Two Shepherds is a labor of love for William Allen and his partner Karen Daenen. They have a small production winery in Windsor (Sonoma County), a homestead where they’ve planted their own vineyard, and an adorable menagerie of animals. William is primarily a Rhône enthusiast, but with a style that highlights the leaner, lighter, elegant side of these varieties. His wines have a purity of fruit and a lively acidity that are more akin to their French counterparts than their California neighbors. ‘Two Shepherds’ refers not to WIlliam and Karen, but to the winery’s roles as ‘shepherd of the grape’ and ‘shepherd of the palate’--an Old World philosophy of gentle guidance, minimal intervention, and authentic expression.  We’re delighted to have William back at minimo for a winemaker tasting this Saturday, where he’ll debut new Spring releases.

We’ll feature the flagship “Pastoral Blanc,” a white blend of Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, and Grenache Blanc sourced from the esteemed Saralee's Vineyard and Catie's Corner Vineyard in Russian River Valley; a skin-fermented Trousseau Gris from the coveted Fanucchi Vineyard in Russian River Valley; and Cinsault from the oldest surviving Cinsault vines in the world at the historic Bechtold vineyard in Lodi. 

‘Pastoral Blanc’ White Rhône Blend, Sonoma County  2015
Trousseau Gris Skin Fermented Fanucchi Vineyard, Russian River Valley 2017
Cinsault Bechthold Vineyard, Russian River Valley 2017

Flight of 3 wines, $15
Saturday, April 28th, 12:00-7:00
Winemaker William Allen will be present from 3:00-6:00pm