Marcassin wine is made by renowned winemaker Helen Turley and her husband John Wetlaufer. Helen Turley is widely regarded as one of the most influential winemakers in California and has worked as a consultant for numerous acclaimed wineries. However, she now focuses mainly on her own Marcassin wines.
Helen Turley's journey in winemaking began in the 1980s when she worked as a cellar rat at Joseph Phelps Vineyards. She quickly rose through the ranks and became the head winemaker, gaining recognition for her exceptional skills in crafting high-quality wines. In 1989, she founded Marcassin Vineyard with her husband John Wetlaufer.
John Wetlaufer, a viticulturalist, brings his expertise in vineyard management to Marcassin. Together, Helen and John work hand in hand to ensure that the grapes from their vineyard are of the utmost quality. They meticulously oversee every aspect of the winemaking process, from vineyard management to harvesting and fermentation.
One of the unique aspects of Marcassin is the vineyard itself. Located on the Sonoma Coast of California, the vineyard benefits from the cool climate and maritime influence. The combination of foggy mornings and sunny afternoons creates the perfect conditions for growing grapes with exceptional flavor and complexity.
Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer are known for their hands-on approach to winemaking. They personally tend to the vineyard, carefully selecting the best grapes and ensuring that they are harvested at the optimal ripeness. This attention to detail continues in the winery, where they use traditional winemaking techniques to craft their wines.
The production of Marcassin wines is incredibly limited, with only a few thousand cases produced each year. This small production allows Helen and John to maintain their high standards of quality and ensure that each bottle of Marcassin wine is a true representation of their vision and expertise.
Marcassin wine is made by the talented winemaker Helen Turley and her husband John Wetlaufer. Their dedication to quality and their hands-on approach to winemaking have earned them a reputation for producing some of the finest wines in California. With their expertise and passion, they continue to create exceptional wines that showcase the unique characteristics of the Sonoma Coast region.