Calimist wines are hand crafted to present a classic Old World sensibility coupled with a sundrenched New World twist.
2022 Sauvignon Blanc
AROMATICS
Fragrant elderflower, bay laurel, ocean spray
TASTE
Zesty meyer lemon, delicate herbs, tangy nectarine. Crisp and energetic.
BODY & STRUCTURE
Light bodied, focused, mouthwatering acidity. A racy and refreshing style.
Life Pairings
Lunch on the terrace, dusty trails, your next boating adventure
Food Pairings
Pacific oysters, grilled peach salad with goat cheese, pasta with artichokes and fresh green peas
2023 Skin-Fermented Sauvignon Blanc
TASTING NOTES COMING SOON
2023 Sauvignon Blanc
TASTING NOTES COMING SOON
2021 Red Wine
AROMATICS
Mountain herbs, fresh tobacco, madrone wood
TASTE
Spicy red fruits, dark chocolate, wild mushrooms. Fresh and eminently drinkable.
BODY & STRUCTURE
Medium bodied, delicate acidity, ample tannins. Juicy, gentle, balanced.
Life Pairings
Rugged backroads, sunset on the lake, fireside chats
Food Pairings
Mushroom risotto with truffle oil, grilled lamb chops, your favorite burger
Technical Details
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc
SOURCE: Organically farmed North Coast vineyards from Sonoma (80%) and
Mendocino (20%) Counties
FERMENTATION & AGING: Small lot fermentation with native yeast. Punchdown and pumpover with cuvaison ranging from 14 to 30 days. French Oak aging for 18 months in one and two year old barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered March 2023. 38 barrels produced.
ALC: 13.5%
PH: 3.53 TA: 5.8 g/L
Our Why
In the heart of Sonoma County, where majestic mountains stand tall, ancient redwoods whisper stories, and the mighty Pacific Ocean crashes against rocky shores, Calimist Wine Co. emerges as a testament to our deep connection with the land that nurtures us.
We exist as more than mere winemakers. We are intertwined with the very essence of this extraordinary landscape. Like the soil that anchors the vines, the animals that roam freely, the trees that reach for the heavens, we are part of the intricate tapestry of nature.
Within us resides the invisible wonders, the microscopic miracles that shape our world. And yet, we are also part of something grand and vast, extending far beyond the reaches of our perception. We are the embodiment of nature’s secrets, both intricate and expansive.
In our pursuit of winemaking, we recognize that we are not separate entities, but rather harmonious components of the natural world. We honor the ingredients bestowed upon us by the land, the oceans, the planet, and the universe. With reverence and respect, we transform nature’s gifts into the rich, vibrant wines that bear the name Calimist.
With every sip of our wine, you taste the whispers of the mountains, the stories of ancient redwoods, the power of the ocean breeze, and the warmth of the sun. It is a journey that immerses you in the spirit of Sonoma County, embracing the profound connection between people and the land that sustains us all.
Welcome to Calimist Wine Co., where we celebrate the inseparable bond between humankind and nature, inviting you to experience the true essence of our extraordinary home through each bottle we create.
About Calimist
The Genesis
Two close friends, Ed McKenna and Chris Condos, found inspiration one summer evening while overlooking Sonoma Coast’s rolling hills and the Pacific Ocean. The idea was to create something meaningful to share with the world that was born from the nature that they were drinking in (literally and metaphorically). Something that their families, friends, and community would be part of for generations. Something that celebrated the coastal mountain farmlands did no harm and encouraged sustainable organic stewardship. Something authentic, classic, regenerative…and delicious.
Founding Collaborators
After this momentous evening, Chris introduced the perfect collaborator, Scott Zapotocky, who embraced the ethos born that summer night in West Sonoma County. With the combination of Chris’ Wine Industry acumen; Scott’s experience as a Viticulturist and Winemaker; and Ed’s Business development prowess, they began to chisel away at ideas & visions that created the Claimist Wine Company.
Vineyard Quest
In 2021, they embarked on a quest to source grapes from organic vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino’s mountainous regions, focusing on California’s Coastal Range. Through deep conversations with vineyard owners familiar with their ethos and spirit the team sought out blocks, varietals, clones, dirt, rocks, and mesoclimates that could showcase their passions for the region. Their sourcing remains confidential, as past experience has taught them the value of secrecy, but the theme that remains is that all the grapes are sourced from regions they love.
From the frigid Bennett Valley and Sonoma Mountain AVA, Mendocino Upland Valleys & Bench lands seated in the Coastal Range. The Winemaking team continues to look for new additions and tweaks as they follow their path to capture the spirit of the land and the passion for expressing nature through vintage and grapes.
A Shared Journey
Chris, Ed, and Sott’s lives are deeply entwined in Sebastopol’s social, school, and sports scenes. Gathering frequently, they revisit the spark that birthed Calimist, raising glasses over BBQ ribeyes, salmon, and freshly shucked Point Reyes’ oysters. Here’s to their ongoing journey—cheers and stay tuned.
