Bartlett Family Vineyards. Originally from Michigan, proprietor Ron Bartlett's introduction to wine was through his work connections. In 1995 he became a new partner at Price Waterhouse Coopers; management asked him to move to New York and help with product development. And his wife Mary had recently taken on a CFO role for one of her clients. They … [Read more...]

Surcos Wines (pronounced soor-cose). The family Napa Valley story begins with Enrique Gallegos Sr., who was from the small town of El Llano in Michoacán, Mexico. His immigration to California was part of the World War II Bracero program. Bracero, in Spanish means “manual” laborer – this program came about through various laws and agreements in 1942 between … [Read more...]

Cardoza Family Wines. The Cardoza family history, in terms of alcohol retail begins in the U.S. with Manuel J. Cardoza, born in the U.S. in 1898. He operated two speakeasies in New Bedford, MA from 1927 until 1933; patrons were the movers and shakers of the community. Cardoza opened UNION Wine Shop in New Bedford in 1933 at 257 Union Street. He received the … [Read more...]

Sorèlune Wine was founded by Nova Cadamatre with her first vintage in 2024, a Napa Valley Carneros Chardonnay. Outside the box in terms of how the wine is marketed, it is sold exclusively in kegs to restaurants. Nova began her winemaking career in Pennsylvania in 2003. She moved to New York to pursue a career in horticulture, primarily to explore her … [Read more...]

Mars Estate is located high on Howell Mountain on a "ridge peninsula" overlooking Pope Valley to the east. On an extremely clear winter’s day one can even see parts of the Sierra Nevada mountains far in the distance, which is one of several locations on Howell Mountain and on Atlas Peak where one has such views. This very scenic location is reminiscent of … [Read more...]

Don Chalo Cellars is homage to the Fernandez family's late father, Don Chalo, who immigrated to Napa Valley from Michoacán, Mexico in the 1970s. Michoacan is rich in culture, tradition, and natural beauty—known for its vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations, charming towns, indigenous Purépecha heritage, and diverse landscapes ranging from lakes to mountains. … [Read more...]

Elleary Wine was founded by Palo Alto residents, Shawn Karimi and his wife Vivien Wang Karimi with their first vintage produced in 2016. Shawn immigrated to the U.S. at age 16 from his hometown of Abadan, Iran located next to the Iraqi border. His career began as a chiropractor; he has long since been retired from that field and since 2002 operates, … [Read more...]

Solorio Wines. Winemaker and founder Mario Solorio was born and raised in Michoacan, Mexico. This region is rich in culture, tradition, and natural beauty. It is known for its vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations, it features charming towns, indigenous Purépecha heritage, and diverse landscapes from lakes to mountains. While it is not known for wine grapes, … [Read more...]

Kubani Wines was founded by Rajeev B. Parikh with the brand's first vintage in 2022. Kubani is an homage to family; with the word created as a portmanteau from his children's names, Shibani and Kunal. Rajeev's wife once asked him, “You are such an active person — how are you going to handle retirement?” Half jokingly, he suggested opening a wine bar. At … [Read more...]