Ramon

Diego Zamora, S.A. - Owner

Region:Rioja Alta, Spain

The development of top-quality wines together with innovation while respecting the purest Riojan tradition represented by the history of the wines of Ramón Bilbao, are the trademark of this emblematic company in Rioja Alta. The philosophy that inspires the work carried out at the winery is the same philosophy that has prevailed, generation after generation, turning the men and women who work at our bodega into true experts in the art of ageing wines: grapes from the best estates and vineyards, casks made of the best oak from European and American forests, and all of this enhanced by the care and know-how of people who love wine above all else.

Chalk Hill

Fred Furth - Owner

Region: Sonoma Valley, CA

Fred began his venture into viticulture and winemaking in the 1970s. Having trained to fly while in the Army, Fred rented an airplane from the Santa Rosa Air Center and began scouting for land, first over Napa Valley, then over Sonoma County. He spotted a hilly, rugged area in Sonoma County that appealed to him and, in 1972 he purchased the land - 242 acres, the founding parcel of the Chalk Hill Estate. Through the years, he has added to the estate, reassembling the original ranch holdings of the pioneer founder, Sarah Rich Latimer. Inspired by his memory of hillside vineyards in Germany and his determination to preserve the natural contours of the land, Fred pioneered vertical planting on the slopes of Chalk Hill in 1974. "I try to do what is right, even if uncommon," says Fred. "Owning the land is much more than technical legal title. You own the land when you work the land. I want to live with nature, not opposed to it. I want to know every bump, stump, pothole, waterhole and slope on the ranch."

The integrated wine estates of Europe influenced Fred's vision for Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery. These venerable estates are the archetype; they are communities consisting of a chateau house, vineyard, winery, and stable - all in one location. The 1,400-acre Chalk Hill Estate includes 350 acres of vineyard, the family residence, executive offices, winery, stables, guest houses, equestrian pavilion, sports fields, fishing and swimming ponds, native parks and supporting infrastructure. "During my watch, this estate will evolve in harmony with its natural elements, leaving most of the land undisturbed by human labors," promises Fred. Under Fred’s leadership, Chalk Hill is an estate in the old-fashioned sense, combined with a contemporary exploration of modern viticulture. In his determination to produce the greatest wines in the world, Fred looks to tradition and innovation for guidance. "We are supporting an ongoing Chardonnay clonal trial that is comprehensive in its scope, in terms of international clones, and dedicated to producing wine from each clone for academic and industry evaluation," says Fred. "We are looking for the perfect match of clone and terroir," which he describes comprehensively as, "soil, drainage, subterranean water, rain water, sun strike and relative humidity."

Franciscan

Justin Meyer - Owner

Region: Napa, CA

Franciscan’s output of legendary wines began with the its 1975 Cabernet Sauvignon, by Justin Meyer. This release established the Franciscan style based on making wine in small lots, then blending them together to achieve the greatest expression. Recognizing that the world’s finest wines are blends, in 1985 Franciscan introduced Magnificat. Under vintner Agustin Huneeus, this proprietary blend of Bordeaux varietals pioneered the popular Meritage class of wines. Two years later, Franciscan made another dramatic impact on the world of wine when Greg Upton produced Cuvée Sauvage, the first Napa Valley Chardonnay fermented with wild yeast.

Janet Myers joined Franciscan in 2003, and was appointed Director of Winemaking in September 2005. “In the heart of Napa Valley, the Franciscan estate vineyards are the perfect place for me to explore Cabernet and its nuances. I love the body and texture of Cab, how it has layers of intensity and richness, but with such finesse when you get it right.” Janet’s first harvest was at Robert Mondavi Winery, when she was still a student at the University of California at Davis. She has worked at leading vintners in Italy, Australia, and Napa Valley to pursue her passion for crafting fine wine. “When I realized that this was a profession that combined science and agriculture — my family background — I enrolled at Davis and haven’t looked back.”