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.