Winemaker: Neil Collins

Neil Collins has been making the wines and tending to the vineyard operations for Tablas Creek Vineyards since 1998. The wines he produces for Tablas Creek are among the best Rhone varietals produced in California, and he brings this same passion and quest for excellence to his own Lone Madrone wines. Neil honed his craft in the cellars and vineyards of two prestigious California Central Coast operations, Wild Horse Winery and Adelaida Cellars, where he served as a winemaker for five years. Prior to joining Tablas Creek and starting his own label, Neil worked for Chateau de Beaucastel, one of the most highly regarded estates in the Chateauneuf-du-pape, southern Rhone region of France. His experience in French winemaking complemented his earlier training as a French chef in hometown of Bristol, England. Neil's experience spans 17 harvest and four wineries producing highly acclaimed wines every step of the way.

Grape Varieties Planted

• Albarino
• Barbera
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Grenache
• Mourvedre / Mataro
• Nebbiolo
• Petite Sirah
• Picpoul
• Syrah / Shiraz
• Tannat
• Viognier
• Zinfandel