Producer Profile

Martha Stoumen

Martha Stoumen Wines embodies a revival of a fading winemaking ethos rooted in patience and stewardship of the land. I personally tend to roughly half of the vineyards, leasing them to cultivate grapes in line with my philosophy. The remainder are entrusted to multi-generational farmers who possess an intimate knowledge of their family's land, farming it with the same ethos I uphold. This patience extends to vineyard practices, favoring composting over synthetic fertilizers, nurturing predator insects to manage pests, and employing meticulous handwork like vine pruning for longevity over high yields. In the cellar, I adopt a minimalist approach, allowing the natural yeast and bacteria on grape skins to drive fermentation.

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.