La Terre
The Earth/The Dirt
The viticulture history of the Sierra Foothills dates back to 1849, with the first documented planting in Coarsegold Gulch during the Gold Rush. By the 1870s and 1880s, it was among California's top wine producers. However, mining decline, population decreases, disease, and Prohibition led to a downturn. In the 1970s, abandoned vineyards were rediscovered, including old Zinfandel vines like those at the 140-year-old Grandpere Vineyard in Shenandoah Valley, one of California's oldest still producing. Sierra Foothills vineyards range widely in elevation, from 500 to 6000 feet, predominantly on oak-covered hillsides 500 to 1500 feet high. Soils are decomposed granite and sandy loam, offering excellent drainage. The climate is ideal for wine, with hot summers, cool nights, and Mediterranean-like conditions. Annual rainfall of 30-40 inches, mainly in winter and spring, supports dry farming, resulting in concentrated flavors and distinctive wines.
Les raisins
The Grapes
Les Raisins
In the southern Rhône Valley of France, one of our favorite wine-producing regions, blending different varietals is a common practice. Red wines typically feature Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, while whites often include Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Marsanne. With over 20 grape varieties in the region, winemakers have a rich palette of flavors to craft exceptional wines. Some grapes, like Syrah, are familiar to American wine drinkers, while others, like Mourvèdre and Grenache, are less known but equally world-class. When blended, these varietals create some of the world's greatest wines. Our goal is to make blended wines of this caliber, capturing the complexity of aromas and flavors that Rhône wines exemplify. We currently work with an array of varietals, including Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Picpoul Blanc, Clairrette Blanche, Bourboulenc, Viognier, Roussanne, Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. We're always looking forward to innovating our techniques or jumping on an opportunity to try something new and off the beaten path.
La Philosophie
The Philosophy
At Casque Wines, we prioritize working with the best vineyards in the Sierra Foothills and surrounding areas, letting the grapes speak for themselves with minimal intervention. Kevin and Tim have had the privilege of collaborating with top vineyards such as Fenaughty, Sumu Kaw, Barsotti, Damiano, and Clos Du Lac, which perfectly showcase the region's unique terroir. Our winemaking philosophy is rooted in achieving balance, complexity, and authenticity. Tim and Kevin strive for harmony between the fruit profile, alcohol, and barrel influence, regardless of the grape varietal. They embrace creativity and experimentation, exploring different fermentation methods and new oak profiles. Casque Wines' approach focuses on vineyard excellence. Over the past decade, we have sought the finest vineyards in the Sierra Foothills, trying 1 or 2 new vineyards each year. Beyond vineyard selection, Tim and Kevin aim for balance in winemaking. For whites, they keep alcohol levels low and blends exciting, avoiding dominant oak flavors. All barrel-aged whites are barrel-fermented, ensuring a seamless integration of oak and fruit. For stainless whites, the goal is to preserve the freshness of fruit and aromatics. Red winemaking is an ongoing experiment at Casque Wines. We continuously seek ways to improve our wines, experimenting with different coopers, fermentation methods, and techniques like whole berry, whole cluster, and crushed fermentation. Our commitment to innovation and quality ensures that every bottle of Casque Wine reflects the best of the Sierra Foothills.
Alia G.
"Very Nice All The Way Around! Wines were very approachable.
Outdoor setting was very nice.
Service was genuine and engaging..."
Kelly M.
"Beautiful atmosphere and a great selection of delicious wine! The ladies that were pouring were so kind and very knowledgeable. My husband will definitely come back with our 2 dogs. Thank you for a wonderful afternoon!"
Erin S.
"Gorgeous location for winetasting... Picture perfect ambience! We really enjoyed our time sipping wine at this little gem!"