The Journey of First Generation Grape Growers with Matt Naumann & Audra Chapman

Cru | Wine Industry Podcast

After 17 years of doing literally everything in the wine industry from farming coastal vineyards and washing barrels to running national sales and curating wine lists, Matt & Audra have ventured on to a delicious new journey called Newfound.

Find the full show notes here.

Having a proclivity for the tactile and tangible work of farming a vineyard, the couple purchased property in the Sierra Foothills of El Dorado County near the town of Placerville to plant their 40-acre ranch to vines. Matt fell in love with farming after Ehren Jordan, of Failla Wines, presented him with the opportunity to take over the farming of his Cazadero vineyard on the extreme Sonoma Coast. Ever since, Matt has been yearning to get back to that sort of lifestyle on his own terms.

Matt’s winemaking approach is minimalistic. He’s moved by wines that contain a naturally rugged edge and is in a constant pursuit of pushing his winemaking limits. As it relates to his own wines, he’s firmly guided by the belief that less is always more. With a focus on “fringe” varietals such as Semillon from Yountville, Carignan from Redwood Valley, and Counoise, Grenache, and Mourvedre from Mt. Veeder, the Naumanns are in pursuit of a dream to become first generation grape growers and wine producers in California.

In this episode we mention… Newfound Wines Ehren Jordan Failla Wines Hourglass Follow Matt & Audra on… INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK WEBSITE