Justin Warnelius-Miller grew up at Garden Creek Ranch in the Alexander Valley, learning viticulture from his father, a cabernet sauvignon pioneer, who planted the first vines in 1969.
At 19, Warnelius-Miller left UC Davis to lead the family vineyard, implementing sustainable and regenerative farming practices. His meticulous farming has maintained this special hillside estate as a premier fruit source. In 2001, he and his wife, Karin, began producing their own wine under the Garden Creek name and redesigned the estate’s old cattle barn as a winery.
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
Justin Warnelius-Miller: I was born and raised on our property in Alexander Valley. My dad planted our first vineyard of cabernet sauvignon in 1969, and we’ve been winegrowers ever since. I was born into being a vintner. Over the last three decades, (my wife) Karin, and I have taken our winegrowing to another level, as the next generation should.
Employing precision winegrowing, we farm and harvest our fruit based on soil profiles and 11 compositions, microclimate variations, varietal selections and individual clones, which we have come to understand intimately after six decades… After 56 years of winegrowing on our estate, we continue to wake up each day on our land and care for it with our very own hands. We love it.
Did you ever have an ‘aha’ moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
A Haut Brion 2008 Grand Cru from Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France. I drank this during an anniversary celebration with my wife, and wow—it was insanely memorable. It made us stop in our tracks. It lingered and expressed many levels of emotions—a very inspiring, noble wine.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
We enjoy local Sonoma County wines and international wines, plus we think it is important to keep our palates fresh by tasting a wide array of varieties—be it a chenin blanc from the south of France or aligoté from Burgundy. It’s important not to be tied to your own house palate. There are so many amazing wines and varieties in the world, and I’m always excited to broaden my understanding of wines, vineyards and places.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
My wife and I love the Geyserville Gun Club Bar and Lounge, a local’s favorite with classic cocktails and live music. The bar is perfect for when we want a simple night out. Dino Bigica, the owner, does a great job, and we like to support our local digs.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
I have started to enjoy PILS by Parliament Brewing in Rohnert Park. It’s fantastic and refreshing after a long day in the vineyards or winery.
Garden Creek Vineyard, 2335 Geysers Rd., Geyserville 707.433.8345. gardencreekvineyards.com.
