Meet The...California Futures
John Tyler Wines

DISCOVER - October 21, 2009

Minute readers know Mike Grgich crafted the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the famous Paris Tasting. But who grew the grapes? Standing next to the original, gnarly Chardonnay vines, we learned that Charles Bacigalupi was one of the growers, supplying over 14 tons of the grapes.

The original weigh tag from 1973.
Courtesy of John Tyler Wines

His twenty-something granddaughters, Katey and Nicole Bacigalupi, beguiled us with inspiring family tales of wine growing in the Russian River Valley. The twins' share a grounded, common sense knowledge of wine garnered from years toiling in the family vineyard, formal studies in agriculture and wine education, day jobs at renowned tasting rooms and a tech savvy characteristic of their generation.

Today they split sales and marketing tasks for the family's small (~ 1500 cases) wine making operation run by parents John and Pam Bacigalupi and cousin Tyler Heck - John Tyler Wines. Free Run, the club run by Katey, avoids a frustrating aspect of many wine clubs - winery dictated selections. Twice a year members can choose which John Tyler wines they like. Nicole is designing a new tasting room at the homestead, where lucky guests will be able to taste vertical flights of aged Pinot Noirs and Zinfandels. Until then meet the family and enjoy older than normal, late releases around the family's kitchen table. Direct access to family members makes for a special occasion.

View from the ranch driveway.

Old World wines benefit from the accumulated wisdom of multiple generations of family participation. We were pleased to observe a similar phenomenon in this 3rd generation of committed Americans.

John Tyler Wines
4375 Westside Rd
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Phone: 707 473-0123
www.JohnTylerWines.com

Our regular Meet The... series profiles the winemakers, chefs, vintners
and others that weave the rich tapestry of wine country culture.

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