Meet the winemaker

Winemaker Mark Cargasacchi grew up on the original portion of the family cattle ranch just a couple of miles from where he resides currently at the Cargasacchi Jalama Vineyard. This beautiful 11 acre vineyard is nestled in the hills, just south of Lompoc near Point Conception in the heart of Santa Barbara County. Mark's family have been cattle ranchers and farmers in this area for generations. So it was a natural progression for them to help expand their crops to include grapes and then begin producing wine.

After getting a degree in Environmental Science from the University of California Santa Cruz, Mark pursued a career in chemistry for almost ten years. He later returned home to combine his farming and chemistry knowledge into winemaking and grape growing. Starting out as the "Lab Rat" at Fess Parker, he eventually became their enologist. From there he moved on to be the enologist for Rideau Vineyard, a position which he held for five years.

Throughout the years he has planned, planted and manages a number of vineyards in the area, emphasizing sustainable management practices. He also continues to consult for other vineyards and winemakers.

His commitment to high quality, handmade wines shows in all his vintages.