Phelan Farms Gamay Noir San Luis Obispo Coast, California 2021
Rajat Parr's Phelan Farm sits three miles from the Pacific near Cambria, on the far, foggy edge of the SLO Coast. This Gamay is zero-addition winemaking at its purest: whole clusters, true carbonic maceration and not a drop of added sulfur. Only 2,400 bottles made.
Tasting Notes
"Expect bright, crunchy red fruit with a wild, savory edge and the lift of a cool maritime site. A chillable red that works with roast chicken, salmon or anything in red sauce." — Harvest Wine Shop
Details
Variety: 100% Gamay
Region: San Luis Obispo Coast AVA (Cambria), California
Vineyard: Phelan Farm, three miles from the Pacific
Farming Practice: Organic
Winemaking: Hand-harvested; whole cluster with 10 days of carbonic maceration in concrete; aged in neutral oak; no fining, filtration or added SO2
Production: 2,400 bottles
Volume: 750ml
Alcohol: 12.5%
Serving Suggestion: Serve with a light chill (55°F).
Must be 21+ to order wine. Please allow 1–3 business days for wine to ship.
About Phelan Farm
Philosophy: Wine Begins in the Vineyard
At Phelan Farm, we believe that truly great wines are born in the vineyard, not assembled in the cellar. Our goal is to collaborate with the diverse species of microbes, plants, and animals that call the farm home in order to build the healthiest soil possible. By nurturing the vitality of our land, we are able to limit interventions during vinification and let the vineyard speak clearly through each bottle.
A Mixed Farming Approach
The farming at Phelan Farm is inspired by permaculture, biodynamics, and regenerative agriculture. These complementary practices work together to create resilient soils, balanced vines, and an ecosystem that thrives naturally.
Compost and Soil Vitality
We produce compost on site, brewed from the skins of our grapes and enriched with manure from our animals that graze the vineyard. This living compost boosts microbial activity and strengthens the underground fungal network essential to healthy vines.
Natural Fermented Preparations
To support the immune system of our vines, we craft treatments made from native plants such as nettles, lupins, horsetail, and willow bark. These are blended with ingredients from our environment, including honey from our farm’s bee colony, Pacific seaweed and kelp, ocean water, and fish bone emulsion powder. Each of these natural inputs helps the vines build resilience without synthetic chemicals.
No-Till Farming
We follow a no-till philosophy to avoid disturbing the delicate fungal networks beneath the soil. This practice not only protects biodiversity but also aids in sequestering carbon, helping combat climate change.
Protecting the Vineyard Ecosystem
Unlike many vineyards, we avoid spraying sulfur and copper, which can disrupt the populations of earthworms, insects, and other essential partners in our ecosystem. These creatures are critical to soil aeration, nutrient cycling, and vineyard balance.
Innovation and Varietal Diversity
Since taking stewardship of Phelan Farm, Rajat Parr has expanded beyond Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to experiment with rare and heritage varieties from regions such as Jura, Savoie, and Galicia. Today, the vineyard hosts Savagnin, Trousseau, Poulsard, Mondeuse, Gringet, and Altesse alongside traditional Burgundian grapes. This bold viticultural diversity is part of the farm’s mission to adapt to the coastal climate of the San Luis Obispo Coast and explore new possibilities for California wine.
A Living Vineyard for Generations
The guiding principle at Phelan Farm is that wine is not a manufactured product but a natural reflection of the soil, climate, and ecosystem. By farming regeneratively, avoiding harmful inputs, and embracing biodiversity, we are building a living vineyard that will sustain both vines and community for generations to come.
Shipping information
All orders are shipped/delivered, no pickup options. Please track your package using UPS tracking link — someone 21 or older must accept the package. UPS will attempt twice, then will return to us.
To avoid a missed package, you are more than welcome to ship to your local UPS Access Point so that you do not need to sign for the package at home.
Find your UPS Access Point here.
