If California's wine soul had a pioneering spirit for the modern age, it would be Martha Stoumen. After spending 8 years apprenticing with winemakers across the globe, Martha embarked on a beautifully simple yet profound quest: to discover what California truly tastes like when you let the land speak for itself.

Her journey isn't just about winemaking—it's about reclaiming a lost art of patience in an industry that often prioritizes speed and scale. In 2014, she started Martha Stoumen Wines not with inherited vineyards or outside investors, but with pure passion and a revolutionary vision: to create wines that honor both the land and the people who tend it.

Working primarily in the sun-kissed regions of Mendocino County, Contra Costa County, and Suisun Valley, Martha has cultivated relationships with farmers who share her commitment to Mediterranean varietals and natural farming practices. She now leases and farms 25% of her production from traditionally planted, head-trained, dry-farmed vineyards—a testament to her hands-on approach and dedication to terroir.

What makes Martha's wines so special is their honest expression of place. While California's largest wineries churn out millions of cases annually, Martha crafts roughly 8,000 cases of thoughtfully produced wines that tell the story of each vintage and vineyard. Her minimalist approach in the cellar embraces native fermentations and the natural process of winemaking—no shortcuts, no artificial additives, just patience and precision.

The results are nothing short of magical: unexpected varietals that dance with life, new interpretations of California classics that challenge conventions, and wines that somehow manage to be both intellectual and joyfully drinkable. From her vibrant Carignan to her thoughtfully crafted blends, each bottle reflects Martha's philosophy that wine should be both an expression of place and a source of genuine pleasure.

In my years of working with artisanal winemakers, I've found few producers who so perfectly balance farming integrity, winemaking expertise, and pure drinking enjoyment. These aren't just natural wines for natural wine's sake—they're delicious, energetic expressions of California terroir that somehow manage to uplift rather than weigh you down. They're wines that make you think while making you smile.

For those looking to experience California wine in its most honest and joyful form, Martha Stoumen's wines offer something truly special. They're a reminder that sometimes the most innovative thing we can do is simply slow down and let nature take its course.

We're thrilled to offer these wines to our community. Given their limited production and growing recognition, securing an allocation of Martha's wines has become increasingly challenging. I encourage you to explore these beautiful expressions of patient winemaking while they're available.