Birdhorse Wines

Birdhorse Wines represent the future of California winemaking—in an effort to diversify the landscape of wine in California, Winemakers Katie Rouse and Corinne Rich created Birdhorse to showcase regions, varieties, and humans that have long had a presence in this industry but have yet to be celebrated by many of its constituents. Katie and Corinne met whilst receiving their M.S in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis. After graduating they travelled to South Africa to work the 2018 harvest at Mullineux, where they found their inspiration for Birdhorse Wines in an old vine Verdelho vineyard.

Birdhorse focuses on making compelling and balanced wines from lesser-known wine regions and uncommon varieties. Most of the grapes sourced come from warmer regions like Suisun Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Amador County, and inland Mendocino—proving that it’s possible to make restrained wines from warmer climates, something that has becoming increasingly relevant with the ever-growing changes in global climate.

When Katie and Corinne are choosing vineyard partners, farming practices are paramount. They only work with organic and sustainably grown fruit. A minimal intervention winemaking approach is employed, including native yeast ferments, no new oak use, and minimal SO2 additions. Winemaking styles that they have honed at their day jobs working at Bedrock Wine Co. and Scribe Winery, respectively.  These wines are balanced, elegant and unique—a true testament to the skill and talent of the two women that make them.