About Us

De Tierra Vineyards began in 1998 as an organic grape-growing operation in the Salinas Valley by Tom Russell, an agriculture professional from Phoenix, Arizona. Russell had transitioned the majority of his conventional row crop vegetable operation to organic in the early 1990’s, and had great success in the California market. Russell was passionate about wine and farming, and wanted to explore the benefits of organic farming with wine grapes. Russell teamed up with friend and winemaker of Vignalta Italy, Lucio Gomiero, and planned to develop an organic vineyard in the Corral de Tierra Valley. The site was selected, a south-west facing, 40-acre farm, just 15 miles from the Salinas Valley. Through this partnership, De Tierra Vineyards was born.

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De Tierra started as a common goal amongst good friends, and is blossoming into a thriving artisanal brand with distribution in over 20 states, numerous accolades, an active wine club, and a burgeoning team of experienced wine enthusiasts at its helm.

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De Tierra is owned by Jeff Meacham and Andrew Schoenfeld.  De Tierra creates delicious award winning and hand harvested wines to share from the unique terroir of Monterey County.  De Tierra, as the name suggests, focuses on providing the best representation “of the land”.  Great wines begin in the vineyard, and it is their goal to translate the defining flavors of the terroir into great wine.  Jeff and Andrew continue De Tierra’s commitment to producing superior quality boutique wines.

 

De Tierra Produces 9 varietals; Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Sangiovese, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc as well as 3 Red Blends. All of their wines are made with grapes from high quality vineyards in Monterey County and beyond.  De Tierra’s mission is to make hand crafted, premium wines with the best fruit California has to offer. They have a tasting room in Carmel- by-the-Sea.