Why it matters
The producer
Growers founded Bear Creek as a cooperative in 1934. The Kautz family's route into wine passed through Frederick and Marie Kautz, who immigrated from Germany to California in 1926 and began farming in 1940. John Kautz moved from cherries to wine grapes in 1968. In 1988, he established Ironstone Vineyards as his first winery. The Kautz family acquired Bear Creek in 1997.
Bear Creek operates as a custom crush facility for major beverage alcohol companies. Custom crush work places the facility between grape supply and a company's finished label, with the wine made and prepared for that company's brand. Bear Creek is the sixth largest family owned US grape grower and winery operation.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
The Kautz family's vineyards stretch across two California appellations, Lodi and the Sierra Foothills. The holdings cover approximately 7,000 acres across those areas, giving the family fruit from more than one named growing place.
Climate and ground influence ripeness, acidity, body and tannin before fermentation. Fruit from separate appellations can arrive at the cellar with those differences already present. The place names mark different starting points for the wine before custom production begins.
Wines to know
The range in view
Bear Creek's custom crush role serves multiple beverage alcohol companies. The facility makes and prepares wine for another company's label or brand, so the range can carry different names and grape compositions.
Yoga Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Petite Sirah 2022 is a red blend named for its three grape varieties. Blackcurrant, blueberry and wild raspberry sit alongside chocolate, mint and vanilla. The wine has oak character, a full body, and a rich, long finish.