Summers Estate Winery: winery information
Winemaker: Ignacio Blancas
Back in Michoacan, Nacho's (as he is called at the winery) family were either farmers or chefs, so he came to a familiar environment when he moved to Calistoga twelve years ago. His first jobs here were in catering, where he refined his awareness of the impact of the seasons on local crops, and on the variety of ingredients and flavors available in Northern California. He found himself spending more and more time talking to winemakers, attracted by the beauty of the vines and the chance to use his singular connection to the land.
At Summers Winery, he has discovered ways to enhance the volcanic soil to best take advantage of one of the qualities that gives Summers' wines their distinctive taste. He spends most of his time babysitting the vines, since, he says, "It takes good fruit to make the wine just right."
In addition to his duties as one of the busiest winemakers in the valley, he is a busy family man, too. He is married to Josephina and has a daughter, Rosa Elena, and a son, Ignacio, also known as Junior.
Annual Production: 10,000 cases
70 acres under production in the Napa Valley, Knights Valley and Alexander Valley appellations.
Grape Varieties Planted