shovel”—is more than just a name. It represents the start of every vineyard story, the first tool in the ground, and the hands-on commitment it takes to craft truly expressive wines from the soil up.

Founded in 2016, La Pelle Wines was created by winemaker Maayan Koschitzky, viticulturist Miguel Luna, and business partner Andy Beckstoffer III. Together, they’ve built a winery that blends deep vineyard knowledge, precision winemaking, and a shared belief that great wines are grown, not made.

What sets La Pelle apart is its vineyard-first approach. With direct access to some of Napa Valley’s most respected sites—thanks to Miguel Luna’s extensive relationships as a top viticulturist—the team has the rare ability to manage the farming from budbreak to harvest. This level of control allows Maayan to craft wines that are pure, balanced, and true to their origins.

SUMMER UNCORKED: OUR FAVORITE WINES TO MATCH THE SEASON

CURATED BY TWP REP, KEITH GAUVIN

Summer has arrived, and with it come the first signs of the season—ramps, spring peas, and fresh garlic are making their way onto menus, and I couldn’t be more excited. To celebrate, I’ve curated a list of wines I personally love to pair with these bright summer flavors.

Denison 2021 Eola Springs Vineyard Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills

Husband-and-wife duo Tim and Denise are the entire Denison team, producing just 1,000 cases annually. Their work is a beautiful example of what small, hands-on winemaking can achieve. The Eola Springs Chardonnay is a true rarity, with only 70 cases made.

“The 2021 Chardonnay Eola Springs Vineyard mixes honeyed florals with crushed stone minerality and fresh green apples to form its inviting bouquet. Round and softly textured, this boasts pretty green melon and nectarine fruits…” — Antonio Galloni

Band of Vintners 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley

This debut vintage of Band of Vintners Sauvignon Blanc is off to an impressive start. Winemaker Evyn Cameron sourced the fruit entirely from Oakville and crafted a stunning, refreshing wine. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in neutral French oak, it delivers a crisp, floral profile with mouthwatering acidity and elegance.

Breaking Bread 2022 Dolcetto, Teldeschi Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley

This vineyard is farmed and owned by our friend and mentor Ray Teldeschi, whose family hails from Italy’s Piedmont region. Over 20 years ago, Ray planted Dolcetto as a tribute to his heritage—and we’re so glad he did. This wine is a perfect food companion: medium-bodied with balanced tannins and the signature acidity Dolcetto is known for. It’s my go-to BBQ wine—especially with a slight chill.

Scribe 2023 Pinot Noir, Carneros

We’re thrilled to welcome Scribe to our growing winery lineup. Founded by fourth-generation California farmers Andrew and Adam Mariani, Scribe is often called an artisanal winery—but the team sees it more simply: a farm with wine grapes as the main crop.

The 2023 Carneros Pinot Noir is a vibrant, fruit-forward expression of the region. Made with nearly 30-year-old heritage clone Pinot Noir (Martini), it offers notes of alpine strawberry, almond blossom, and coriander. The wine is fermented with native yeast—about 30% whole cluster—in steel and concrete, then aged for 7 months in neutral oak with minimal intervention. It’s been part of Scribe’s lineup since their first vintage in 2007 and remains a favorite among early fans of the winery.

NEW BRAND: REWA Vineyard

We’re excited to introduce REWA Vineyards, now available at The Wine Poor Distribution. Spearheaded by renowned winemaker Celia Welch, REWA Vineyards is known for producing elegant, small-lot wines that reflect the purity of their exceptional terroir. Their dedication to sustainable farming and meticulous winemaking results in wines of balance, depth, and sophistication.

REWA Cabernet Sauvignon

REWA 2021 Khanda Cabernet Sauvignon

REWA 2022 Sauvignon Blanc

SPRING WHITES ARE POURING IN

Freshen up your wine list with these crisp, vibrant whites—perfect for patios, pairings, and warm-weather sipping.

Senses Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Elegant and refined with notes of citrus, white peach, and a touch of oak—this Sonoma standout balances freshness and richness beautifully.

REWA Sauvignon Blanc

From the heart of Napa, this Sauvignon Blanc delivers zesty lime, passionfruit, and a mineral-driven finish. A clean, expressive white with energy and finesse.

Turtle Rock Willow White

This Rhône-inspired blend is a spring favorite—lush, aromatic, and textured, with stone fruit, honeysuckle, and a refreshing finish.

TWP Featured in Detroit’s Jewish News

The Wine Poor was recently featured in the Jewish News, commemorating 9 years of business in Michigan. Read the full article below:

The Wine Poor Distribution celebrates nine years of business in Michigan.

Brothers Jon and Nathan Kunzman grew up in a family that celebrated wine and enjoyed exploring boutique wineries while traveling, but never imagined it would one day become a family business. However, it was a seamless transition for the Kunzman brothers.

Spotlight on Amici Cellars

Amici Cellars, a family-owned winery located in the foothills of the Palisades near Calistoga, Napa Valley, is dedicated to crafting true-to-varietal wines that reflect its exceptional vineyard sources. Focusing on Napa and Sonoma's most prestigious heritage, hillside, and valley vineyards, Amici Cellars produces a diverse portfolio, including its brands Amici, Olema, and No Curfew, all carried by TWP Distribution.

Each wine is made with attention to detail and deep respect for the vineyards, resulting in elegant, balanced, and expressive wines. Amici's single-vineyard red wines and Chardonnays are carefully crafted from some of the region's most impressive vineyards, including Hyde Vineyard in Carneros and Charles Heintz Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast. The Amici Reserve wines are blended to achieve density, richness, and complexity.

At the heart of Amici Cellars' success is its talented winemaking team, led by Tony Biagi and Matt Courtney. Their decades-long relationships with growers have been instrumental in producing wines that are not only accessible for everyday enjoyment but also worthy of aging.

Spotlight on Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir, known for its complexity, offers diverse aromas and flavors shaped by its region, climate, and winemaking style. Typically lighter in color, this wine often reveals red fruit notes like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, with floral hints of violet or rose. As it ages, more earthy and spicy aromas, such as mushroom, forest floor, and clove, emerge. On the palate, its silky texture, vibrant acidity, and lower tannins make it approachable and food-friendly, pairing well with dishes like roasted poultry, duck, mushrooms, and salmon. Check out some of our featured Pinot Noirs:

Senses 2021 MCM88 Pinot Noir

“The Senses 2021 MCM88 Pinot Noir is medium to deep ruby-purple in color. After a swirl or two, the nose explodes with alluring notes of cherry pie, blackberry preserves, wild blueberries, and chocolate mint, followed by an undercurrent of wet slate and star anise. Full-bodied, the decadently opulent palate delivers a velvety texture and fabulous tension to support the generous black and blue fruit layers, finishing long with a minty kick.”

- 95 Pts, Lisa Perrotti-Brown

RAEN 2022 Sonoma Royal St. Robert Pinot Noir

"The 2022 Pinot Noir Royal St. Robert comes from a ten-acre vineyard on the Sonoma Coast and pours a rich ruby hue. It reveals lovely, perfumed notes of framboise, mossy earth, tea leaf, and roses that lead to a medium-bodied red that’s pure and elegant all the way through, remaining pure and complex, with fine tannins and a lovely, balanced spice through the elegant finish. It’s fantastic now but will drink well over the coming 8-10 years."

- 94 Pts, Jeb Dunnuck

Denison 2021 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

"Blackberries and damp forest floor aromas are punctuated by a burst of smoked black tea. Rich blackcap raspberry and strawberry fruit flavors are joined by notes of caramel and orange. Balanced, with 12 months in French oak, 15% new."

1. 91 Pts, Wine Enthusiast

Featured Winemaker: Phillip Corallo-Titus

Phillip is well known for his work at Chappellet Vineyards and Titus Vineyards. Ralph Hertelendy (founder and winemaker at Hertelendy Vineyards), approached Phillip as his wine consultant because he loves his classy style of winemaking, creating silky smooth, well-balanced wines.

Phillip discovered his passion for viticulture and wine at the age of 12 when he began helping his father in the family vineyard. Building on this foundation, Phillip studied agronomy, viticulture and enology at the University of California, Davis and began his professional career in Napa Valley in 1981.

Combining Ralph’s complex, bold approach and Phillip’s elegant finesse of winemaking, wines from Hertelendy Vineyards meet in the middle of their styles, birthing beautiful expressions of art that wouldn’t otherwise have been made. They have formed a symbiotic relationship over the years, and continue to push the envelope with their winemaking techniques in the pursuit towards winemaking perfection.

Spotlight on Hertelendy Cabernet Sauvignon

Hertelendy Cabernet Sauvignon

2018: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon | 8% Petit Verdot | 1% Malbec | 1% Merlot

With a total production of 437 cases of the 2018 Hertelendy Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine comes from the highly esteemed Napa areas including Pritchard Hill, Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak and Rockwell Ridge estate vineyard. Barrel aged 23 months in 90% New French and Hungarian Oak.

"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is based on 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, and the balance Malbec and Merlot. Beautiful crème de cassis, blueberries, flowers, cedarwood, tobacco, and rocky, mineral-like notes emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless texture, building tannins, and a great finish. This rich, powerful 2018 has the vintage's purity and freshness, stunning overall balance, and the class to evolve for 20 years or more."

— Jeb Dunnuck, 95 Points

Featured Winemaker: Jim Binns, Andremily Wines

Andremily Wines owner and winemaker Jim Binns has managed to become one of the greatest producers of Rhône-varietal blends in California’s Central Coast.

Binns has had a direct hand in developing some of the most highly collectible Californian wines ever made during his 12 years as assistant winemaker to Manfred Krankl at Sine Qua Non.

At the heart of Binns' winemaking philosophy is a reverence for nature and a dedication to sustainable practices. He meticulously tends to his vineyards, employing organic and biodynamic methods to nurture the vines and preserve the land for future generations. By working in harmony with nature, Binns believes he can coax out the true essence of the grapes and create wines that express the purest expression of their terroir.

Binns' portfolio encompasses a diverse array of varietals, each crafted with precision and care to showcase the unique characteristics of the grapes. From elegant Chardonnays to bold Cabernet Sauvignons, his wines exhibit a remarkable depth of flavor, balanced acidity, and silky tannins that captivate the palate.

Featured Wine: Andremily 2020 EABA

2020: 65% Syrah | 22% Mourvèdre | 10% Grenache

"The EABA is more Syrah-dominated and checks in as 65% Syrah, 22% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache, and the rest Viognier that saw plenty of stems and close to two years in 50% new French oak. Its inky purple hue is followed by a sensational bouquet of bloody blue fruits, black raspberries, iron, ground pepper, baking spices, and who knows what else.

Incredibly complex and nuanced (yet intense) aromatically, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, concentrated mouthfeel, and a finish that won’t quit.

It’s certainly one of the biggest, richest wines in the lineup, yet like all of Jim’s wines, it remains light on its feet, has brilliant purity of fruit, and is as drinkable as could be."

- Jeb Dunnuck | 99 Pts

Featured Wine: Melka Metisse Martinez

2019: 92% CABERNET SAUVIGNON,  7% CABERNET FRANC, 1% PETIT VERDOT, 100% NAPA VALLEY

The 2019 Metisse Martinez is the fifth vintage from this vineyard located on Pritchard Hill at 1,200 feet in elevation above Oakville.  A fruit profile of dark cherry and plum, with tobacco, black licorice and cola, all leaping from the glass. The wine is iron-rich, extremely lush and vibrant showing incredible depth with licorice, spice and minerality dominating the palate. The wine carries through with a very long finish that continues to linger and begs you to revisit for another sip.

"A spectacular example of a classic hillside site showing intense power and finesse."

-Philippe & Cherie Melka

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2017: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon | 20% Cabernet Franc | 10% Petit Verdot | 100% Napa Valley

The third vintage from this vineyard created a full throttle Cabernet. It has an exuberant dark blackberry nose with touches of graphite, tobacco, licorice and hot gravel. An incredibly structured wine with a pure mountain fruit expression, this stunner will benefit with a bit more bottle age and drink well for decades.

"This 2017 has so much to offer - even in the early going, this wine is a knockout."

-Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Featured Winemakers: Philippe + Cherie Melka, Melka Estates

As co-proprietors and winemakers for Melka Estates, Philippe and Cherie produce four distinct brands:  Métisse and CJ from Napa Valley, Mekerra from Sonoma Valley, and Majestique from sites around the world.

Born in Bordeaux, Philippe has degrees in Geology, Agronomy and Enology.

A chance encounter with Jean-Claude Berrouet, the technical director for Christian Moueix's Château Petrus, took Philippe across the pond to the Moueix-owned Dominus in California in 1991. After work was complete at Dominus, he did a stint at Ridge with Paul Draper, which is where he met Cherie, who was working as a lab technician. Cherie boasts a degree in

Microbiology and a diploma in French Studies from the University of Bordeaux III. 

The beginnings of Melka Estates started in 1996, after Philippe and Cherie moved back to Napa Valley from France. They decided that they would love to produce their own label, despite each working for different wineries. They started modestly with only two wines in 1996: Métisse and CJ for a total case production of 500.

The organic growth that ensued over two decades has resulted in them having two estate vineyards, their own winery and ten distinctive wines in their portfolio.  They work side by side using their strengths and knowledge to decide harvest dates, fermentation protocols, maceration length, barrel regime and final blends before bottling. 

Featured Wine: Melka 2016 Proprietary White

100% Sauvignon Black | 100% Fermented | 100% Knights Valley

The 2016 Proprietary White is the sixth vintage of mountain fruit Sauvignon blanc to be produced from Melka's vineyard at 2,300 foot elevation in Knights Valley.

Aromatics include lemon peel, white plum and nectarine, with notes of stony fruits like white peach, and underlying tones of toasted almonds and May flowers. One of the most striking aromatic profiles of this wine to date.

“This stunning Sauvignon Blanc is quickly becoming a signature wine in our portfolio. The 2016 is the rock star of the group.”

— Philippe + Cherie Melka

Featured Wine: Melka 2016 Proprietary Red Knights Valley

2019: 53% MERLOT,  47% CABERNET FRANC, 100% KNIGHTS VALLEY

Both the Cabernet franc and Merlot were the first to be planted on this parcel of land in 2004. Possessing a deep garnet color, the aromatics boast dark fruit, plum, mocha and pepper. This wine has a velvety texture, yet it is juicy, rich and dense along with amazing acidity which provides a great structural backbone. The tannins are leathery, the finish is very powerful and the cabernet franc elements are simply delightful. Another excellent vintage of proprietary red from Mekerra which is sure not to disappoint.

"Deep, rich and explosive, the 2019 possesses tremendous depth and tons of character."

— Antonio Galloni

Spotlight on Allbaer Wines

Allbaer Grenache

78% Grenache, 14% Syrah, 8% Graciano

Grenache is a grape variety that is appreciated by sommeliers and wine professionals, but can often be overlooked by consumers.

Grenache is wonderfully food-friendly, pairing well with grilled meats, fruit-based sauces and even sings with pizza.

“Bright cherries, chocolate, sappy flowers, and spice... Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has ripe tannins, a round, layered mouthfeel, some grippy tannins, and a solid finish.”

— Jeb Dunnuck (93 Pts)

“Nice depth to the nose with dark strawberries, morello cherries, white pepper, wild herbs and spiced lemon on the nose. A medium- to full-bodied grenache showing some glycerol sweetness and texture to the palate, with a nice touch of bitter herbs in the finish.”

— James Suckling (91 Pts)

Allbaer Syrah

77% Syrah, 23% Graciano

“Its deep purple hue is followed by a great nose of ripe blackberries, Bing cherries, chocolate, peppery herbs, and hints of iodine and iron. Rich, full-bodied, and powerful, it has a pure, focused texture, beautiful acidity, and ripe tannins, all making for a brilliant bottle.”

— Jeb Dunnuck (91 Pts)

Allbaer Sangiovese

100% Sangiovese

“Shows Sangiovese character with cherry, chocolate and some walnuts. It’s full-bodied, yet fresh and delicious. One of the best Sangioveses in California now. Drink now.”

— James Suckling (94 Pts)

“Spiced cherries, pepper, leather, and dried herb notes all emerge from the 2020 Sangiovese, a pretty, complex, nuanced red with lots of character. I like it today, but I see no reason why it wouldn’t evolve for 5-7 years or so. This is all varietal and sourced from the Solana Vineyard outside Paso Robles, aged 20 months 43% in new oak.”

— Jeb Dunnuck (92 Pts)

Featured Winemaker: Alex Baer, Allbaer Wines

Alex Baer didn’t grow up as a generational winemaker. It wasn’t until he was a sophomore in high school that wine became a part of his life. His parents’ company had contracted to make a small condo atop a barn on a vineyard. His father finessed one ton of Petite Sirah into the contract. Shoveling grapes into a destemmer late into the evening in 2007 was his first exposure to the vinification and winemaking process. 

He graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Enology, and a minor in Agricultural Business. His wine career has included stints at Clos Solène, Chateau Petrus, Domaine la Barroche and Sine Qua Non.

While working at SQN, Alex decided to make a small amount of wine from a particular area of his family's vineyard. The plan was to continue to work full time at SQN, and when he had time, drive back to make what would become Un Petit Début. After much thought and deliberation, he decided to make the leap and commit to his winery full time. He opened Allbaer Winery in 2018.

““I started the brand because I had plateaued in my career. I had worked for so many incredible producers. Those people had already accomplished goals that I could never have imagined. My work for them was to help maintain that consistency of quality they had already established. I hadn’t been a defining figure in their success. ALLBAER gives me the opportunity to create something from scratch. My work with this brand will show what I’m capable of doing. It will be a trial by fire. I’ll learn through successes and failures like all new brands.” ”

— Alex Baer

Follow Allbaer Wines on Instagram.