Chris Caruso Wines
Get the Dirt from owner/winemaker Chris Caruso
“I make wines with the grapes I love and in a lower alcohol style that pairs great with foods. They are approachable yet complex and thought provoking. ”
What was your first vintage year? 2021
How many cases do you make per vintage? We make around 200-300 cases a vintage.
Do you have a Tasting Room? Tastings available by appointment in Santa Ynez. Contact me at chris@chriscarusowines.com to set up a time.
What wine/grape made you want to become a winemaker/start your own winery?
Grenache is my jam. Can be light and ethereal, or powerful and brooding, and everything in-between.
What varietals do you work with? Which varietal/wine is your favorite to make?
I make Grenache, Syrah, and a blend of both. I love the flavors, how they pair with hearty and rustic foods.
What vineyards do you source from?
All of my wines are made from CCOF Certified Organic Vineyards in the Ballard Canyon AVA. Specifically the Kimsey Vineyard and Piazza Bella Vista Vineyard. Super complex soils across Ballard Canyon (Clay, Sand, Limestone, etc.) create intense and interesting grapes. The hot days and cool nights make for complex and well balanced wines.
What type of oak treatment do you use?
I use neutral French oak for about 15 months to highlight the pure flavors of the vineyards. I make wines with no “makeup”.
What do you love about your winemaking region?
Long, warm growing days and cool nights create powerful California flavors with the balance and freshness not found in hotter climate regions. It’s cool here in Santa Barbara County.
What’s the story behind your winery name / label?
My label is designed by Michael Kirts, an artist and label designer in Portland, OR. We love many of the same mid-century artists such as Richard Diebenkorn and David Hockney. I wanted a bold, avant garde design and Michael delivered! My label is abstract, I’ve had people tell me they see wine glasses, stones, wine skins, cuts of meat, kidneys and livers, bags of wine, and countless others. It’s whatever you want it to be. I’m glad to provide a little touch of fine art to enjoy along with your glass of wine.
How do you view the future in the wine industry for small-lot winemakers?
Between inflation and tariffs the expense of winemaking supplies and packaging has become challenging. Small producers need to start pairing up as much as possible to purchase larger quantities, thus saving money and lowering shipping expenses. Perhaps a Co-Op is much needed, it works in Europe!
Do you ever get tired of drinking your own wine?
No way! I make wines with the grapes I love and in a lower alcohol style that pairs great with foods. I can have multiple glasses of my wines, they are approachable yet complex and thought provoking.
If you could choose another wine region to work in, what would it be?
I could have chosen any wine region when I started Chris Caruso Wines, I’m right where I want to be!
For more information about Chris Caruso Wines, please visit their website or follow them on Instagram.