Tantara Winery is owned by Jeff Fink and Bill Cates. Jeff and Bill are both originally from Virginia but found themselves drawn to the world of wine in California. They met up in California and decided to pursue their passion for winemaking together, ultimately founding Tantara Winery in 1997.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff and Bill during a visit to Tantara Winery and was struck by their dedication and love for their craft. They both have a deep understanding of the winemaking process and a true appreciation for the vineyards and grapes they work with.
Jeff and Bill's journey to Tantara Winery is an inspiring one. They both started out in different fields before finding their way to winemaking. Jeff had a background in finance and investment, while Bill had experience in the restaurant industry. It was their shared love of wine and a desire to create something of their own that brought them together.
When they discovered Bien Nacido Vineyards, they knew they had found something special. The vineyard, located in the Santa Maria Valley, has a long history of producing exceptional grapes. Jeff and Bill saw the potential to create truly remarkable wines from these grapes and decided to make it the home of Tantara Winery.
One thing that sets Tantara Winery apart is their commitment to crafting small-lot, single-vineyard wines. They believe that by focusing on individual vineyards, they can truly showcase the unique characteristics of each site. This attention to detail and dedication to quality is evident in every bottle of Tantara wine.
I had the opportunity to taste some of Tantara's wines during my visit, and they were truly outstanding. Each wine had its own distinct personality, with layers of flavor and complexity. It was clear that Jeff and Bill's expertise and passion were reflected in every sip.
In addition to their role as owners, Jeff and Bill also serve as the winemakers at Tantara. This hands-on approach allows them to have complete control over the winemaking process and ensures that their vision is realized in every bottle.
Jeff Fink and Bill Cates are the passionate and talented individuals behind Tantara Winery. Their shared journey from Virginia to California, their dedication to crafting exceptional wines, and their commitment to showcasing the unique qualities of each vineyard make them the perfect owners and winemakers for Tantara.