Gold Medal Wines of Alquimista Cellars | California

TINTO
Oct 13, 2020
2 min read

Updated: Jul 7

The heart and soul approach to winemaking revealed within Alquimista Cellars, pronounced “Al-qui-mis-ta.” The name itself is a reference to alchemy, the process of combining various elements in order to make gold, or in this case, gold medal wines.

Winemakers Greg La Follette, a biochemist who has worked with wines for over two decades, and Patrick Dillion, a Pulitzer Prize winning writer, are the dynamic duo behind Alquimista Cellars. Together they’ve partnered to create vibrant, supple Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, always seeking to highlight the unique characteristics and intense expressions of various varietals. Greg, considered one of North America’s most admired winemakers, is known for his meticulous winemaking techniques, and ways of fusing science and the elements.

California Wine Region - Alquimista Wine, best red wine in America

The wonders of their wine are experienced with each sip, and one of the reasons we sought to interview Greg, hoping to learn more about their magical methods and carefully crafted creations.

Q. How did Alquimista Cellars get started?

A. I co-founded it with Patrick Dillon. He had worked with me at La Follette Wines, and at one point we were commanded by the majority owner ‘not’ to pick a certain vineyard, due to difficulty and expense, but Patrick decided that we would pick it anyway. La Follette's Manchester Ridge won the sweepstakes award at the American Fine Wine Competition, ostensibly wearing the mantle of “Best Red Wine in America.” Patrick then declared we should start our own label where no one would tell us what to do.

Q. What do you do to keep your wines and land healthy?

A. Sustainable, organic and biodynamic farming of the land.

Q. How many different grape varieties do you work with?

A. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Zinfandel, Cinsault and Carignan. The Pinot and Chardonnay are the twin jewels of Burgundy, and these are our focus. The other varietals are from some of the oldest vineyards on the planet, and we enjoy the stewardship of these ancient vines.

Q. Tell us something curious about your region or area.

A. West Sonoma County is very rural and agricultural. The first grapes were planted by Russians in the early 1800s, well before the Franciscan missionaries came to Sonoma County. The land here is incredibly diverse, and has more soil types than all of France!

Q. Anything else we should know about the winery, or you?

A. We may be new, but we have been making wine for decades and Alquimista Wines are the culmination of many years of learning.