In the Old West, before the days of ATVs and Helicopters, when Cowboys still worked cattle horseback, the term “Line Shack” referred to a small cabin built on the open range where cowboys could take shelter from nature's wrath while working away from their home ranch.
Our “Line Shack” was discovered in 1989 when our family acquired a small ranch in Chualar Canyon, Monterey County, California. The only building on it was a rundown cabin my father affectionately called the “Line Shack”. Soon this building was remodeled and it became a favorite place to gather and celebrate family, food, and friendships. It also became the winery, tasting room, and extra barrel storage room when our home garage became full.
My wife Daphne and I began making wine in 1991 after befriending Italian winemaker Lucio Gomiero, the owner of two very successful Italian Wineries, Vignalta in Italy’s Veneto (perennial Tre Bicchieri winner) and La Fiorita, a winery that produced one of the highest-rated Brunellos ever by Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar. It was through Lucios’ friendship that we garnered a true love for wine while simultaneously developing our palates and attention to detail, so important in the production of fine wine.
