Omega Road Winery
Get the Dirt from owner/winemaker Alexandra Henkelman
“There are a thousand things I wish I’d been told before getting started in the wine industry, but I think part of the beauty of this industry is the process of learning and growing.”
What was your first vintage year? Me and my Dad, Ken, began making wine together over a decade ago. What started as a hobby quickly grew into a passion project, and we started making wine as Omega Road Winery in 2014. After a couple of years, we opened the Omega Road Winery Tasting Room on Memorial Day Weekend in 2017.
How many cases do you make per vintage? About 800.
Do you have a Tasting Room? The Omega Road Winery tasting room is located at 2135 S Vasco Rd, Unit C, in the beautiful and legendary Livermore Valley. We're open Fridays between 3pm and 6pm, as well as Saturdays and Sundays between 12pm and 5pm. Mid-week appointments are also available by emailing info@omegaroadwinery.com.
Who is your winemaker? We are both owners and winemakers.
What varietals do you work with?
We focus on an eclectic collection of varietals and blends. We like to highlight the grapes that many aren't aware of and create blends that showcase different varietals while being drinkable and approachable. Currently, our favorites include our 2023 Torrontés and 2022 Mencia, but we also love our blends like the 2022 Les Tempêtes and 2019 Storyteller.
What vineyards do you source from?
Since we don't have our own vineyard, we have the privilege of working with several incredible farmers! We source fruit from Silvaspoons Vineyard in Alta Mesa, Lodi - an organic and sustainably farmed vineyard with LODI Rules certification.
Additionally, we source fruit from Wente Vineyards, a sustainably farmed vineyard and one of the largest producers in Livermore Valley. Finally, we work with a few smaller local vineyards who are farming interesting varietals. We aim to work with other businesses who are both sustainable and conscientious - of the land, the environment, and the people.
What type of oak treatment do you use?
Our barrel programs varies based on the grape, the harvest, and our goals. Our desire is always to craft a wine that is reflective of the varietal and the terroir, while ensuring the end product is both approachable and nuanced.
Typically, we utilize once and twice used American and French oak barrels. However, at times, we'll implement a more bold barrel treatment with some time in new oak.
What do you love about your winemaking region? What makes it different special?
Livermore Valley is an amazing place - it's a welcoming community committed to helping each other. We have some of the most wonderful terroir in California, and even more wonderful people.
What’s the story behind your winery name / label?
Omega Road Winery started on Omega Road in San Ramon.
What’s the one thing you wish someone had told you about the wine business before you started your own winery?
There are a thousand things I wish I'd been told before getting started in the wine industry, but I think part of the beauty of this industry is the process of learning and growing.
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?
As a small winery, we have the opportunity to really connect with our guests - we've been a part of their lives and get to see and celebrate their exciting moments. Guests have become members and then friends, and that's exactly what our community is about.
Additionally, as a small winery, we have the opportunity to experiment - try new grapes or techniques - in order to craft something incredible.
How do you view the future in the wine industry for small-lot winemakers?
Though there may be some challenging times ahead in the wine industry, I think that we, as small-lot winemakers, will have the continued opportunity to connect with our guests in a way that the larger brands don't. Of course, that also come with challenges - we're more impacted by rising rents and property and increasing costs of supplies. Additionally, the impact of climate change can be felt particularly strong for winemakers of small-lots and without as much buying power.
If you could choose another wine region to work in what would it be?
California is filled with incredible places - both in terms of terroir and people. However, I'd love to explore the world of Valle de Guadalupe in Baja. The energy of the wines coming out of the Valle is incredible, and winemakers are adventurous and creative.
For more information about Omega Road, please visit their website or follow them on Instagram.