(July 31, 2018; Saint Helena, Calif.)—Ehlers Estate is pleased to welcome Laura Díaz Muñoz as its new winemaker and director of operations.
Laura comes to Ehlers after more than a decade at Jackson Family Wines, where she launched Galerie wines in 2012, a brand focused on Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. She first joined Jackson Family Wines in 2007 as associate winemaker for Cardinale, Lokoya, Mt. Brave and La Jota.
“I’m excited for the opportunity at Ehlers Estate to work with a contiguous, organically-farmed vineyard with my own vineyard crew,” says Laura. “My greatest aspiration is to make balanced wines which are reflective of the unique fruit and minerality character of of Ehlers Estate vineyard, with long finishes and distinct textures that are difficult to forget on the palate.”
Winemaker Laura Díaz Muñoz
Originally from Madrid, Spain, Laura’s experience making wine internationally is vast. She received a graduate degree in enology at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, honing her technical skills at her first job in La Mancha at Finca Otero. From there, she traveled to Marlborough, New Zealand for a position Isabel Estate Vineyards, followed by a stint at Calina Winery in Chile.
About Ehlers Estate
Ehlers Estate is a picturesque 42-acre vineyard with a stone barn winery dating back to 1886. All of the wines are 100% estate-grown and produced, and the vineyards, which are planted to Bordeaux varietals, are certified organic by the CCOF.
The original winery was established by Bernard Ehlers. Today, the winery is owned by the trust that supports the Leducq Foundation, a prestigious private foundation dedicated to supporting internationally collaborative research in heart disease and stroke. This trust was established by Jean and Sylviane Leducq in 1996. The Leducqs came to the Napa Valley from France in search of a contiguous estate to create a winemaking legacy much like the great chateaux of Bordeaux. Today, the Leducq trust is dedicated to continuing this legacy.
The vineyard is divided into five main blocks (based primarily on soil type) and 25 sub-blocks. It has six different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon planted on multiple rootstocks, seven sub-blocks of Merlot, four of Cabernet Franc, two of Sauvignon Blanc and a block of Petit Verdot. The vineyard’s northern Napa Valley microclimate is defined by cool fog in the mornings, burnt off by bright, full sun at mid-day, and breezes in the afternoon to ensure slow, steady and even ripening for the grapes.
Wines
Ehlers Estate produces nine wines: 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon ($125), J. Leducq Cabernet Sauvignon ($90), Portrait Red Blend ($75), Cabernet Sauvignon ($55), Cabernet Franc ($65), Merlot ($55), Petit Verdot ($65), Sauvignon Blanc ($32) and Sylviane Rosé ($36).
Visit
The Ehlers Estate tasting room is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. seven days a week, by prior appointment for parties up to six. Portfolio tastings are $35 per person, and complimentary for Wine Club members and up to three guests. The winery strives to offer personalized hospitality tailored to the individual interests of guests. The property features a rotating art exhibit, an eclectic patchwork of vintage furniture, and an outdoor bocce ball court and tables. Currently, guests may also experience a “Start Your Day” breakfast tasting, which includes a croissant from Bouchon Bakery a personalized tour of the winery and vineyards, for $50 person or $35 for Wine Club members.
Contact Ehlers Estate:
3222 Ehlers Ln.
St. Helena, CA 94574
707.963.5972
Social Media:
Hashtag: #EhlersLove
Twitter: @EhlersEstate
Instagram: @EhlersEstate
Facebook: EhlersEstateWinery
Website: www.ehlersestate.com/
