Napa Valley’s Sustainable Wine Movement
March 8, 2022
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We sat down with CEO of Napa Green Anna Brittan to get down to earth on sustainable wine and how the program works. Vineyards of
“My main focus here is Atelier Melka. What we do is make great wines and truly enjoy this valley.”
Koschitzky works with private clients as well.
That brand is Brilliant Mistake, which produces a riveting small lot, ultra premium Cabernet Sauvignon. Stacy & John Reinert rely on their consulting winemaker, Maayan Koschitzky heavily to produce their Napa Valley brand. So I am heading up Napa Valley to the quaint and somewhat subdued town of St. Helena. Koschitzky’s been in the valley for a little over five years and his impact has definitely been felt. First at Screaming Eagle, and the last three years at Atelier Phillipe Melka. He also has a number of clients he consults for.
“Napa Valley is an amazing place. There’s a lot of diversity in a very small valley.”
Koschitzky wasn’t always going to be a winemaker. He comes from a family of farmers growing fruits and vegetables. Born and raised in Israel, he went to school and studied engineering. Disheartened by the prospect of sitting at the computer all day he longed for the outdoors. Returning to farming would solve that problem. The correlation between engineering and winemaking was evident to Koschitzky. Engineering gave him the experience he needed working with machinery. Wineries required machinery to do the heavy lifting. Machinery use is pervasive in the wine industry. It’s used for harvest, crush, fermentation, aging, and packaging. A change to winemaking would enable him to leverage his creative abilities and his technical skills while embracing his love for farming. The vineyards would prove to be key grounds to learn from and enable him to expand his knowledge base growing vines. He made the switch in 2005 to winemaking.
“The truth is, Napa Valley is a very expensive place to make wine.”
Israel entered the grape growing realm with vineyards planted in the late 1800s by Baron Edmond de Rothschild. The wineries started by making Kosher wine and tended to be sweet and the mono dimensional. Today, with over 20,000 acres and state-of-the-art irrigation which was created by Israeli farmers and engineers they have already learned a great deal about working in arid and climates with little water. The Israeli’s are the inventors of drip irrigation, a technology that has revolutionized vineyard farming and is widely used in California. Thriving in this area are many of the grapes popular in Napa Valley, which would one day become home to Koschitzky.
In 2008 Koschitzky went to work for a mentor who would help change his trajectory. Dr. Yair Margalit was interested in winemaking as a visiting research professor at U.C. Davis. He was later instrumental in creating Israel’s first serious boutique winery. The Margalit Winery creates some of the best reds in Israel, from Bordeaux blends (Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec) including Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc. It was a perfect training ground for Koschitzky who remained with Margalit for three years.
“Napa is the World of Cabernet Sauvignon”
Pondering the possibility of Napa Valley, he first discussed a move with his wife. Shortly after, a friend returned to Israel from Napa Valley the stage was set. He and his family would head to Napa for Harvest and to expand his wine education at U.C. Davis. In 2011 he applied for several internships in The Valley. The first call back was for an interview with none other than Screaming Eagle. One of the several revered cult wines in “The Valley”. Koschitzky was unfamiliar with the brand at the time. The brand wields Bottles of this cult wine range from $1995.00 to $2450.00 if you’re not in the wine club. If you want to get into the Screaming Eagle wine club the waitlist is approximately 15 years. The magic in the bottle as I’ve heard is ethereal.
He flew in for the interview and after it was over returned to his wife and told her “Let’s do this!”. Taking a step back as an intern, gave him a unique perspective having already been a winemaker. He learned the ropes at Screaming Eagle’s state of the art winery. The winery was completed just before Koschitzky joined the 2011 Harvest. The philosophy of Screaming Eagle would change how Koschitzky thought about winemaking. The philosophy was unique. No expense spared, the best vineyard, and only exceptional fruit makes the cut.
Maayan Koschitzky is the director of winemaking at Atelier Phillipe Melka (a wine consulting venture) and Melka Wines. Atelier Melka is responsible for creating wine for close to 20 clients, with renowned winemaker & entrepreneur Phillipe Melka. Koschitzky says Melka is an authentic artist who loves what he does. With 25 years in the game, Melka and his wife Cherie launch their own state of the art winery on the Silverado Trail. They will celebrate the opening with the first harvest of the year.
“I’m trying to make a wine that is a winemaker’s wine. I’m not looking for high price points, but a fun, fresh wine. A more approachable, day to day wine.”
Koschitzky provides clients with design and implementation services of wineries. His next step is creating his own brand. He’s partnered with Silverado Farming Company to make his own line of wines called La Pelle (meaning shovel in French). It’s coming full circle for him as he returns to his roots. He explains, “In our story, we went to that name and the brand (La Pelle) because that is who we are. On the farming side, we’re digging the soil and planting the vines. Once the tank is dry and we are ready to go to the barrel, we drain the juice to the barrels. We dig the tank out with shovels. It felt like the right tool to close the cycle of the brand.”
The first vintage for La Pelle will be bottled this year. A Sauvignon Blanc from old vines that have been dry-farmed in St. Helena. “This year’s Sauvignon Blanc looks really fantastic. The flavors are excellent as is the yield,” says Koschitzky. At the time of this post, the Chardonnay was just two weeks from harvest. The La Pelle Cabernet Sauvignon will be bottled in May of 2018.
We sat down with CEO of Napa Green Anna Brittan to get down to earth on sustainable wine and how the program works. Vineyards of
Use the Best Dark Chocolate Made for Wine Pairing. Chocolate and wine pairing has never been easier. #Sponsored With an intriguing history, chocolate has garnered
Bouchaine Winery is the spot to discover great Burgundian varieties made in Napa Valley’s Carneros region. Modern winery meets social hour. Bouchaine Vineyards tasting room
Popped over to @arthausnapa then @feastitforward fora fabulous pre-game of the @norahjones concert. Then over to the concert.
Hanging with my girl @wineartlife having a magnificent time.
Love a good summer concert! Do you have any summer concert plans? Share them below!
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #wine #winecountry #napavalley #greatmusic #norahjones #concert #summerfun #girlsnightout #goodvibes #instafun
Taking a page out of goodwill, good sense and mighty initiatives the experts, keynotes, and educators for @napathrives together for an phenomenal evening @tressaboreswinery . Incredible people with powerful transformational initiatives. Thank you @abrittain & @reyeswine.mw for your hard work and to @tressaboreswinery for hosting this incredible evening.
#TheWineSiren #sustainablefarming #napavalley #winenapa #climateaction #Betterfarming #carboninitiatives #netzero #transformativelearning #kellymitchell #wine #winegrowing #portoprotocol #climatesolutions #buysustainable #loweremissions #winelover #winelife #winedinner #viticulture
How do you feel when you’ve dined impeccably?
Culinary adventures are always exciting. But when you book one restaurant mistakenly and it ends up being an exceptional surprise you win in both regards. Serendipity!
Such was my experience at the @ritzcarltonwaikiki ‘s #LaVie restaurant.
From the ESCARGOT + GRENOUILLE · frog legs meuniére. petit gris snails. green garlic aïoli to the…
LUDOVICO CHICKEN BALLOTINE · roasted foie gras. lentils du puy. perigord truffle jus.
And the MAUI VENISON NOISETTE · braised cabbage. maui onion brûlé. bearnaise mosseline.
-LA VIE RULES exceptional dining and impeccable service in Honolulu!
Paired with @faillawines and yes! They are on the @ritzcarltonwaikiki ‘s menu! #pinotnoir #sonomacoast
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #wine #wineanddine #luxurydining #winetravel #beautifuldestinations #travelblogger #hawaii #waikikibeach #deliciouseats
#instatravel
There are some things worth highlighting in a very particular way.
Here I give you @faillawines . I first heard about them a few years ago.
Today I found them on Hawaii shelves when looking for a pre-dinner sip before we’d venture out for one of a few celebrations and our return to the island, our home for over three decades.
This 2019 Sonoma Coast Failla is an extraordinary example of what fruits will bare with the influence of the rugged Sonoma Coasts winds and diurnal shifts. Brilliant ruby hue, exquisitely alive, smooth on this long lusty finish. An example of a great Sonoma County Pinot Noir.
60% estate grown fruit from Russian River Valley, and 40% from single vineyards outside of the estate. 30% whole cluster & native yeast.
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #Wine #SonomaCounty #SonomaCoast #beautifulwine #beautifuldestinations #RussianRiver #SonomaCoast #Sonomacoastwine #pinotnoirlover #winetime #greatwine
Dark skies, pouring rain and thunder were no match for the spirit of the people of Boise, Idaho when it comes to #winetasting.
Some very delicious surprises here from @rollinghills_urbantastingroom to @3100cellars delicious Brut made in the traditional method to @hatranchwinery ‘s red blend. All poured at #savorIdaho ‘s @idahobotanicalgarden . It was a feast for the eyes and palate.
The gardens are lush and picturesque, just 2.4 miles from the city center.
The perfect place to taste and enjoy the fruits of #idahowine
Have you been to Idaho #winecountry?
The best way to see #snakeriver territory is with @snakeriverwinetours Sam’s booth was full all day because she embodies the spirit of the people here. Warm friendly, no pretense and unabashedly candid.
Make new friends discover delicious Idaho Wine and get out of your comfort zone. Adventure awaits!
#SavorIdaho #TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #wine #winetasting #drinkidahowine #Sponsored
When I left the mainland for Hawaii over 42 years ago, I had no idea how much I missed and how much I would embrace my return to the mainland.
So I jumped at the chance to visit Idaho and learn more about their wineries, the Ava’s and the people of the fastest growing #wineregion in the United States. It was also intriguing to note that the 43rd parallel where a vast majority of wine is grown in Idaho is the same parallel in Europe as #Provence, #Tuscany, #riasbaixas .
When I arrived in #Idaho a few things struck me… The lack of significant traffic, the amount of newcomers (90% of the people I’d met had been in Boise have lived here less than 2 years), and the warmth of the locals.
It’s a throwback to Napa in the early 80’s. An emerging wine region, with exceptional passion and drive behind it. The wineries in the area I visited ( #sunnyslope )were very much a kinship of support of one and other. The countryside is absolutely stunning.
From night one, dining at Chandler’s Boise, a contemporary steakhouse with an exceptional wine list, well versed Sommelier and a cool jazz vibe, to a day trip with @snakeriverwinetours and 4 lovely wineries . And Boise itself, one of the most walkable rich in history cities in the United States.
I’d no idea I’d taste wine that was not only diverse but also well represented in many facets of style, depth and production. There is so much to explore in the name of Idaho Wine. Stay tuned!
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #wine #Idahowine #drinkidahowine #savoridaho #winelover #Wineadventures
#Wheretowine #Winedestinations #winelover #winetravel #travelblogger
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5 Responses
What a cool story. I have heard of many reasons people have gotten into the wine industry, but finding it through the machinery is a first. Love Maayan Koschitzky’s story. Well done!
Thanks for reading and watching Michelle. I loved how down to earth he is and how his story (which is just beginning) is taking him to so many legends. He’s a real artisan. Love his wines!
What a great story! Go figure… the first winery to call back is Screamkng Eagle?! Looking forward to visiting the new Atelier Melka tasting room soon!
Brilliant Mistake wines brought me to learn of Maayan. Continue on your amazing journey!
That is wonderful to hear Mark. Thanks so much for joining me!