WHITCRAFT
Drake was born in to winemaking. His father Chris who was mentored by Burt Williams founded the winery in 1985 with his wife Kathleen and quickly became a pioneering winemaker in Santa Barbara by 1991. He helped put that region and more specifically Bien Nacido Vineyard on the map, while also making age worthy wines from such reputable vineyards such as Hirsch and Olivet Lane from Sonoma. Drake grew up around his father and Burt Williams, absorbing their conversations and ideas about wine making. The message was clear, make wines the natural way. No pumps, no filters, no fining, no enzymes, no water, no acid, no color adjunct. Drake has continued this and now makes wines that garner attention from some of the most respected Somm’s in the world; and they can be found in some of the best restaurants in the world such as Eleven Madison Park, Le Bernardin, Melisse, and Providence, to name just a few. He has been featured on Master Sommelier and Start of the Somm Film Brian McClintics Viticole Wine Club, which currently has a waiting list. His wines are pure, vibrant, and totally terroir driven as he uses no new oak and does not “stylize” wine. All wines are truly limited and most are allocated. 1500-2000 cases annually.