afewwines.com

All About Wines, Wineries, and Wine Events

Donkey and Goat Summary

1340 5th Street
Berkeley ,CA 94710
United States
(510) 868-9174
donkeyandgoat.com


Donkey and Goat Description

Donkey and Goat is a renowned California winery that truly embodies the spirit of natural winemaking. Located in Berkeley, this family-owned and operated winery was established in 2004 by Tracey and Jared Brandt. With a strong commitment to sustainable practices and minimal intervention winemaking, Donkey and Goat has garnered recognition and accolades in the wine industry.

The winery sources its grapes from vineyards in the Sierra Foothills, Mendocino Ridge, and Anderson Valley, which are known for their unique microclimates and diverse terroirs. Donkey and Goat focuses on using organic and biodynamically farmed grapes, allowing the true expression of the land to shine through in their wines. They work with lesser-known and obscure grape varieties, including Mourvèdre, Grenache Noir, and Picpoul, alongside classic varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

One of the defining principles of Donkey and Goat is their philosophy of minimal intervention winemaking. Employing traditional, age-old techniques, the winemakers embrace natural fermentation, minimal use of sulfur, and aging in neutral oak barrels. This approach preserves the inherent qualities and flavors of the grapes while creating wines that showcase complexity, vibrancy, and a sense of place.

Donkey and Goat has gained a loyal following for their exceptional wines, including their skin-contact Roussanne, Syrah, and an impressive range of Grenache-based blends. Their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices extends beyond the vineyard and cellar, as they utilize solar power and have implemented a comprehensive recycling program.

Overall, Donkey and Goat is a trailblazer in the world of natural winemaking. Their dedication to crafting unique, terroir-driven wines with minimal intervention has established them as one of California's most respected and exciting wineries. With a focus on sustainability and quality, a visit to Donkey and Goat promises a truly memorable tasting experience.

What Makes Donkey and Goat Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Donkey and Goat Winery stands out amongst other wineries in the region due to its commitment to natural winemaking practices and its passion for sustainable farming. The winery, located in Berkeley, California, was founded in 2004 by Tracey and Jared Brandt, who have since gained a reputation for producing unique, handcrafted wines with a strong sense of terroir.

One of the key factors that sets Donkey and Goat apart is their focus on natural winemaking. This approach involves minimal intervention throughout the winemaking process, allowing the true character of the grapes and vineyard to shine through in the final product. The winery avoids using chemical additives or synthetic pesticides, relying instead on organic and biodynamic farming methods to maintain the health and integrity of the vineyards. This commitment to natural winemaking ensures that each bottle of Donkey and Goat wine is a reflection of the land and climate in which the grapes were grown.

Furthermore, Donkey and Goat takes a holistic approach to sustainability by embracing environmentally friendly practices. The winery sources its grapes from organic and biodynamic vineyards within California, supporting growers who prioritize the health of the land and promote biodiversity. They also apply regenerative farming techniques to promote soil health and reduce the impact of their vineyard operations on the surrounding ecosystems. In addition, Donkey and Goat employs natural and renewable energy sources, such as solar power, throughout their winemaking process, further reducing their carbon footprint.

Another distinguishing aspect of Donkey and Goat is their dedication to producing wines that are both approachable and expressive. The Brandts focus on utilizing lesser-known grape varietals and experimenting with traditional winemaking techniques to create unique and dynamic flavor profiles. This willingness to explore and push boundaries in winemaking sets Donkey and Goat apart from more conventional wineries, allowing them to craft wines that are distinctive and memorable.

Furthermore, Donkey and Goat puts great emphasis on transparency and education. They invite visitors to their tasting room to learn about their winemaking philosophy and process. The winemakers offer guided tours and tastings, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the vineyards, natural winemaking techniques, and the specific characteristics of each wine. By fostering this educational environment, Donkey and Goat enables wine enthusiasts to fully appreciate the complexity and artistry behind their wines, further enhancing the overall winery experience.

In summary, Donkey and Goat Winery differentiates itself from others in the region through its commitment to natural winemaking, sustainable farming practices, emphasis on lesser-known grape varietals, and dedication to transparency and education. These elements come together to create a truly unique and memorable winery that not only produces exceptional wines but also promotes environmental stewardship and a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking.

What Some Possible Concerns About Donkey and Goat ?

While opinions can vary, here are a few common criticisms that some people have expressed about the winery, Donkey and Goat:

1. Limited wine selection: Some visitors have found the winery's wine selection to be somewhat limited, especially compared to other larger wineries in the region. They feel that more variety in terms of grape varietals and wine styles could enhance their experience.

2. Inconsistent quality: A few people have mentioned experiencing inconsistencies in the quality of Donkey and Goat wines. They felt that while some of the wines were exceptional, others did not meet their expectations. This variance in quality left them uncertain about the overall reliability of the winery's products.

3. Limited amenities: Donkey and Goat is known for its focus on minimal intervention winemaking and environmental sustainability. However, some visitors felt that the winery lacked certain amenities commonly found in other wineries, such as guided tours, well-appointed tasting rooms, or a restaurant. They believed that additional amenities could enhance their overall experience.

4. Limited parking and space: During peak visitation times, the winery's limited parking space can become crowded. Some visitors had difficulty finding available parking spots or felt that the seating areas were too cramped when the winery was busy.

5. Somewhat unconventional approach: Donkey and Goat's natural winemaking philosophy, which includes minimal intervention and the use of native yeasts, may not be appealing to everyone's palate. Some people have found the wines to have distinct characteristics that they did not enjoy, such as earthy or funky flavors.

It is important to note that these criticisms are not universally shared, and many visitors love the unique and innovative approach that Donkey and Goat embodies. Ultimately, wine preferences, expectations, and experiences can vary greatly from person to person.

Donkey and Goat History

Donkey and Goat Winery is a renowned boutique winery located in the urban heart of Berkeley, California. Founded in 2004 by husband and wife team Jared and Tracey Brandt, this winery has gained recognition for its commitment to producing natural wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the vineyards and the grapes.

The story of Donkey and Goat began long before its establishment, rooted in the partnership of Jared and Tracey. Both passionate about wine and natural winemaking, they set out on a quest to create wines that reflected their values of sustainability, minimal intervention, and showcasing the true expression of the terroir.

Jared Brandt, the winemaker, had a diverse background in winemaking, having studied and worked in France's prestigious Rhône Valley. While in France, Jared not only learned the traditional winemaking techniques but also developed a deep respect for the environment and a desire to make wines that captured the essence of the vineyard.

Tracey Brandt, on the other hand, brought her expertise in finance and sustainability to the table. She focused on cultivating relationships with vineyards that shared their commitment to organic or biodynamic farming practices. This emphasis on sustainable farming allowed them to work with vineyards that nurtured their grapevines using environmentally friendly methods.

With their shared vision, Jared and Tracey officially established Donkey and Goat in 2004. The winery's name itself carries symbolism and meaning. The donkey symbolizes the hard work and determination necessary for winemaking, while the goat represents their desire to push boundaries and explore new possibilities in the wine world.

From the beginning, Donkey and Goat set out to produce wines that were true to the grape and the vineyard. They embraced minimal intervention winemaking techniques, such as whole-cluster fermentation, native yeast fermentation, and low-sulfur additions. These methods allow the true essence of the grapes and the vineyard's unique characteristics to shine through in each bottle.

Over the years, Donkey and Goat has expanded its portfolio to include a wide variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Syrah, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Mourvèdre, and Rhône-style blends, among others. All their wines consistently receive acclaim and high ratings from critics and enthusiasts alike, showcasing the craftsmanship, passion, and attention to detail that define the winery's identity.

Beyond winemaking, Donkey and Goat actively promotes a sense of community through their tasting room and events. Located in Berkeley, the tasting room serves as a gathering place for wine lovers to experience their unique wines and engage in conversations about sustainability, natural winemaking, and the importance of supporting local agriculture.

In conclusion, the history of Donkey and Goat Winery is one of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to creating exceptional wines while adhering to sustainable and minimalist winemaking practices. Jared and Tracey Brandt's dedication to showcasing the true expression of the vineyard and their unique approach to winemaking have firmly established Donkey and Goat as a respected and celebrated winery in California.

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