Our Story

It all started innocently enough. When I was 19, my older sister who was throwing a dinner party offered me a small glass of amber-colored syrup. “Ambrosia!” I exclaimed upon tasting the late-harvest Riesling. That was it. I was hooked. I started reading everything I could on the subject of wine. In college, I became a collector, attended numerous wine tastings, and even taught a course on wine appreciation.

After graduation, I settled into a software development career. But after three years of sitting in front of a monitor and keyboard, I realized I wanted to do something in which I truly felt passionate, something where I could still use my analytical skills and yet also be creative. I knew the answer would involve wine but in what capacity? Winemaking perhaps?  Hmmm…

I started with five gallons of Zinfandel in my kitchen. Over the next several years, I made a barrel of Zinfandel each vintage with the help of some friends and my wife, Kendall Carlisle. The results were encouraging. Kendall and I moved to Santa Rosa in Sonoma County to be closer to the “source”. I found myself increasingly drawn to the old-vine vineyards of Sonoma County. There was something special, even magical, about those ancient, twisted vines with their deep roots and long histories. By 1997 we were producing over 300 cases of “garage” wine, mostly vineyard designated old-vine Zinfandels, and winning numerous gold medals in amateur competitions.

Hence, it was with our meager savings and some family support that Kendall and I launched Carlisle Winery & Vineyards in 1998, concentrating on our two loves, old-vine Zinfandel and red Rhône varieties (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Petite Sirah). Our goal was simple but ambitious: to create small lots of distinctive, world-class wines from some of California’s most exceptional vineyards. With the belief that great wine begins in the vineyard, we sought out Zinfandel from some of the finest vineyards in the county, planted between 1888 and 1934, including our own vineyard planted in 1927 by Alcide Pelletti. For our Rhône varieties, we contracted with small, family growers, just as dedicated and passionate about growing grapes as we are about making exceptional wine. 

Using vacation from my “real” job in San Francisco, we produced 650 cases in our first vintage, 1998. However, after growing to nearly 1000 cases in 2000, I found myself over-extended in trying to balance the demands of our growing business and my career as a software developer. It was obvious that if I wanted to be a full-time winemaker, production needed to increase. The catch, however, was that in order to increase production, my salary was needed! The solution? Enter Jay Maddox, an old college friend who had just finished getting a second degree in viticulture and enology (with honors!) from U.C. Davis. Jay joined Carlisle in February 2001, bringing a wealth of knowledge, a keen palate, and a desire to produce nothing but the best without compromise. Together, we have been able to grow to nearly 10,000 cases, garnering high praise from wine critics and consumers alike. With the increase in production, I finally shed myself of the commute, saying goodbye to corporate America in March 2004, with Kendall following suit soon after.

We hope you enjoy the realization of our dream, our passion and labor of love.