John Lockwood began his label Enfield Wine Company in 2010 while working at Failla winery. He began his wine career hand-weeding grape vines in Vermont but soon found himself in California as an apprentice studying guitar building under Master Luthier in Oakland. It wasn’t long before John moved north to wine country where he soon fell in love with the Heron Lake Vineyard in Wild Horse Valley. In 2013, John left Failla as demand for the Enfield wines grew and he is now making some of the most structured, expressive and vibrant California wines we have ever tasted.
Sourcing his fruit from a variety of different California AVAs (Wild Horse Valley in eastern Napa County and western Solano County, Fort Ross-Seaview in the far northern reaches of the Sonoma County coast, and the Shake Ridge area just east of Sutter Creek in Amador County). He uses a very light hand in the cellar, interfering as little as possible. He prefers (as do all our grower/ producers), to use wild rather than commercial yeasts, and to let malolactic fermentation develop on its own rather than via inoculation. With under 1000 cases of total production, we feel truly honored to be representing his wines in South Carolina.
“Driven by soil first and foremost, Enfield Wine Co. seeks out vineyards that possess a distinct and powerful sense of place – across region, grape variety, and vine age. Working only with small vineyards and independent growers, every step of the process is guided by the intent to maximize this character of terroir. Grapes are harvested for balance and the wines are all given the chance to ferment naturally.
The lineup of wines extends from fresh, mineral driven everyday wines, to quirky “off the beaten path” vineyards and varietals, and age-worthy wines of elegance and power from classic regions of California. Each has its own story to tell.”
– John Lockwood