The Story
To be inspired. One of the greatest marvels of human nature. In 2012, Erin Brooks was inspired by the unique character of wines coming from what is now the West Sonoma Coast AVA and a few pioneering winegrowers in extreme conditions. Ernest Vineyards was born to harness that inspiration and explore what might be possible in cool-climate, marine-influenced wines from California’s rugged northern coastline.
In 2018, Joseph Ryan joined the Ernest family as Winemaker, bringing focus and finesse to the low-intervention method and style of Ernest wines. The long, cool growing season along the coast allows for wines of restraint with naturally bright acidity and engaging complexity. Joseph’s thoughtful approach during fermentation and aging allows for transparency of time and place of the vineyards.
Sustainability
Ernest Vineyards’ sustainable and respectful approach to both organic farming and vinification of wines can be traced back to Erin’s agricultural childhood in Texas, and her husband Todd Gottula’s Central Valley farming roots. Today, under Joseph’s leadership, Ernest farms 35 acres in Freestone-Occidental using certified organic and regenerative methods and sustainably dry-farming where possible with 50% fully electric vehicles and equipment. Ernest is committed to positive stewardship of the land and crafting pure, honest wines that celebrate health for and in all.
The commitment to sustainability extends beyond winegrowing and vinification to product packaging and role in community. In 2019 Ernest moved to a California-produced natural wax as the final enclosure on the bottles, which are now the lightest, recycled glass available on the market. Reducing Ernest’s carbon footprint with considered packaging and shipping decisions is met in measure with dedicatiaon to sustainability in their community. A commercial, organic vegetable garden nourishes the entire team and their extended families through the seasons and education is the core philanthropy for all of Ernest’s donations of both time and capital every year.
Team Portraits
Todd’s grandmother was a professional artist and is the source of the original “Ernest” portrait that currently hangs in Erin and Todd’s home. The team drew inspiration from her work and have crafted the following portraits of their own, which is the best way to experience the people behind the wines.
Erin Brooks Founder & Principal
Co-founder Erin Brooks always has considered herself somewhat of a country girl. Sure, she’s had jobs in the software and communications industries, but she grew up on a farm in rural Texas, and knows how to run tractors and swing hay bales. She even speaks with a little twang.
Naturally, then, in 1999, after she moved to San Francisco, the first time Erin drove up to Sonoma County, she spotted rolling hills lined like corduroy with vines, and thought to herself, “You’re home.” From that point forward, getting involved with a winery was only a matter of time.
Today Erin oversees day-to-day sales and operations of Ernest and masterminds plans for all the label’s big adventures. She also spearheads storytelling for the Sonoma Coast region, painting a picture of where our grapes are grown and sharing that information with the world.
Joseph Ryan Winemaker & Vineyard Manager
Ernest winemaker and vineyard manager Joseph Ryan always has had an understanding of the agrarian lifestyle. He grew up on a farm in Iowa. He knew about land stewardship before he learned algebra. With this experience came the awareness that great product begins with careful, conscious work in the soil. This is the foundation for Joe’s approach to vineyard management.
Joseph carries this perspective into the winery, where he applies minimal intervention to his winemaking. Over the last decade he refined these techniques as assistant winegrower at Porter Creek, a family-run estate in the Russian River Valley. He also worked as director of grower relations for Flowers Winery. This experience on both sides of the bottle gives Joe the mentality of a European vigneron.
The road to wine was circuitous for Joseph. He went to a theater conservatory in New York and discovered wine while working in restaurants during that time. Looking back, Joseph credits a handful of sommeliers with opening his eyes to his true passion in life. We’re glad they did.
Nicole Yasinsac Director of Hospitality & Customer Engagement
Nicole, a Sonoma County native, spent years honing her skills at Michelin-starred restaurants in San Francisco. Those varied and elevated hospitality skills are clearly demonstrated in her ability to craft the sophisticated experience guests can expect when visiting our tasting lounge on the Healdsburg Plaza.
Her unwavering energy and attention to details that blend seamlessly into your experience, are vital to the success of Ernest's hospitality program. Nicole comes to Ernest after 5 years brilliantly running Hospitality and Events at our winemaking home of Grand Cru Custom Crush, for the over 15 brands.
When she's not fine-tuning the beauty that surrounds the next chapter of Ernest, Nicole loves spending time with her family and discovering new places to recommend to our guests throughout Sonoma wine country.
Healdsburg Tasting Lounge
Offering tasting flights as well as bottle service & glass pours, our elegant and sophisticated lounge and parklet allow for relaxing respite while our backroom was intentionally designed for large groups and private experiences. We invite you to experience the next chapter of Ernest wines. We encourage reservations, but walk-ins are welcome.