Viña Castellano

First Vintage: 2003

Owned by: This is a family venture co-owned by Gabe and Carolyn Mendez and their daughter and son-in-law, Teena and Craig Wilkins.

Winemaker/Viticulturist: U.C. Davis graduate Derek Irwin has served as head winemaker and viticulturist since 2004, replacing Chris Markell who helped launch the brand. The Mendez and Wilkins families are “hands-on” when it comes to working the vineyard and winery and they are assisted by Victor Brambila, foreman.

Tasting Room: Open Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Vina Castellano’s tasting room occupies the front section of its wine cave, without question the finest in the region. A cut-and-cover style cave, it is constructed of large boulders “harvested” from the estate when the vineyards were originally planted. The tasting room stays at a uniformly cool temperature all year round, and it features many unique gift items for sale. A prime tasting experience.

Estate: The total estate comprises 60 acres, with eight planted in vines in 1999. The approach to the vineyard on Bell Road is a beautiful drive, and the vineyard and property are meticulously maintained.

Events: Four wine club events are held each year, and special events—such as movies in the vineyard and special musical performances—are held periodically. In the works: a Bocce ball court will be built and the plan is to hold Friday night Bocce and wine events.

Grapes Cultivated: Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Mourvedre, Verdejo (a Spanish white varietal, the first planted in California according to the winery)

Wines Produced: Rosado (a Syrah Rosé), Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Mourvedre, Auvueliga (a red blend named in honor of Gabe Mendez’s mother)

Cases Produced Annually: 2,000

Notable Features: If you are looking for a venue for a private party, this place is a great choice, with a picturesque pondside pavilion and deck with lots of outdoor space for guests. Vina Castellano will prepare a tapas menu and you’ll be so welcomed you’ll feel like a family member (but be careful because they may try to put you to work).

Contact & Visit:

4590 Bell Road
Auburn, CA 95602
530-889-2855
teena@vinacastellano.com
www.vinacastellano

Gary’s Comments:

Vina Castellano The Mendez family is defined in many ways by its strong ties to its Spanish heritage. Wine was always an essential part of family meals and celebrations, so it only made sense for Tempranillo to become the flagship variety for Viña Castellano. With a career based around earth moving and leasing heavy construction equipment, Gabe Mendez was the perfect candidate to prepare vineyards for planting and for on-site construction projects. His skills are reflected in the superb quality and design the estate’s wine cave. Teena Wilkins, the youngest of his four daughters, has an innate drive that she funneled into making and marketing wine.

Teena Wilkins show off an award-winning wine in front of the Viña Castellano wine cave and tasting room.

She is not only a driver for her own brand, but she has worked tirelessly to help put Placer County literally on the winemaking map. Teena was instrumental in launching a combined tasting room for four wineries in Auburn, a venture that was disbanded after Placer County finally passed a winery ordinance in 2008 that codified rules for winery-based tasting rooms.

Viña Castellano’s Tempranillo is among the rarer wines produced in the county, yet the local terrior is ideal for the varietal. It is a flavorful, food-friendly and a top seller for the winery.