California "Garagistes" Winemakers

I occasionally like the subjects and so rarely like the writing in the wine section of the San Francisco Chronicle that I have stopped even checking that paper on Thursdays, when the section comes out. However, I am pleased to report that today's contains a well written article about a subject that is dear to my heart -- small time winemakers, whom the author calls "Garagistes." While Stephen Yafa doesn't bother to tell you the history of the term (coined to describe the efforts of Michael Gracia and some other Right Bank winemakers in the Bordeaux region who turned the Chateau system on its head in the 1990s) he does a great job visiting and interviewing several folks in California who clearly qualify for that moniker. The story is well written, researched, and it highlights several great winemakers. Well worth the read.

And in a stunning coincidence, another article on the same subject was published a couple of days ago in the International Herald Tribune. It's shorter and focuses more on folks who might still be called amateur, but it's right on the money.

Posted by: Alder on November 4, 2004 2:29 PM: Filed under: Ramblings and Rants; Like this post? Share it! Digg it! - Add to del.icio.us - Add to Stumbleupon - Add to Reddit

Previous Entry - Main - Next Entry

TrackBacks (0)

Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: California "Garagistes" Winemakers.

TrackBack URL for this entry: http://www.vinography.com/mt/mt-tb.cgi/5998

Comments (2)

Rich wrote:

11.07.04 at 6:42 PM

Alder,
Thanks for pointing out the article. Its hard to believe 'garagistes' can turn out such noteworthy wines. Have you tried any wines mentioned in the article?

Alder wrote:

11.09.04 at 8:43 AM

Yes, I've actually had wines from McPhail, Frick, and Amphora. I'd say that McPhail was my favorite of the three. I haven't been lucky enough to try the Merus yet.