Jim Olsen's Story

"I don't like the notion of status, prestige, or exclusivity that permeates many wine publications and promotions. I don't think a bottle of wine is a trophy.

It's great to know where wine is made, from which grapes, and how its made. But it really comes down to this: does it taste good? does it give pleasure as you drink it, preferably with nice food and the lively conversation of companions?

My wine-making philosophy is guided by those principles. I like to harvest when the grapes are ripe, taste good (I eat a lot of grapes!), and the flavors and structure are in balance. With a good start, those properly harvested grapes are on their way, and I mostly stay out of the way as the wine ages in barrel or tank.

After that, the hard part is selling it.

This is where the wonderful assistance that the Angels comes in, allowing winemakers to do what they are good at. Nakedwines.com contacted me (I hadn't heard of them), we met soon after, and I felt at home in a group of professionals (kindred spirits, really) with whom I could honestly share my feelings, and who wished to assist me to realize my goals. I was floored!

Thank You."