A Legacy Rooted in California History
Bedrock Wine Company has become one of the most important names in modern American wine, but its story is built on some of the oldest vineyard roots in California. Founded in 2007 by winemaker Morgan Twain-Peterson MW and partner Chris Cottrell, Bedrock has helped preserve and elevate California’s most historic sites—many planted in the late 1800s during the state’s pioneering era. These ancient vineyards, interplanted with dozens of heritage varieties, form the backbone of Bedrock’s mission: to craft artisanal, small-production wines that honor California’s past while offering exceptional quality for drinkers seeking fine wine online and authentic bottles with real heritage.
Historic Vineyards Across Sonoma, Contra Costa & Beyond
The heart of Bedrock is its namesake Bedrock Vineyard in Sonoma Valley, planted in 1888 and now farmed organically with regenerative practices. But Morgan and Chris work with historic sites across Northern California, from Evanghelo in Contra Costa to Teldeschi Ranch in Dry Creek and Oakville farmed old-vine Cabernet. These vineyards contain field blends of Zinfandel, Carignan, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Alicante Bouschet, and many lesser-known heritage grapes—varieties rarely bottled on their own but essential to California’s legacy.
By spotlighting these sites, Bedrock allows wine lovers to order California heritage wine online that truly reflects terroir, age, and history. Their multi-vineyard blends (like Old Vine Zinfandel) and single-vineyard bottlings (like Bedrock Heritage, Evangelho, and Pagani Ranch) showcase the diversity and cultural richness of California’s winegrowing past.
Minimal Intervention, Maximum Expression
Bedrock follows a minimal-intervention philosophy rooted in respect for fruit and vineyard. Fermentations rely largely on native yeasts, extractions are gentle, and aging takes place in a thoughtful mix of French oak (mostly neutral) to highlight freshness and structure instead of overt woodiness. Many sites are farmed organically or regeneratively, aligning the winery with the values of today’s shopper looking for artisanal wine, sustainable wine, and natural-leaning winemaking without dogma.
The resulting wines balance vibrancy, purity, lift, and depth—capturing old-vine concentration while staying energetic and food-friendly. Bedrock’s reds offer spice, bramble, black cherry, and floral notes; their whites (like the popular Ode to Lulu rosé or California heritage white blends) bring texture and bright acidity.
Wines of Authenticity & California Character
Across the portfolio, Bedrock’s hallmark is honesty—wines that taste like the vineyards they come from. The Old Vine Zinfandel is a benchmark for accessible California heritage wine, while Bedrock Heritage from the original 1888 plantings stands among the most expressive field blends in the state. Evanghelo Vineyard wines bring sand-grown perfume and energy; Teldeschi Ranch bottlings show depth and spice; Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma and Napa highlights purity over heaviness.
These wines appeal to collectors seeking fine wine online, but also to everyday drinkers who want artisanal bottles with cultural significance, freshness, and integrity.
Why Bedrock Wine Company Matters Today
In an era when wine buyers increasingly seek authenticity, sustainability, and story, Bedrock Wine Company stands at the center of California’s past and future. By farming historic vineyards responsibly and crafting wines with transparency and soul, Bedrock offers one of the most compelling opportunities to buy small-production wine online that delivers both heritage and pleasure.
For customers of Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, Bedrock represents the essence of what modern wine lovers crave: expressive, sustainable, site-driven wines that honor the land—and taste incredible at every price point.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is Bedrock Wine Company known for?
Bedrock Wine Company is best known for its old-vine California vineyards, many planted in the 1800s. They specialize in Zinfandel-based field blends, heritage varieties, and sustainably farmed, small-production wines that highlight California’s historic sites.
2. Who owns Bedrock Wine Company?
Bedrock Wine Company was founded by Morgan Twain-Peterson MW and Chris Cottrell. Morgan is one of the few Masters of Wine in the U.S., and both partners are dedicated to preserving California’s historic vineyards.
3. Are Bedrock wines organic or sustainably made?
Yes. Bedrock farms many vineyards organically and follows regenerative agriculture practices. They use native yeast, minimal intervention, and low oak influence to preserve vineyard character.
4. What grapes does Bedrock Wine Company use?
Bedrock works primarily with old-vine Zinfandel, but also heritage varieties such as Carignan, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Alicante Bouschet, and historic field blends. They also make small amounts of Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and rosé.
5. Which Bedrock wine should I buy first?
For first-time buyers, the Old Vine Zinfandel is the go-to choice—affordable, expressive, and a perfect introduction. For collectors, Bedrock Heritage (from 1888 plantings) and Evanghelo Vineyard bottlings are highly recommended.
6. Are Bedrock wines good for aging?
Yes. Many Bedrock wines, especially Bedrock Heritage, Teldeschi Ranch, and single-vineyard Zinfandels, age beautifully for 10–20+ years due to concentration, natural acidity, and old-vine structure.
7. What is Bedrock “Heritage Wine”?
“Heritage Wine” refers to wines made from historic California field blends, where multiple grape varieties were interplanted over 100 years ago. Bedrock Heritage Vineyard is one of the best-preserved examples from 1888.
8. Is Bedrock Wine Company family-owned?
Yes. Bedrock is a family-run, independently owned small winery, not a corporate brand—highly valued by fans of artisanal and small-production wine.
9. Does Bedrock make natural wine?
While not labeled as “natural wine,” many Bedrock wines undergo native-yeast fermentation, low intervention, organic farming, and minimal new oak—aligning with natural-leaning, artisanal winemaking principles.
10. Where can I buy Bedrock Wine Company bottles online?
You can buy Bedrock wines online at Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, specializing in artisanal wine, old-vine California wine, and small-production releases with nationwide shipping and free case delivery.
11. What food pairs well with Bedrock wines?
- Old Vine Zinfandel: BBQ, grilled meats, pizza, roast chicken
- Heritage blends: Braises, burgers, charcuterie, rich pastas
- White wines: Seafood, citrus dishes, salads
- Rosé: Tapas, grilled vegetables, Mediterranean flavors
12. Why are Bedrock’s vineyards considered historic?
Many of Bedrock’s sites—like Bedrock Vineyard (1888) and Evangelho Vineyard (1890s)—survived phylloxera, Prohibition, and industrial agriculture, making them some of the oldest continuously farmed vineyards in the U.S.
13. Are Bedrock wines limited production?
Yes. Bedrock works with rare old vines and historic plots, producing limited quantities of each wine. Many releases sell out quickly each vintage.
14. What makes Bedrock different from other California wineries?
Bedrock focuses on:
- Preserving historic vineyards
- Regenerative, organic farming
- Minimal-intervention winemaking
- Honest, terroir-driven expression
This combination is rare and deeply appealing to fans of artisanal fine wine online.