Vines on the Marycrest
Get the Dirt from winemaker Victor Abascal
Q. How much have you grown in ten years?
A. Case-wise, we are just about the same as ten years ago. We discontinued any and all distribution a few years back. So we sell the same amount as 10 years prior, but just out the door of our tasting room and to our wine club.
Nine years ago we built a beautiful tasting room. For us, it's where everything happens.
Q. How have your wines been received?
A. We don't really partake in the score wars, or even competitions, any longer. A few years back, Jenni sent some wine to a Robert Parker cattle call. Our wines did really well. We got a 95. I think? 94? I don't remember. Anyway, it did absolutely nothing for us. I'd love to pretend people don't let other people lead them around by the nose.
Q. Has your winemaking style or philosophy changed over the years?
A. It has, but ever so slightly. It would be hard to explain the difference. I just hope I've become a tad more refined than when I first began this winemaking life.
Q. How has the Garagiste Festival affected you?
A. I've met some amazing, supportive and likeminded folks through the G-Fest. We were OG Garagistes, so early on, the fest and its’ supporters were a very important factor to anyone knowing who the heck we were. And just as important, what we were doing, and why.
Q. What’s the most important thing that you know now that you didn’t know when you first started?
A. Farming is hard, and grapes are sticky.
Q. Do you still do everything entirely by yourself, you insane bastard?
A. Yes. It's just the way it is. I'm not proud of that.
Q. Anything else you’d like to add?
A. Approaching two decades of making wine in Paso, I think it's really important to take a step back, and appreciate all the friends, and truly supportive folks Jenni and I have met over the years. At the Garagiste Festival, we have a chance to see so many of them, and share a smile. That means a lot to us.
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