William Allen began Two Shepherds as a micro-winery in 2010, and in 2015 Karen Daenen joined as a partner to grow the production and brand. They embrace small lots and offer many unique California varieties to explore.
Two Shepherds specializes in “old vine vineyards and planting” while taking a minimalist approach to the grapes in the harvesting and wine-making process. William and Karen believe that wine-making is more art than science, and each bottle should tell a story about that vintage. Their philosophy regarding the production process is that wine occurs naturally; it is simply the winemakers’ job to guide the wine through the process and allow for the wine’s notes and structure to speak for itself and tell its story.
Two Shepherds work with several growers in the Northern California wine region for harvest. These vineyards include the legendary Bechtold Vineyard in Lodi, Catie’s Corner in the Russian River Valley, Trimble Vineyard in Mendocino, and several others to provide grapes for all of their varietals. In addition, in 2018, Two Shepherds harvested grapes from their own Grenache vineyard for the first time.
Two Shepherds Winery utilizes several vineyards throughout Northern California to harvest grapes for their small lot wine production. Their minimalist approach to growing, harvesting, and processing grapes allow each of their vintages and bottles to stand on their own and express the time and place it came.
William Allen began Two Shepherds as a micro-winery in 2010, and in 2015 Karen Daenen joined as a partner to grow the production and brand. They embrace small lots and offer many unique California varieties to explore.
Two Shepherds specializes in “old vine vineyards and planting” while taking a minimalist approach to the grapes in the harvesting and wine-making process. William and Karen believe that wine-making is more art than science, and each bottle should tell a story about that vintage. Their philosophy regarding the production process is that wine occurs naturally; it is simply the winemakers’ job to guide the wine through the process and allow for the wine’s notes and structure to speak for itself and tell its story.
Two Shepherds work with several growers in the Northern California wine region for harvest. These vineyards include the legendary Bechtold Vineyard in Lodi, Catie’s Corner in the Russian River Valley, Trimble Vineyard in Mendocino, and several others to provide grapes for all of their varietals. In addition, in 2018, Two Shepherds harvested grapes from their own Grenache vineyard for the first time.
This legendary site boasts 135-year-old vines and is the oldest surviving Cinsault vineyard in the world. The wines may take display a perfumed, elegant, refreshing red fruit and sweet spice flavor profile.
Lodi
Mokelumne River area of California
Sandy loam
15 ft
This hotter site allows the fruit to ripen quickly. The fruit can be picked at lower sugar levels, which keeps the alcohol moderate, the weight light, and beautiful, vivid flavors.
Dunnigan Hills
Yolo County, east of Napa Valley
Pinkish, gravelly alluvial soils
250 ft