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Consilience Wines Summary

2923 Grand Avenue
Los Olivos ,CA 93441
United States
(805) 691-1020
consiliencewines.com


Consilience Wines Description

Consilience Wines is a charming boutique winery located in downtown Los Olivos, California. Established in 1998, the winery is nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara County's wine country. With a focus on producing handcrafted, small-lot wines, Consilience has built a reputation for creating exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.

Consilience Wines takes pride in working closely with local vineyards to source the finest grapes, handpicking them at the optimal time to ensure the highest quality. Specializing in Rhône varietals such as Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier, the winery produces rich and elegant wines that truly highlight the expressive character of the region's grapes.

The winemaking philosophy at Consilience revolves around minimal intervention, allowing the grapes to speak for themselves. The grapes are gently pressed and carefully fermented using traditional methods and aged in French oak barrels to develop complexity and depth. This approach results in wines that are well-balanced, showcasing both the intensity of the fruit flavors and the nuances of the terroir.

Consilience Wines not only offers a delightful tasting experience but also has a cozy and inviting tasting room where visitors can sample their exquisite wines. The knowledgeable staff is always eager to share insights about their winemaking process and the unique characteristics of each wine. For those looking to explore the diverse and exciting wines of Santa Barbara County, a visit to Consilience Wines is an absolute must.

What Makes Consilience Wines Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Consilience Wines stands out among the plethora of wineries in California due to its unique approach to winemaking, strong commitment to quality, and distinctive wine offerings. Located in the scenic Santa Barbara County wine region, Consilience Wines embraces a philosophy that combines both tradition and innovation to create exceptional wines.

One of the key aspects that sets Consilience Wines apart is its dedication to sustainable farming practices. The winery strongly believes in preserving the environment and actively implements sustainable viticultural methods. By minimizing the use of chemicals and pesticides, Consilience Wines ensures the health of its vineyards while contributing to the sustainability of the region's ecosystem. This commitment to eco-friendly practices is becoming increasingly relevant in today's wine industry, giving Consilience Wines a distinct advantage.

Consilience Wines also stands out for its meticulous approach to winemaking. The winery places great importance on the entire winemaking process, from grape selection to bottling. The vineyard's close proximity to the Pacific Ocean allows for a unique microclimate, facilitating the cultivation of premium quality grapes. This, combined with the winery's expertise and attention to detail, results in wines that exhibit a harmonious balance of flavors and aromas.

Furthermore, Consilience Wines offers a range of diverse and distinctive wine varietals. While many wineries in the region focus on popular grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Consilience Wines also delves into lesser-known varietals, showcasing their passion for experimentation and innovation. With offerings such as Syrah, Viognier, and Mourvèdre, the winery provides a truly unique tasting experience that introduces wine enthusiasts to exciting and lesser-explored flavors.

Consilience Wines also prides itself on its tasting room experience. The winery's warm and inviting atmosphere welcomes visitors, creating an environment in which they can immerse themselves in the world of wine. Guests can enjoy guided tastings, gain insights into the winemaking process, and engage with knowledgeable staff who are passionate about sharing their expertise. This emphasis on customer experience not only adds value to the visit but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the wines produced by Consilience.

In summary, Consilience Wines differentiates itself from other wineries in the region through its commitment to sustainable farming practices, meticulous winemaking techniques, diverse wine offerings, and exceptional customer experiences. Whether you are a wine enthusiast seeking unique varietals or someone interested in supporting environmentally conscious wineries, Consilience Wines is undoubtedly worth exploring.

What Some Possible Concerns About Consilience Wines ?

While it is important to highlight the positive aspects of a winery, it is also valuable to provide a well-rounded perspective. Here are a few aspects that some people did not particularly enjoy about Consilience Wines:

1. Limited variety: Consilience Wines primarily focuses on red varietals such as Syrah, Grenache, and Sangiovese. This might not appeal to those who prefer white wines or a greater variety of options.

2. Small tasting room: Some visitors have mentioned that the tasting room at Consilience Wines can feel cramped, especially during peak hours. Limited space may lead to less personal attention and restricted seating arrangements.

3. Limited amenities: Unlike larger wineries, Consilience Wines may lack certain amenities or activities like vineyard tours, picnic areas, or live entertainment. This can make the overall experience less diverse for some visitors seeking additional recreational options.

4. Moderate prices: While wine appreciation is subjective, some individuals have found Consilience Wines to be slightly on the pricier side compared to other wineries in the region. This aspect may not suit budget-conscious consumers or those looking for more affordable options.

Remember, these cons should be presented alongside the winery's positive attributes to provide a fair assessment for potential visitors.

Consilience Wines History

Consilience Wines is a small yet highly esteemed winery located in the heart of California's picturesque Santa Barbara County. Founded in 1999 by winemaker Brett Escalera, Consilience Wines represents a lifelong passion for winemaking and a commitment to producing exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.

The story of Consilience Wines begins with Brett Escalera's deep-rooted love for winemaking, which was cultivated during his time as a student at the renowned University of California, Davis. After completing his studies, Escalera gained invaluable hands-on experience working at renowned wineries in both California and Oregon.

Inspired by the potential of finding his own piece of winemaking heaven, Escalera set his sights on Santa Barbara County. The region's cool climate and diverse microclimates offered a distinct advantage for cultivating premium grapes. With the goal of creating wines that marry artistry and science, Escalera found the ideal location for his winery in the charming town of Los Olivos.

Consilience Wines takes its name from the Latin word "consilience," which means the convergence of evidence from different sources to form a cohesive understanding. This concept reflects Escalera's approach to winemaking, where he skillfully blends tradition and innovation to craft harmonious wines that exemplify the unique character of the vineyards.

The winery's commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous vineyard sourcing. Consilience Wines works closely with select growers who share their passion for sustainable and organic farming practices. By partnering with these dedicated farmers, the winery ensures that only the finest grapes are used to produce their wines.

Consilience Wines specializes in Rhône-style varietals, showcasing the diversity and potential of this grape family in Santa Barbara County. Escalera's expertise in crafting rich, expressive wines is showcased in their portfolio, which includes standout Syrahs, Grenaches, Mourvèdres, and Viogniers.

One of the winery's most acclaimed vineyards is the iconic Murmur Vineyard, located in the Los Alamos Valley. This meticulously farmed site features cool-climate conditions ideal for producing elegant and nuanced wines. The grapes from Murmur Vineyard are hand-harvested and carefully sorted to ensure only the best fruit makes it into the final blend.

Consilience Wines' unwavering commitment to excellence has been recognized by both critics and wine lovers alike. Their wines have received numerous accolades, including high scores from respected publications such as Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator. This recognition has solidified Consilience Wines' reputation as one of Santa Barbara County's premier wineries.

From their humble beginnings in 1999, Consilience Wines continues to thrive as a family-owned and operated winery. Today, Brett Escalera's sons, William and Timothy, play integral roles in the winery's day-to-day operations. With each passing vintage, the Escalera family remains dedicated to producing wines that express the true essence of Santa Barbara County's unique terroir.

Consilience Wines invites visitors to experience the beauty of their vineyards and the artistry of their wines firsthand. Their welcoming tasting room in Los Olivos offers a warm atmosphere where guests can savor their handcrafted wines while learning about the winemaking process. This personal touch and commitment to hospitality further enhance the overall Consilience Wines experience.

In conclusion, Consilience Wines represents a true testament to the passion, dedication, and expertise of winemaker Brett Escalera. Through his unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, Consilience Wines has earned its place among California's top wineries, showcasing the incredible potential of Santa Barbara County's terroir, one bottle at a time.

Introduction

Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!

I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....

After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.

Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.

Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.

As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.

Cheers! - Franklin Laurel