California | O'Looney's Wine & Liquor

15 Questions with Rebecka Deike, winemaker at Ferrari Carano

April 20, 2016

“15 Questions with…” is an ongoing series of interviews with some of the most interesting people in our industry.

Rebecka joined Ferrari-Carano in 2004 as an Enologist, but it all began at Humboldt State University where Rebecka studied Cellular and Molecular Biology and originally planned to be an optometrist. After graduating in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree, Rebecka quickly changed her focus to winemaking. In 2000, Rebecka broke into the world of winemaking as an intern at Jordan Winery and was shortly hired on as a full-time lab technician, followed by a promotion to Assistant Enologist. After four years, Rebecka joined the Ferrari-Carano team which led to a promotion as Assistant Winemaker. By 2012, Rebecka had completed the University of California Davis Winemaking Certificate Program and was Ferrari-Carano’s Associate Winemaker overseeing the Pinot Grigio and Zinfandel Wine Programs. In early 2014, Rebecka was promoted to Associate Winemaker overseeing Ferrari-Carano’s Red Wines Programs, including Ferrari-Carano’s PreVail wines, and the mountain winery production facility in Alexander Valley.

1)The hardest thing about winemaking is…

The predicting and planning involved in choosing the perfect moment to harvest the grapes at optimal maturity with weather and logistics as variables.

2) How did you first get into the industry?

I started as a harvest intern in the lab at Jordan Winery. Love at first crush!

3) What’s the most rewarding thing about your career?

After all the hard work involved in making a bottle of wine, it is a good feeling to be able to relax with friends and family, sharing and enjoying a bottle of wine that I helped create.

4) Who are the people in your industry that your most admire?

Rob Davis, the winemaker at Jordan winery, for his sharp mind, many years of winemaking experience, and remarkable storytelling abilities. I developed a solid foundation to build upon working under Rob’s guidance.

Don and Rhonda Carano, the owners of Ferrari-Carano. They have both worked hard to establish a successful winery and continue to work hard with a relentless pursuit to create the best wines.

5) What’s your favorite childhood memory?

I grew up in a small town and my dad would walk home from work for his lunch hour. During the summer, my mom, two brothers and I would walk downtown to meet him and walk home with him. Makes me feel happy remembering those times!

6) What are your favorite books or movies?

Jane Austen’s novels and, for some reason, I always enjoy watching “Tombstone” – love Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday.

7) What your most listened to Spotify/Pandora/Sirius station?

Whatever the lab is listening to. The lab is right next to the winemaking office. It is quite an eclectic mix!

8) If you weren’t making wine, what career would you have?

I originally planned to become an optometrist, so probably that.

9) What advice would you give to people who wanted to get into the industry?

We hire extra help in the winery every harvest, so I would recommend working as a harvest intern, as I did. If you enjoy the bustling energy in the air, long hours, and hard work during harvest, then it just might be the perfect job for you!

10) What’s your dream vacation?

I would like to travel to France with my husband to attempt some of the mountain passes that the pro cyclists ride during the Tour de France. After the ride, we would relax, eat good food, and drink some tasty wine.

11) What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?

Shelby’s treats! Shelby, one of the winery’s lab technicians, is an excellent baker, specializing in cookies and cupcakes.

12) Hometown?

Cloverdale, CA in North Sonoma County. But I grew up in Humbolt County (farther north.)

13) If you were stranded on a deserted island with only one drink (not your own brand), what would it be?

Sparkling wine! I would like a magnum of J vintage brut. My husband works there, so I could connect with his spirit in the bubbles! I cannot imagine myself on a deserted island without him!

14) What person has been most influential in building your career?

Sarah Quider, Ferrari-Carano’s executive winemaker. I have worked directly with her for 15 years, following in her footsteps, (sometimes literally in the vineyard!), learning from her every step of the way. She had confidence in my abilities to elevate me to the position I am in today.

15) Where do you see yourself and your brand in 5 years?

In 5 years, I hope to still be working for Ferrari-Carano, making some fabulous wines with our more recently planted vineyards, while continuing to maintain the outstanding quality of our existing selection of wines.

Want to try some of Rebecka's wines? You can now buy them online and pick them up in store!

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The Story of St. Supéry

April 13, 2016

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery is the largest family owned, sustainably farmed and estate produced winery in Napa Valley. Both the land the wine is grown on and the St. Supéry winery are certified Napa Green.

The winery was founded by the Skalli Family who began making wine in 1920. In the 1970’s the family patriarch, Robert Skalli spent eight years searching for the perfect location to expand his family’s business to Napa Valley. He eventually selected a relatively unknown area high in the northeastern mountains of the newly established Napa Valley appellation. Over thirty years later, the world-class vineyard estates in Napa Valley were sold to Chanel. Inc.

St. Supéry is known for their long-term commitment to the vineyards and winery, and it’s owners are personally invested in acting as stewards of the land, preserving the properties for future generations. St. Supéry’s Napa Green Certifications for the winery and vineyards are evidence of this commitment. This approach and long-term investment in Estate properties also gives St. Supéry the ability to maintain consistency in grape and wine quality over time.

Among St. Supéry’s most famous vineyards is the Dollarhide Ranch. In 1982, the Skalli Family acquired the land which had formerly been a cattle and horse ranch that dates back to the late 1800s. Dollarhide is a 1,531-acre property with steep and rolling hills, some flat lands, seven lakes, and plenty of wildlife. Currently, there are almost 500 acres of grapevines at Dollarhide, leaving the rest of the property to thrive in its natural state. The oldest vines at Dollarhide Ranch, now almost 30 years old, produce the full-bodied, robust cabernet sauvignon and distinctive sauvignon blanc on which St. Supéry Estate’s reputation was built.

Michael Scholz, St. Supéry Estate’s winemaker (click here to read an interview with him), and his vineyard team have a broad selection of soils and topography to choose from when selecting ideal vineyard sites at Dollarhide. Each parcel of vines is planted with fruit quality and distinct character in mind. These parcels are then farmed individually so that the vines will thrive in their unique locations. The Estate’s vineyard team is able to match the right soils with the optimum combination of rootstock, clone selection, and cultivation practices. The diversity of terrain at Dollarhide results in a wide selection of fruit for Michael to work with when crafting St. Supéry’s estate line of wines including their sauvignon blanc and cabernet sauvignon, estate blends and the Dollarhide Estate single vineyard designate wines.

15 Questions with Michael Scholz, winemaker at St. Supéry

April 6, 2016

“15 Questions with…” is an ongoing series of interviews with some of the most interesting people in our industry.

Michael Scholz is St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery’s winemaker. Originally from Australia, Michael is from the 6th generation to grow up on his family’s vineyard in the Barossa Valley. Michael comes to St. Supéry from Wattle Creek, a Sonoma property in Alexander Valley. Scholz is not a newcomer to the Napa Valley or St. Supéry. He previously served as the winemaker at St. Supéry from 1996 to 2001 before returning again in 2009. During his tenure, he created the distinctive style that has made St. Supéry the benchmark producer of Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. The Cabernet Sauvignons Michael created for St. Supéry garner critical acclaim from top industry publications including Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator. Enologist and consultant, Michel Rolland says, “Michael Scholz is on my list of great winemakers from around the world.”

1)The hardest thing about winemaking is…

…juggling the many different facets of the job. We spend our time in the vineyards and the cellar, but then comes the management, emails, and markets. All good, but a lot to keep up with.

2) How did you first get into the industry?

I grew up on an old family vineyard in Australia’s Barossa Valley. Surrounded by vineyards and winemakers lead me in that direction.

3) What’s the most rewarding thing about your career?

We create a fantastic and unique product. It’s always terrific to see a wine come together after the grapes growing and winemaking and time involved to get to the final blend.

4) Who are the people in your industry that your most admire?

Michel Rolland has been an inspiring individual.

5) What’s your favorite childhood memory?

Riding my horse in the summer around our family farm and vineyard ( and in the river – good fun)

6) What are your favorite books or movies?

The Harry Potter series was a fun read, and also the Hunger Games. Indiana Jones is a go too movie. Anything with Harrison Ford is always a good time.

7) What your most listened to Spotify/Pandora/Sirius station?

Zac Brown Band

8) If you weren’t making wine, what career would you have?

I joke that I would love to be a rock star, but really, a vet or a horse trainer.

9) What advice would you give to people who wanted to get into the industry?

It’s a blast. If it interests you, it is fun. Fine food and wine is a good time. If you like farming, even better.

10) What’s your dream vacation?

A Surfing Vacation, but I’m not very good at it.

11) What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?

Again it’s the same theme. A fine bottle of wine, a couch and a good movie.

12) Hometown?

Nuriootpa, Barrasa Valley, Australia

13) If you were stranded on a deserted island with only one drink (not your own brand), what would it be?

Sierra Nevada IPA – Beer

14) What person has been most influential in building your career?

Michel Rolland- I starting working with him in 1996 and Rolland has had quite an impact on me.

15) Where do you see yourself and your brand in 5 years?

We are always working to excel our brand and make better wines and in 5 years I see us continuing to do that.

Want to try some of Rebecka's wines? You can now buy them online and pick them up in store!

Click here to learn more about our St. Supéry Wine Tasting on April 13