Our Story
Despite never growing a tomato plant, in 1996, Danny Villamin, a woodworker, planted nine acres of cabernet sauvignon in his backyard. His family was baffled- growing grapes is more than science and engineering. Before the family could see the literal fruits of the their labor, The “The Highway 58 Fire” destroyed thousands of acres of California, including the Villamin’s new backyard: Eden Canyon Vineyards. The fire came months after the first vine plantings, and claimed everything but the house and Danny’s woodworking shop.
Many would take the insurance money and let go of the dream. However, Danny’s motto in life is “No means find another way.” He replanted the vines on soil that became richer from the embers. Since the fire, Eden Canyon Vineyards has picked up an accolade here and there, including “Best Value Wine 2006” by Master Sommelier Luis de Santos, earned spots on fine dining menus like Gary Danko, poured at events for Lisa Marie Presley and the Grammy’s, and every estate vintage has won a San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition medal. It must have something to do with the fire, snow, and occasional earthquake.
Our Vineyard
Planted vines: 1996
First “Estate” vintage: 2003
Location: Paso Robles Appellation, La Panza Range, 2,000 feet elevation, steep hills, summers avg. 90+ degrees, winter nights avg. 33 degrees plus snow
Soils: sandstone, granite, and Franciscan rock
Vines: 9 acres of natural rootstock Cabernet Sauvignon Clone UC Davis 08, Quadrilateral trellis with eight-wire canopies
Yields: plants are pruned to produce
2.5 – 3 tons an acre, all hand-picked fruit
Vineyard Manager and Owner: Danny Villamin
Winemakers: Danny and Elaine Villamin
Bittermelons and Mimosas:
A Philippine Memoir
by Nieves Villamin
Nieves Villamin's book is an indispensable reference for anyone interested in Philippine history, customs, and superstitions. As a child in the Philippines, Nieves' life was a challenge - backbreaking fieldwork, a father who often wasn't there, and dirt-poor living conditions. Yet, this little girl found things to be thankful for such as the singing of the workers while they toiled under blistering sun. Her childlike sense of hope will inspire young readers and make them grateful for living conditions in America.
Full of historical data, the memoir also describes in detail a sort of magical thinking that ruled the Philippine people; plus, it celebrates foods, traditions, and rituals that will interest all.
How she and her young husband escaped to America and found "a land of opportunity" will amuse, impress, and inspire all-age readers. I enjoyed reading this memoir; in fact, I read it three times. You are sure to enjoy it, too.
— Becky White, Author, Double Luck and Betsy Ross
Media Buzz
The results are in for the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
All our entries medaled!
DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL WINNER!!
2009 "Cat5 Melor" Zin & Petite Sirah
SILVER MEDAL WINNERS:
2008 "Presente" Dessert Wine
2008 "Estate" Cabernet Sauvignon
BRONZE MEDAL WINNER:
2008 "Jolie" Bordeaux Style Wine
Our vineyard (and us) was on national tv!
In Wine Country, came by last year right before we bottled our 2005 vintage. This James Beard award-winning program airs nationally on NBC and you can view our story online.
Catch it on the web:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF3bV8gLpAY
And a free podcast is available on iTunes! Search "In Wine Country" and the story segment is called "From Woodworking to Wine".
Articles
"Finding Eden"
The Napa Valley Register, by Jack Heeger, May 4, 2007
"Like Father, Like Daughter "
Wine Enthusiast Magazine , by Steve Heimoff with Michael Schachner, Monica Larner, Roger Voss and Lynn Sheldon, December 1, 2006.
View Article
"Eden Canyon Vineyards undaunted by fire"
The San Luis Obispo Tribune, by Janis Switzer, August 4, 2006.
Eden Canyon Vineyards picked "Best Value Wine 2006"
by Master Sommelier Luis de Santos and Beverage Media, February 2006
"Good Roots: A father and daugher make wine history along the Central Coast"
Sunset Magazine, by Megan Wong, October, 2005.
"Of Filipino-American History and Wine"
Asian Journal, by Amee R. Enriquez, July 2-5, 2005.
"Vineyard of Eden: Filipino native's improbable idea is bearing fruit"
San Jose Mercury News, by Carolyn Jung, June 1, 2005.
"Vineyard has Filipino touch: Father-and-daughter team own and operate Eden Canyon Winery"
San Francisco Chronicle, by Cicero Estrella, January 29, 2005.
"A family affair: Stephanie Grace Loleng tells the stirring tale of Eden Canyon Vineyards foray into the California wine industry"
The Philippine News, by Stephanie Grace Loleng, January 26, 2005.
Radio
Eden Canyon Vineyards Indie 103.1 Radio Wine Tasting on "Wino Wednesday" 8/12/09
