Winemaker Of The Week

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Steve Hare - Winemaker/Proprietor of Counter Punch Wines

Steve Hare is the winemaker and proprietor of Counter Punch Wines. Steve's focus is on bringing bold wines back to the people. He cites love of big wines, and the rising costs of Cabernet Sauvignon, for his desire to create a bold Merlot and Petite Sirah at reasonable prices. If you like full bodied intense wines, check out Counter Punch in the Qorkz Marketplace.  

How Long Have You Worked In The Wine Industry?
I have worked in the wine industry for 40 years. I fell in love with it at a young age and have done every job at a winery you could think of. 

What Do You Love Most About Winemaking? 
I love that every year you get one shot at perfection. The grapes are out fighting the elements and the winemaker does the best he can to help them along. The grapes counter punching back against the elements was half of the inspiration for our name. 

For Those That Have Never Tried Petite Sirah, What Would You Tell Them About It? 
Buckle up! It's a huge wine. Big tannin, big mouth feel, deep dark color and bold blueberry flavor. If you like bold wines then Petite Sirah is for you. 

Learn More About Counter Punch Wines HERE in the Qorkz Marketplace. 

Winemaker Of The Week

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Erick Allen - Winemaker/Proprietor of Ascension Cellars 

Erick Allen is the winemaker and proprietor of Ascension Cellars. Erick's focus is bringing you exceptional wines that have true varietal character, are un-oxidated and lush. With Ascension Cellars he brings you wines that are unique and have diversity. 

When Was Your First Vintage? 
Our First Vintage was in 2010

What Got You Into Winemaking?
As an avid wine lover, I was constantly on a quest for something better.  I wanted elegance, body, and boldness in our wines.  I wanted wines I would be proud to offer to our friends and family. This led to a fun, weekend hobby that gradually grew into home wine making and then evolved into Ascension Cellars.

Where Do You Make Your Wine?
I make my wine at Cass Winery in the Garagiste AVA of Paso Robles. The people at Cass are terrific and Paso Robles takes great pride in their Rhone Varietals and I am happy to be a part of this community. 

Where Did The Name Ascension Cellars Come From?
Our name is a collage of tributes: to our friends and mentors in Lake Arrowhead, who have been making wine together since 1968 and were kind enough to share their passion and knowledge for wine with us, we thank them; to our friends and family, who inspired us to create a wine celebrating our times together, we wouldn’t have done this without them; and to us, two great friends who have always aspired to make a wine that matters. This is how Ascension Cellars was born.

Learn More About Erick Allen And Shop Ascension Cellars Wine Here: Ascension Cellars