PHILO, CALIFORNIA (December 1, 2020) – Weatherborne Wine Corp., started in Santa Barbara in 2012, has opened a new tasting room in Philo, located at the last operating lumber mill in the valley. Founded by Cris Carter and his father Nick Carter, the partnership continues, but now has a permanent home to host the public. After searching up and down the state, the Carters chose Anderson Valley for its cool coastal climate, abundance of nature and laid-back community. With the purchase of 30 acres of an old apple orchard and pasture in 2015, the family plotted its course northward.
The tasting room is located at the I&E Lath Mill in “downtown” Philo, at 8750 Philo School House Road, in a stunning redwood building, built with reclaimed timber and locally sourced siding. Formerly a showroom for unique wooden slabs and tables, the space is now filled with a tasting bar and has a pleasant airy patio. Due to Covid-19 safety precautions, all tastings are currently on the weather-protected patio only.
While studying Viticulture & Enology at the University of California, Davis, Cris flew light airplanes in the school’s flying club, the Cal Aggie Flying Farmers. Cris initially pursued his commercial pilot’s license, planning on joining the family tradition of aviation. Grandfather Dean Carter flew in WWII and for many years for TWA. His three sons all became pilots: Nick flying for TWA and American Airlines for 40 years, Chris Carter in the Marine Corps and Coast Guard as a helicopter pilot, and Jon flew freight for UPS. However, for Cris, the wine road was too alluring to not follow.
Born into a family of travelers, Cris was encouraged to explore the world, and saw how agriculture shaped the places he visited. As a pilot, an understanding of weather is crucial to survival; as a farmer it is equally critical. Before launching Weatherborne, Cris spent a decade working his way up from a cellar hand in Napa, Santa Barbara and New Zealand, to assistant winemaker in Oregon and then again in California.
Weatherborne is the intersection of the technical aspects of flying and winemaking, with the intuitive aspects of farming and reading the clouds. Weatherborne believes that authenticity and transparency are endangered values in the modern world. Starting in 2019 all fruit sourced by Weatherborne is organically farmed, to protect the health of consumers, farmworkers and the environment. All Weatherborne wines are vegan and vegetarian, never made with any animal products. Weatherborne aims to make wines that are handcrafted, expressive of place, but with a sense of levity. It’s just wine after all!
Following all current Covid protocols, the tasting room is currently offering two experiences for guests, all poured by the winemaker himself on the patio:
- Flights $15-$20 per person. Wines will rotate, but currently include Grenache Blanc, Grenache Noir and Pinot Noir from Mendocino and Santa Barbara Counties. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- Private Tastings $25 per person, available Monday through Thursday. Along with wines from the normal flight, a special Library wine will be offered.
Future plans include planting an organic vineyard with varieties such as Grenache Noir, Gamay Noir and Chenin Blanc. Regenerative agriculture will be implemented including the use of wildlife corridors, insectaries and livestock for farming. A truly vibrant, balanced, polycultural farm is the goal.
About Weatherborne Wine Corp.
Weatherborne Wine Corp. makes limited production, handcrafted Pinot Noir and Grenache from coastal vineyards, first in the Sta. Rita Hills and now Mendocino. The wines show great freshness while adding complexity from plenty of whole-cluster inclusion, and minimal new oak for structure. Tasting room located at 8750 Philo School Rd. is open Friday and Saturday 12-5, Sunday 11-4, and by appointment Monday through Thursday. Reservations recommended as outside seating is limited. For booking tables, call or text (707) 684-5299 or book online at weatherborne.com/visit. For more information, follow us on Instagram @weatherborne, Facebook @weatherbornewinecorp or visit weatherborne.com.
