The Multi-brand Project will Combine California Classics with Rare Italian Varieties Grown in Northern California, Prioritizing Organic and Minimal Intervention Winemaking Practices
(SAN FRANCISCO, CA – June 26, 2024) – Overshine Wine Co., a new wine company honoring the legacy and embracing the future of California wine, is pleased to announce that it has launched operations in Healdsburg, California. Overshine is the brainchild of founder David Drummond, a Sonoma County winegrower and former tech executive, and was born out of the acquisitions of Armida Winery and Idlewild Wines, two-storied Healdsburg-based wineries. Armida has been rebranded as Overshine Wines and will continue to focus on California classic varietal wines from exceptional vineyards. Idlewild Wines, a wine industry pioneer formed in 2012 and dedicated to wines made from grapes native to the Piedmont region of Northern Italy, will continue its mission to make wines that speak Italian but are Californian to the core. Overshine is also introducing a third label, Comunità, which will showcase Italian varieties grown at Drummond’s Las Cimas Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Sam Bilbro, the founder of Idlewild, will oversee all operations and winemaking as Overshine’s Managing Partner, cementing a long-standing partnership with Drummond that started with the re-imagining of Las Cimas Vineyard, which is now home to more than 40 grape varieties, including several plantings that are the first outside of Italy. Thomas DeBiase, the longtime director of Idlewild’s operations and hospitality, has also joined the founding team and will oversee all hospitality and consumer sales for Overshine.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this new venture at such an exciting time in the industry,” says Bilbro, a fourth-generation winemaker and Sonoma County native who has long been at the forefront of the movement to make California wines from lesser-known grapes. “At Overshine we’ll have an amazing opportunity to make wines that honor the legacy of classic California winemaking, a legacy near and dear to my heart, while continuing to innovate with new styles and varieties.”
Overshine will strive for sustainability and will pursue a winemaking approach that features minimal intervention and organically farmed grapes while pushing boundaries with experimental planting. The team behind Overshine also believes that the future success of the wine industry lies in diversity: Of grape varieties, of wine styles, and most importantly, of people. “Too many consumers of diverse backgrounds have felt overlooked by the wine industry, and the wine world would benefit from more participation – at all levels– by people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences,” says Drummond, who is African-American. “Overshine is committed to making our wines accessible and enjoyable by all and to using our platform to improve diversity in the industry.”
OVERSHINE WINES BRING “CALIFORNIA SOUL”
Overshine Wines is a new brand, building on the 30+ year legacy of Armida Winery. Overshine will make wine that is joyous, drinkable, and reflective of California; wine that evokes our diversity, our creativity, our openness—our “California Soul.” Overshine wines capture not only how it feels to be drinking wine in California, but also how it makes you feel to be of California.
Overshine’s estate vineyards, Las Cimas, and Il Campo utilize organic and regenerative farming practices. Winemaking is classic and simple with minimal intervention. From Sauvignon Blanc to Chardonnay, and from Pinot Noir to Zinfandel, each wine embodies the honest, classic core of the varietal in its most vibrant and food-friendly style.
Overshine has also revamped the legendary Armida tasting room, a picturesque venue with panoramic views of the Russian River Valley and Mayacamas mountains. A mere five minutes from the Healdsburg Square, the tasting room accommodates over 100 guests and features new tasting experiences and a contemporary, welcoming redesign, both indoors and outdoors. The tasting experience is gracious, relaxed, and always paired with music from the deep collection of records in the tasting room. Guided by knowledgeable staff, tastings transcend the typical bar experience, offering seated sessions that emphasize storytelling and community-building in an inclusive environment where everyone is welcome.
CREATING A COMUNITÀ
Comunità (the Italian word for “community”) is also a new brand, offering vibrant, Italian-inspired wines grown at Las Cimas vineyard. Dedicated to the proposition that enjoying wine is a journey best made with others, Comunita seeks to inspire connection and an inclusive community among those who love wine. Comunita’s inaugural offering will feature wines made from grapes more commonly associated with the Northern Italian regions of Friuli and Trentino-Alto Adige, including Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Kerner, Schioppettino, and Refosco. These wines preserve the varietal characteristics of their Italian cousins, infused with California sunshine, and pushing past the traditional boundaries of what’s possible in California winemaking.
“Comunità represents the heart and soul of our winemaking journey, blending the rich heritage of Italian varietals with the vibrant spirit of California,” said Drummond. “We are excited to invite wine lovers to experience this unique fusion, where every bottle celebrates community, tradition, and innovation.”
Comunità is more than just a brand; it’s a culmination of a lifelong love affair with wine and community. The brand’s commitment to authenticity is reflected in every aspect of its identity, from the names of its wines paying tribute to Drummond’s upbringing in an Italian-American neighborhood in Monterey, California, to the joyous and celebratory images adorning its labels, Comunità invites wine lovers to join in on a celebration of the beautiful way wine brings people together and fosters a sense of community.
ITALIAN HOSPITALITY AT IDLEWILD WINES
Idlewild Wines, established in 2012 by winemaker Bilbro, proudly carries on his family’s winemaking legacy while pushing the boundaries of California winemaking. Their offerings include beautiful Piedmontese-inspired wines from the rugged hills of Northern California, sourced from Bilbro’s Lost Hills Ranch in Yorkville Highlands, Drummond’s Las Cimas Vineyard in Russian River Valley, and Fox Hill Vineyards in Mendocino. Bilbro’s commitment to producing vibrant, food-friendly Italian-inspired wines out of California is a key pillar in his plan to bring uniqueness and authenticity to the wine world. Guests can experience the best of “Italian Hospitality” when they walk in including additional offerings of large cheese & salumi plates sourced from the finest purveyors of Italy.
“Winemaking is a journey of passion, and Overshine’s acquisition of Idlewild Wines allows us to enhance the foundation we have built and continue to offer more,” said Bilbro. “We’re excited to add more and grow within our inclusive, welcoming space where everyone can explore the beauty of Italian-inspired wines and feel like part of our extended family.”
Located close to the Healdsburg town plaza, the tasting room has thrived by becoming part of a broader lifestyle experience that emphasizes simplicity and accessibility, making it a spontaneous yet intentional destination for visitors. Idlewild Wines blends the storytelling traditions of both California and Italian wines, favoring a “show, don’t tell” philosophy. The tasting room was conceptualized with the vision of creating a welcoming environment where everyone could feel at home, akin to being invited into a warm, familial Italian household. Bilbro, inspired by his Italian heritage and a deep passion for wine, aimed to share this passion through education, fostering an inclusive atmosphere that demystifies the world of wine. The winery closes early once a month to offer Italian wine classes, known as “Sunday School” led by Bilbro and DeBaise, fostering an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere often missing in the wine world. Idlewild Wines’ offerings cater to those who appreciate food-friendly wines that are lower in alcohol and higher in acidity, providing a European twist on California norm. With table wines priced at $25 and the most expensive wines topping out at $60 per bottle, the wines are moderately priced, making them accessible yet distinctive.
ABOUT OVERSHINE
Overshine goes beyond mere wines; they embody a lifestyle inspired by the laid-back essence of ‘California Soul’ – the simplicity, creativity, and open spirit that defines the state. Overshine aims to foster a community centered around this mystique by delivering signature California wines that are accessible, joyous, and downright delicious. With a diverse portfolio ranging from whites to reds like Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, there is something for every palate. Crafted using minimal intervention and sustainable farming practices, Overshine’s wines reflect the honest, classic, and ‘old-school’ winemaking styles native to the region. In addition to its wine offerings, Overshine extends its hospitality through tastings and events at its Healdsburg tasting room, where locals and visitors can savor their wines in a gracious and inclusive environment. Pull up a seat and join in on the ‘good life’ at Overshine. For more information on Overshine and to book a tasting, visit overshinewines.com or follow @overshinewines on Instagram.
ABOUT IDLEWILD
Idlewild Wines, located in the heart of downtown Healdsburg, offers beautiful Piedmontese-inspired wines from the rugged hills of Northern California. Founded by winemaker and grower, Sam Bilbro, the lineup of wines consists of Piedmontese grape varieties grown at Lost Hills Ranch in the Yorkville Highlands and Las Cimas Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The tasting room offers outdoor/indoor seating, guided tastings, and vibrant, food-friendly wines with cheese & salumi plates featuring exclusively purveyed prosciutto, salumi, and Italian cheeses. The tasting room offers a speakeasy vibe and boasts the biggest winery patio in downtown Healdsburg. Focused on minimal intervention and organic practices, as well as building a genuine connection and culture alongside their wines, Idlewild breaks down the side of wine that can be intimidating and luxury-focused and replaces it with gracious and welcoming hospitality. For more information on Idlewild, visit idlewildwines.com or follow @idlewildwines on Instagram.
ABOUT COMUNITÁ
Comunità, a passion project spearheaded by David Drummond and crafted by Sam Bilbro, brings forth an enticing fusion of Italian-inspired wines rooted in the heart of California’s wine country. Nestled within the Las Cimas vineyard in Sonoma County, CA, Comunità pays homage to its namesake, meaning “community” in Italian, symbolizing its dedication to fostering and expanding the vibrant wine community in California. The inaugural offering of just 500 cases includes two proprietary white blends, a skin-fermented Pinot Grigio, Refosco, and Schioppettino. Comunià stands as a refined, soulful, and hip addition to the wine landscape, catering to wine novices, lovers, and connoisseurs alike. With a commitment to minimal intervention and organic practices paired with labels that celebrate diversity, Comunità not only aims to produce exceptional wines but to also foster a genuine connection and culture alongside its offerings. For more information on Comunitá, visit comunitawines.com or follow @comunitawines on Instagram.
