March 2025 Rose Club: Women Wine Makers

     As we celebrate Women’s History month every March, we decided to seek out rosés from female winemakers. 

     Cline Family Cellars was founded by Fred Cline in 1989. He learned winemaking from his grandfather and is passing on his knowledge to the next generation, many of whom are women. In fact, they have a whole page on their website dedicated to all of the women in their business! They hold dear the tradition of passing on their values: commitment to quality, focus on sustainability, and a strong sense of unity to the future. It's in these principles that they find our inspiration. Their goal is simple: to create wines that not only taste exceptional but also become a part of your family's lasting memories.

     Assistant winemaker Katie Hoggins brings a wealth of expertise and passion to Cline Family Cellars, with a phenomenal palate and global winemaking experience that spans both small boutique wineries and large-scale operations, including Spy Valley in her home country of New Zealand, Cave de Ribeauville in the Alsace region, Chehelam Wines in Oregon, and Clos du Bois in Napa. Her journey in winemaking has taken her across diverse regions and styles, enriching her understanding of what it takes to craft exceptional wines. Katie's enthusiasm for pushing boundaries and creating wines that excite the palate is matched by her direct, efficient, and innovative approach to the craft. Her vision perfectly aligns with the forward-thinking spirit of the next generation at Cline Family Cellars, where she plays an integral role in shaping the winery's future while honoring its legacy.

     Cambria Wines was one of the first wineries in the Santa Maria Valley, and they’ve got some serious cred behind them. In fact, the part of their estate that was originally called the Tepusquet Vineyard was one of the first vineyards planted in the region, back in 1971. More than just a beautiful place for growing grapes, it brought attention to the Santa Maria Valley and inspired others to realize the potential of this unique winegrowing region. In 1986, founders Barbara Banke and Jess Jackson bought that vineyard and established Cambria. After 34 years of cultivating grapes and people, there’s a lotta love and pride on this estate. 

     Cambria is rooted in female leadership. For over 30 years, we've been champions of women, the environment, and how the world of wine can work together to create a more equitable and sustainable future. Winemaker Jill Russell knew from a young age that she wanted to be a winemaker. After getting a degree at Cal Poly SLO, which included a semester learning winemaking in Adelaide, Australia, she came back to the Central Coast and worked as assistant winemaker at Steven Ross for 5 years. She then went to the Menetou-Salon region to work a harvest in the Loire Valley and traveled throughout France expand her knowledge and her palate.

     Back stateside, she joined Paul Lato at his boutique Santa Barbara winery, diving into Sta. Rita Hills, our beautiful Santa Maria Valley, and stoking her enduring love of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Knowing she was right where she wanted to be, the chance to join Cambria as Winemaker was a no-brainer and, she still maintains, the opportunity of a lifetime. She loves working with the vineyards throughout our estate and getting to know them on a block-by-block basis, digging into the clones, soils, and microclimates. Her passion and unique energy are in every bottle. Jill, her husband and live-in chef Torrey, and cheerful dog Sansa, are proud residents of Los Alamos – a tiny country town just 15 minutes South of the winery.

Think Pink!

Carrie Upson- General Manager & Wine Buyer