Portraits | Winemakers

From the late 1700s, when Spanish friars planted vines on California's Central Coast to the end of the 19th century, when French and Italian immigrants established nurseries and vineyards throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains, California’s Central Coast has played a prominent role in the rise of American viticulture. Grapes here are among the oldest in the state. The weather transitions from moody to mild, which makes for excellent diversity in both wine and surf. It's been my good fortune to hang out with some of California's top winemakers and sample their creations.