RAY KAUFMAN - Wine maker

I have had a diverse life.  In addition to my winemaking career of now 40 years, including 23 vintages at Laurel Glen Vineyard, I was a credentialed teacher, lived in Asia, sailed the South China Sea and South Pacific, and developed a California wine export company that shipped over 50 wineries to 15 countries around the world.   Along the way I had the opportunity to make wine in Argentina, discovered Malbec, and never left!  I hope to share my connection with Argentina and Malbec with you. 

Just as when I first came to the Sonoma Valley over 40 years ago, there is a new generation of vintners in Mendoza determined to make world class wines.  When presented with the opportunity to be part of this quality revolution taking place, I couldn’t turn away. I wanted to share my experience as a winemaker in California with my colleagues in Mendoza.  I welcomed the challenge of learning a different terroir along with working in a different culture.  What part of Mendoza’s traditional winemaking and grape growing made sense to incorporate?  Would it be possible to continue with native yeast fermentation?  Would spontaneous malolactic fermentation be possible?  What style of wine fit our vineyard?  Could we revitalize our old vineyard to be able to farm organically? 

It has taken many years, but we have been able to answer these questions.  ADELANTE!