Etnyre Wines
Get the Dirt from winemaker Ethan Etnyre
“Small producers have undeniable focus, laced with exciting stories of small scale production. ”
What was your first vintage year? 2005
How many cases do you make per vintage? About 150-200.
Do you have a Tasting Room? Not at this time.
What wine made you want to become a winemaker/start your own winery?
Dehlinger 1992 Pinot Noir. It was beautiful, balanced, and mind-blowing.
What varietals do you work with?
We produce Pinot Noir and Syrah. We have one row of Torrontés that is co-fermented with our Syrah. It is our take on a Côte Rôtie.
Which varietal/wine is your favorite to make?
Syrah. There is nothing like that deep iridescent purple hue of our Syrah during fermentation.
What vineyards do you source from?
Our estate property called Quin’s Vineyard.
What type of oak treatment do you use? Why?
Second and third year rotation François Frères barrels. I want a minimum of oak influence in the wines. I believe the wines should primarily reflect the terroir.
What do you love about your winemaking region? What makes it different special?
Wines from cool coastal vineyards make me happy. Quin’s Vineyard is 3.3 miles from the Pacific Ocean, with substantial maritime influences.
What’s the story behind your winery name / label?
Etnyre is my last name. Mikuni (the round Japanese symbol) is my wife’s last name. Quin’s vineyard is named after our son, so our whole family makes the label.
Most importantly, what's so great about being small? What can you do as a small winemaker, that wouldn't be possible for larger wineries?
Small producers have undeniable focus, laced with exciting stories of small scale production. The Pinot Noir fountain is my favorite story.
How do you view the future in the wine industry for small-lot winemakers?
The future is bright. Garagistes produce world class wines people love. Finding an undiscovered gem is half of the fun.
If you had to choose another wine region to work in what would it be?
The Northern Rhône. I would love to grow grapes, bottle classic terroir driven wines, and learn French.
For more information about Etnyre Wines, please visit their website.