Description

Birichino Winery

Nestled in the heart of Santa Cruz, Birichino Winery was founded in 2008 by Alex Krause and John Locke. With a robust experience spanning four decades across notable wine regions in California, France, Italy, and beyond, the founders bring a wealth of knowledge and a nuanced approach to winemaking.

History and Background

Birichino, established by the veteran duo Krause and Locke, aims to create wines that embody balance, perfume, poise, and a playful spirit. Drawing from extensive global winemaking experiences, the founders are well-versed in both traditional and innovative techniques, ensuring each bottle of Birichino expresses both heritage and innovation.

Vineyard Details and Wine Production

The winery is distinctive in its commitment to sourcing grapes from meticulously maintained family-owned vineyards. These vineyards include:

• Own-rooted vines from the 19th and early 20th centuries
• A selection from the "late disco era," presenting a unique historical palate for winemaking

Situated primarily in moderate, marine-influenced climates, these vineyards contribute to the minimal intervention philosophy at Birichino. The winemaking process emphasizes:

• Native fermentations: Leveraging natural yeasts to highlight the vineyard's character
• Use of stainless steel or neutral barrels: To maintain and support the intrinsic flavor profiles
• Minimal mechanical handling: Such as racking and fining, and avoiding filtration when possible to preserve wine integrity

Visitor Information and Experiences

Birichino offers a serene experience for visitors seeking to explore unique Californian wines with a historical twist. Guests can enjoy tastings of various vintages, each telling the story of its vineyard's origin and the thoughtful winemaking process behind it.

Notable Wines or Specialties

Birichino's wines are celebrated for their:

• Perfumed aroma and poised mouthfeel: Each wine is crafted to reflect its origin's distinctiveness with a charming complexity.
• Puckishness: In line with its name, which translates to 'mischievous' in Italian, Birichino wines are known for their playful yet refined character, designed to revitalize and give pleasure.

Contact Information and Location

For those interested in visiting Birichino or contacting the winery for inquiries:

• Location: Santa Cruz, California
• Year of Establishment: 2008
• Founders: Alex Krause and John Locke

Birichino Winery remains committed to creating wines that not only reflect their exceptional terroir but also embody a spirit of joy and rejuvenation, ensuring each visit and tasting is memorable and engaging for wine enthusiasts around the world.