Producer Profile

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.

Where The Wines Come From

California

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.