Independent winemaker James MacPhail runs MacPhail Family Wines and Tongue Dancer Wines with his wife, Kerry.
He also makes wine for a handful of clients, such as the Sangiacomo Family and The Calling. He says that, “Across every project, my approach is the same: honest, grounded and quietly meticulous. When I take on a collaboration, I become fully embedded in the process, bringing the same care and integrity I bring to my own labels. I’m hands-on from start to finish.”
On Oct. 6, MacPhail released a milestone wine for his label: the 2024 Toulouse Pinot Noir. This wine marks a 30-year, full circle journey, a direct result of the reclamation of his namesake winery, MacPhail Family Wines, made with grapes from the homecoming site that launched his career.
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
James MacPhail: I was in the hotel business in San Francisco out of college, and hated it. I was missing doing something more artistic and creative. I grew up in a very creative household; music, food, art, culture, wine. My parents passed when I was 24, and it was then that I decided that life was short, and to go off and do something that really interested me. So, I packed my bags and moved to Healdsburg to specifically learn how to make wine.
Did you ever have an ‘aha’ moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
I never had an ‘aha’ beverage or wine moment. My father taught my sister and me about wine growing up, as he and my mom always had a bottle on the table with dinner. Even though we were Americans, my parents had European sensibilities. My sister and I would get a glass of half water, half wine on special occasions (how the French raise their children to appreciate wine), and I feel like I got it in my blood. I’ve always loved wine.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
I’m a very seasonal drinker, so cold beer, crisp white wines and cocktails in the summer, more red wine in the fall and winter. My go-to cocktail is a Negroni, and I’m a bit of a nerd about those. I’m not a sophisticated beer drinker—no IPAs—more lagers and pilsners. I’m the chef of the house, and my wife, Kerry, is the wine librarian, so while I cook, she’ll grab the wine.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
My favorite bar in Healdsburg is Lo & Behold, but Healdsburg has lots of good spots for a drink. Any place that is welcoming, makes a good cocktail and has a great environment works for me.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
White Burgundy.
MacPhail Family Wines, Healdsburg, 707.696.5224, macphailwines.com.
