Product Overview
Winery's Notes
"This project is built on a historical foundation. Through the careful research of historians and scholars, it is now known that the first vines in California were planted by the Juaneño (Acjachemen) Indians at Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1779. It is also recognized that the Mission Indians of each of the 21 Missions were the first winemakers in Alta California.
Co-founder Chris Lobo is a 9th-generation Juaneño Mission Indian who traces his lineage back to 1747 within the aboriginal territory. With this deep connection, we honor the first winemakers of Alta California— the Mission Indians and their NATIVE HANDS.
During the young male initiation ceremony, the preparation and administration of the Jimson Weed elixir were typically overseen by tribal shamans or spiritual leaders known as Pahas, who possessed knowledge of the plant's medicinal and visionary powers. The initiation process involved guidance from elders and special members of the council (Púupulum), who played critical roles in mentoring and overseeing the initiates.
The ingestion of the elixir induced altered states of consciousness, believed to facilitate spiritual experiences and insights for the initiate. The object or animal that the initiate encountered after drinking the elixir became his guardian spirit.
This ceremony was performed every few years, with only select elite males chosen to participate. It dates back thousands of years and was practiced by nearly every tribe in Southern California, including all Mission Tribes."
Varietal Composition: 45% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Aging: 17 months in French barriques
Winemaker: Curt Schalchlin
