Florez Wines

Florèz Wines was started by James Jelks in 2017. James grew up in the Santa Cruz area and was schooled in winemaking at nearby UC Davis. He worked in wineries all over the world for 10 years before returning home to make wine in the Santa Cruz area. He is farming some vineyards himself, always dry-farmed, and is also sourcing some fruit from organic and sustainable vineyards. He always works with native yeasts, does not use additives except for a minimal amount of sulfur at bottling, and does not filter the wines. The labels are Japanese-style woodcuts by James’s friend & tattoo artist Drew Nelson. - Jenny & Francois

 
Florez Pegleg' Chardonnay natural white wine California USA front label
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About the Winemaker

Florez Wines

Florèz Wines, founded by James Jelks in 2017, embodies a journey rooted in passion and experience. Raised in the Santa Cruz region and educated in winemaking at UC Davis, James honed his craft through a decade of global winery work before returning to his hometown to craft wines. With a commitment to sustainability, he cultivates vineyards, favoring dry farming methods, and also sources fruit from organic and sustainable vineyards. Utilizing native yeasts and eschewing additives, save for a touch of sulfur at bottling, James's winemaking philosophy emphasizes purity and authenticity. The label designs, Japanese-style woodcuts, are the creative output of James's friend and tattoo artist, Drew Nelson.

Florez Wines

The Region

California, USA

In California, the natural wine movement is thriving, with a diverse array of producers championing organic and biodynamic farming practices and minimal intervention winemaking techniques. From the rolling hills of Sonoma and Napa to the rugged coastline of Mendocino and Santa Barbara, California's winemakers are forging a new path, prioritizing sustainability, terroir expression, and authenticity. These vintners eschew additives and rely on native yeasts for fermentation, resulting in wines that are vibrant, expressive, and true to their origins. With a focus on indigenous grape varieties and a deep respect for the land, California's natural winemakers are reshaping the state's wine industry, offering consumers a taste of the Golden State's diverse terroir and innovative spirit.

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