Tavosa Wines is located in Sonoma, California. The Benz and O'Connor families have partnered with winemaker Justin Estes to create small batch wines inspired by Old World wine regions.
Tavosa already had a foot in the door at the girl & the fig, so when the wine was ready, it was welcomed with open arms. This is the first wine from a small family winery that has dreamed about making this happen, and indeed it has. We were fortunate to have worked with Nick's wife Lenka, so we had an insider tip when the wine was ready. And with only 48 cases of their first wine, we were happy to be in line.
Among the grapes that Tavosa purchases come come from the Kick Ranch, vineyards that we have grown to respect for their enthusiastic efforts with Rhone grape varietals. Kick Ranch has become a “reference point” vineyard for Rhone varietal
grapes in Sonoma County, and in addition, some killer Sauvignon Blanc
wines. The vineyard is on a beautiful hillside planted on historic land
- a vineyard flourished there by 1880.
In a recent Q & A with owner Nick Benz, he contemplates the start of his personal wine business.
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| Nick Benz |
Why did you decide to start Tavosa?
The old adage...find something you love and you will never work another day in your life.
What was the biggest lesson you learned this year?
Patience. The wine industry can be an obstacle course. To succeed you need the patience and solid plan forward.Their first wine, a lovely refreshing Grenache Rose has the aromas of rose petals on a plate of fresh cut summer melons.
Justin Estes, Winemaker - In 2007 he received an internship offer with the highly acclaimed Pinot Noir producer Kosta Browne. After two months of complete immersion, he knew he found his career path. The following Southern Hemisphere harvest took Justin to the Barossa Valley in South Australia where he worked at Teusner Wines, a renowned producer of Rhone varietals. He fell in love with the aromas and blending capabilities the grape has to offer. After another harvest at Kosta Brown, Justin took an opportunity at Landmark Vineyards where he met Nick.
When winemaker, Justin Estes was asked, what would you pair with the 2010 Grenache Rosé?
His response was a sensible one for a very refreshing wine --- I would pair this Rosé with a hot summer day and good friends.
websites: Tavosa
Kick Ranch
