Our California Hall of Fame

After having the chance to taste with Gordy Veneri of Walla Walla Vintners a couple of weeks ago we started to think about all of the great winemakers we have gotten to know over the years through our experience working in wineries and since opening the dinner party. Getting to know so many of the great winery owners and winemakers has been for us one of the most joyful parts of being in the wine business. It too allows us to better communicate to you our customers the qualities that a winemaker is striving for in their product, and helps us to match the best wine for your palate as we grow to know your likes and dislikes.

As part of this we started to think about the winemakers we know that have truly impacted their communities through their contributions in the wine industry, charitable work and of course the quality of wine they produce and have made for a long time.

Bob Lindquist, owner/founder and winemaker at Santa Maria-based Qupe has been producing world class Rhone varietals for decades. From the most gently priced entry level wines to his higher end estate designated bottles, his wines are delicious. Bob too has maintained his cutting edge knowledge and evolved his style over the years to keep the Qupe brand relevant while not sacrificing quality or consistency.

Another factor in our appreciation of Bob's talent is his willingness and skill at bringing along young winemakers who are just starting out in the business. There are Lindquist "finger prints" on countless other wineries whom he has helped get started and educated on all aspects of the business of wine. John Lancaster and Rob Perkins at Skylark, the late Mike Bonacoursi and his Bonacoursi Winery, are just two of the many fabulous wineries that have benefitted from Bob's talent and knowledge.

Bob too is one of the original members of the "Rhone Rangers" group, one of the best known and most charitable groups of wine industry professionals. Through their work with the Hospice du Rhone and their contributions to many local charities their work helps many folks in countless ways.

The Qupe wines are available here in North Idaho, are of the highest quality and consumers can feel good about supporting a winery that does so much for the community.

Another great winery owner and winemaker who we include in our California pantheon is Tony Soter. While Tony now hales from Oregon where he produces Pinot Noir, dry rose of Pinot Noir and Sparkling wine that is among the best in the world, his legacy in California is clear. Tony was the founder and winemaker of the great California property Etude which is now owned by Fosters group from Australia.

While building Etude located in the Carneros district of Napa County Tony was known for producing simply fabulous Cabernet, Pinot Noir, a range of whites and one of the most memorable dry roses that launched my appreciation of this misunderstood wine. During this time (like Bob Lindquist) Tony helped launch the careers of countless young winemakers including Mia Klein of powerhouse Carneros winery Selene, the late Greg Brown of T - Vine Cellars, his current hands on winemaker James Cahill and many more.

Also like Bob and so many others in the wine business Tony supports countless charitable causes in a quiet and steady way, rarely saying no to any request.

The evolution of Tony's palate and winemaking talent has truly been great to witness and taste. At Etude his focus on those varietals that did well in the appellation produced some of the most memorable wines of my consuming history. Since moving back to his native Oregon his keen focus on Burgundian and Champagne styles is every bit the measure of his Napa success. This extraordinary accomplishment shows a range of winemaking talent and knowledge that is impressive when considering the differences in the varietals, growing conditions and profiles of the different wines.

We will continue to write from time to time about some of the legendary winemakers, growers and winery owners that contribute so much to the industry that we love and brings us such great joy; it will be a long list. Starting by talking about two of our favorites - Bob and Tony - seemed a good spot to begin not only because of their great talent and generosity but also for all of you as wine consumers, these are great wines you can access here at home.

If there is a topic you would like to read about or questions on wine you can email George@thedinnerpartyshop.com or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d'Alene Press.

George Balling is co-owner with his wife Mary Lancaster of the dinner party - a wine and table top decor shop in Coeur d'Alene by Costco. George is also the managing judge of The North Idaho Wine Rodeo and writes frequently for the online version of Coeur d'Alene Magazine at www.cdamagazine.com. His articles can also be found on the blog at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com.