Enfield Wine Company

California / USA

At A Glance

Winemaker(s)

John Enfield Lockwood

Varieties

Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon

Quote

A focus on producing wines of personality.

Their Story
“Driven by soil first and foremost, Enfield Wine Company seeks out vineyards that possess a distinct and powerful sense of place – across region, grape variety, and vine age.” — John Lockwood, Owner and Winemaker of Enfield Wine Company

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.
Mid Post Image
John shows us his blocks of Chardonnay and Syrah on Haynes Vineyard.

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.
“We do not subscribe to the ideal of the perfect wine, but to the notion that the very best wines tell a unique story.” — John Lockwood, Owner and Winemaker of Enfield Wine Company

“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

Interview with John Lockwood, Owner and Winemaker of Enfield Wine Co

 Where were you born and raised? Washington D.C. If you could briefly describe your approach in the vineyard what would it be? We approach our farming through the Interpretation of each site and what each wine wants to be, this guides all our decisions in the vineyard. We focus on building healthy soil for deep roots, and minimal use of irrigation and chemicals. What excites you most about your vineyards? Their character and uniqueness, their playful and rebellious nature. Our vineyards frequently break the rules, but they do so for good reason. Sonoma Coast Cab, Wild Horse Valley Pinot & Chard, etc. If you could say one thing to the sommeliers who are introducing people to your wines for the first time, what would it be? Everything is about accentuating the personality of the vineyard. All our wines have strong, soil driven personalities that make them unique and stand out among other California wines. What is your favorite type of music? Just like with wine, I like to vary it up with music and listen to something different every day. That being said I do have a soft spot fore late 90’s early 00’s hip-hop. If you could have any superhero power, what would you choose? I’ve always thought time control would be cool, so I could get everything done I need to and then still make time to relax. Visit Enfield Wine Company Website