Winemaking & Estate Vineyards

In 2004 Derek Irwin joined Viña Castellano as head winemaker and vineyard consultant. Irwin comes to the Sierra Foothills with years of experience in both winemaking and vineyard management in the Napa and Sonoma Regions. There he worked for the well known Viansa Winery and Bouchaine Vineyards, amongst others.

We met Derek by chance as his research on Tempranillo grapes from the Sierra Foothills brought him to our vineyard. We knew almost immediately that we wanted to work with him in some capacity. In 2004 when Chris Markell left us to continue his quest to make wine in every region, a door was opened to work with Derek.

His shared loved of Tempranillo and all things Iberian combined with his increasing fascination with the Sierra Foothills region, made him a perfect match for our program and our family. As a young boy, he spent several years in Spain where his father was employed. It was there where his attachment to Spain began and we are grateful that path has brought him here.

Along with Derek, we will continue to produce and introduce new and innovative Spanish and Mediterranean styled wines. Together we work to make Viña Castellano a little piece of Spain in the Sierra Foothills.