“When creating pinot noir to pair with Japanese cuisine, we value balance and texture as much as aromatics. Creating harmonious, cool-climate wines is at the heart of our philosophy.”
Shalini Sekhar, Winemaker
Shalini Sekhar, Winemaker
Sharing a background in music, and a love of wine and cuisine, Xander and award-winning winemaker Shalini work together to craft a unique, high-quality pinot noir made in an old-world, minimal intervention style from the most iconic vineyards across California.
Shalini was named “Winemaker of the Year” at the 2015 San Francisco International Wine Competition and a San Francisco Chronicle “Winemaker to Watch” in 2019. She has worked with prestigious wineries including Roar, Williams Selyem, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Furthermore, Waits-Mast, and Neely, along with her own label, Ottavino.
Associate Winemaker Emiddio Justin Massa brings more than a decade of experience crafting premium wines from vineyards across California. Having worked alongside Shalini for many vintages, Justin plays an integral role in shaping the style and precision of our wines. His experience includes acclaimed producers such as Roar, Mansfield-Dunne, Lester Estate, Theopolis, and Ryan Cochrane. Today, Justin helps guide our coastal wines with a focus on structure, purity, and site expression.
