winery

Marchelle Wines

Sonoma County, United States

Philosophy

Native fermentation, minimal sulfur dioxide, extended sur lies aging. Low-intervention cellar work emphasizing purity of fruit and terroir expression through heritage vineyard partnerships across Northern California.

Reputation

Marchelle Wines emerged in 2021 as a collaboration between renowned Sonoma winemaker Greg La Follette—founding winemaker at Flowers Winery and mentor to a generation of California producers—and Kevin Lee, former Silicon Valley technology executive. Named for their wives, Mara and Michelle, the house honors family lineage through a deep reverence for California's ancient vineyards.

AllocationFounded February 8, 2021. Estate vineyard: Harmony Lane (3 acres, Pinot Noir, Occidental/Sonoma Coast AVA). Primary fruit sourcing from heritage vineyards: Betty Ann (Russian River Valley, 120-year-old Colombard), van der Kamp (Sonoma Mountain, 1952 Pinot Noir/Meunier), Lorenzo (Russian River Valley, 1973 Chardonnay), Bechthold (Lodi, 1886 Cinsault—organic certified), Jessie's Grove (Lodi, 1900 Zinfandel/Carignane, organic certified), Bien Nacido (Santa Maria Valley, 1972 Chardonnay). No regional organic or biodynamic certification found for Marchelle itself; sources state 'sustainable farming' and some partner vineyards (Bechthold, Jessie's Grove) are organic certified. Bechthold Cinsault (1886) is world's oldest planting of that varietal. Winemaking team: Greg La Follette (head winemaker, 40+ years experience), Evan Damiano (assistant winemaker, 14+ years). La Follette mentored by André Tchelistcheff at Beaulieu Vineyards. Production: small-lot, handcrafted; Pinot Meunier production noted at ~70 cases annually. No specific third-party importer identified; Wine-Searcher notes direct USA and UK sales capability. No Japan distribution confirmed. Languages: English only on producer materials.

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