COTATI, Calif. (KGO) — Nestled in the hills of Sonoma County is Karah Estate Vineyard, a family-owned winery that’s been serving handcrafted wines and warm hospitality for 25 years.
Under the direction of a skillful new winemaker, Lisa Albert, the family’s vision comes to life.
“I’ve only worked for small family-owned wineries. When you work for a small winery, you’re part of each step of the process, the production. I used to work all over the world. I worked in France, Italy, South Africa, Chile, Australia and California. It’s challenging everywhere for a female winemaker. but I’m taking that challenge,” Albert said.
Albert believes the story begins in the vineyard, where each decision honors the integrity of the soil and the individuality of each block. Sustainable practices, like composting, biodiversity and cover cropping foster healthy vines and expressive fruit to produce Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc.
“Look at the vineyards. It’s like, biodiversity is king, and we work with happy people that deeply care for the work and the environment. This is what makes me very happy and joyful, because I deeply care for my work and deeply care for the property,” Albert said.
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Albert is not your typical winemaker. She wears many hats and is enjoying the journey.
“My job title is officially winemaker and general manager/sales manager/viticulturist/tractor driver/rancher — whatever you need to be done here on property. Yes, I’m having a lot of fun,” Albert said.
Born in Vallée de la Marne, France, Albert developed her palate at a very young age.
“I was smelling flowers, I was eating fruits, I was eating vegetables, I was discovering different food. And I think it’s very important, because it contributes to develop your palate and your interest for wines,” Albert said.
Albert was new to Sonoma County when she stumbled upon the opportunity to work at the winery.
“Mohammad Karah is the owner of Karah Estate Vineyard. He was looking for an assistant winemaker, and then I asked him a question: ‘Where is the winemaker?’ ‘Well, we don’t have a winemaker.’ ‘OK, so you want me to be the winemaker here?’ ‘Yes, and I want you to be involved in everything.’ I immediately saw the great potential of the location. Karah is a unique place.”
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The Karah family had a clear vision from the start.
“My dad’s always been very hands-on, always dedicated to taking on new challenges, so he bought this land in 91 and was very passionate about doing it with his own hands and having his name on everything. So, we were able to go close by in Healdsburg and buy the root stock. And then grafted on different varietals that he thought was very interesting and had potential,” said the VP of Karah Estate Vineyard Tarik Karah.
One thing is for sure, it’s all about family at this hidden gem.
“The best part to me about having a small family business is that you get to know everybody. Everyone wears multiple hats; everyone is involved at every stage. It’s just amazing, and it brings everybody together.” Tarik added, “It means so much to do something that you’re proud of, that you can stand behind and say I helped build this. And, my son will continue to build this.”
You can feel like family and experience the estate beyond the tasting room with a private vacation rental ideal for family gatherings and wine country getaways. The five-bedroom villa offers vineyard views, open space, and the quiet beauty of Sonoma County.
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