Quick Facts: AO Estate
The story of Alta Orsa is one of the land. Like many of the best place-based tales, that story is inseparable from the humans that live on and work with the rhythm of nature.
We invite you to get to know our small-and-mighty team even better with some “quick facts” about those of us that work hard to bring this story to you. As always, feel free to start a conversation (or even visit us!), if you’d like to learn more!
Name: Alta Orsa Estate
Birthplace: Hopland, Mendocino County, CA
Work History: Duncan Springs Resort || sheep farm || holistically-farmed vineyard
Hobbies: photosynthesis || fermentation || geology || bird-watching
Top Wine & Food Pairing: the rugged bramble of 2017 Orsa Mendocino Cabernet (sourced primarily from the AO estate) || a steaming, hearty helping of Shakshuka (try Ukiah Natural Food Co-op’s recipe!)
Favorite Season: California’s “Mediterranean” winter—a foggy, green wonderland of rest and renewal
Good Read: Local quarterly publication, Word of Mouth
Currently Listening To: Organic Wine Podcast (feat. AO winemaker Martin Bernal-Hafner!)
Fun Fact: While my mountainside views of the Sanel Valley are second to none, my boundaries also hold a magical spot that is tucked beneath the tree line. Across a moss-blanketed bridge lies a small stone courtyard. Here lives a brass frog that gurgles with naturally-carbonated mineral water, even in the heat of summer! Once upon a time, vacationers flocked to this spring for its legendary healing properties.