Blackwood Wines
Get the Dirt from owner/winemaker Patrick Mechenbier
“We get to do this for fun. We have the flexibility to learn and experiment with new varietals and new methods to see what we want both explore and refine. I think that’s where the future is.”
What was your first vintage year? My partner Emma and I started this in 2023.
How many cases do you make per vintage? We make around 75 cases a vintage.
Do you have a Tasting Room? No, we do not have a tasting room that is open to the public. We do allow for appointments.
What wine/grape made you want to become a winemaker/start your own winery?
Patrick – Syrah for the wildness that end result can be, and Chardonnay as it can be such a pure expression of where it is from.
Emma – Joy Fantastic Gamay, because I love Amy and Peter’s background and their style of wine. It inspired me to want to do something of my own.
What varietals do you work with? Which varietal/wine is your favorite to make?
We currently work with Gamay, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay being our favorite to make.
What vineyards do you source from?
We source from the Alisos Canyon AVA and Peake Ranch, John Sebastiano, and Zotovich vineyards. We love the Sta. Rita Hills region and its generally cool and long growing season.
What type of oak treatment do you use?
Neutral, we believe in letting the grapes speak for themselves with minimal oak influence.
What do you love about your winemaking region?
We love the style of wine coming from the region, the high acidity and cool climate have a lovely impact on the wine. It is a unique area where so many people are willing to share their knowledge with you, which we have greatly enjoyed. There is something for everyone in this region, from cooler Pinots and Chardonnays to warmer Cabs.
What’s the story behind your winery name / label?
The winery name is (Emma’s) last name. When something is named for yourself, you make a commitment to yourself to be the best you can be. My last name means “maker of beer” in German…which doesn’t really work for a winery. However, if we ever start a brewery, we know what we’ll name it…
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about the wine business before you started your own winery?
Don’t be afraid to put your wine out there.
How do you view the future in the wine industry for small-lot winemakers?
We get to do this for fun. We have the flexibility to learn and experiment with new varietals and new methods to see what we want both explore and refine. I think that’s where the future is. In the age of big box stores and mass production, people want to learn what it is that makes a brand special. They want to be involved with the story and passion behind these smaller brands.
Do you ever get tired of drinking your own wine?
Nope!
If you could choose another wine region to work in, what would it be?
Burgundy and the Northern Rhone
For more information about Blackwood Wines, please visit their website or follow them on Instagram.