WOMEN-LED WINERY SOURCES FROM LOCAL VINEYARDS
In a cozy bay window, behind two glasses of red wine, sit Cathy Lee and Cheyenne Skye Coe, the all-women team managing the wine cellar at Nevada County’s longest-operating winery. “Dedicated, excited, and entirely optimistic,” read the tasting notes for the duo who dons matching plaid shirts and smiles as they invite a new generation of wine lovers to experience locally grown wine crushed, aged, and poured from their in-house cellar to their Spring Street tasting room. These two aspiring winemakers are part of the all-women leadership team of Nevada City Winery, who take pride in being a women-owned and women-led business.
“We’re a boutique winery that depends on our local vineyards,” shares Cathy, Operations Manager. “We source 90-95% of our grapes within Nevada County and the Sierra Foothills region with an aim to produce small batches, roughly 30-50,000 bottles per year, generally made up of 12-14 different varietals––our specialties being Zinfandel and Barbera, since both grow really wonderfully in this region.”
Like so much of Nevada County, the winery began to quench the thirst of tired gold miners, producing its first glass in 1880 before closing its doors to prohibition. Still, there’s an old world charm to the cellar, amongst the barrels and brick, weathered wood doors, and hers and hers forklifts.
In 1980, Nevada City Winery was reopened to a new era of wine drinkers hot off The Judgement of Paris, which proved California was a formidable force in the world of wine. Over the years, hands have changed, but the intention to support and serve locally remains. “Small batch wine allows for more attention to each process, and that care transfers into the tasting experience,” says Cheyenne, Lead Tasting Room Host and Cellar Tech. “We’re responsible for 4,000 gallons of wine at any given time, but we are not adding the chemicals large-scale producers often use to adjust for flavor, clarity, and fermentation. We’re able to actually work with the wine itself, without those additives, and turn it into something beautiful for our Wine Club Members and the guests we serve in the tasting room. The entire process, from crush to cork, is a very intimate experience.”
Live music and events are held weekly, including Locals Night every Thursday with discounted glasses of wine. Enjoy charcuterie, snacks, and local delivery from Nevada City’s nearest restaurants. Outside food is welcome and patio seating offers private tabletop fires for a truly cozy experience. “You don’t have to know anything about wine,” adds Cathy. “We’re very approachable and eager to create an environment where everybody feels welcomed to relax, meet with friends, get a great recommendation, maybe try something new, and savor a bit of history.”
321 Spring Street, Nevada City, 95959
530-265-9463
