About
Erik Martella, Proprietor, along with winery and vineyard partners in North Carolina, crafts small-batch limited releases of uniquely American fine wines.
In order of importance:
Red is a mini dachshund with advanced degrees in Snack Eating and Nap Taking. He is active in both disciplines while also performing supervisory duties.
The wine is the 2022 Summer Kitchen, just a bit below room temperature.
Erik worked in California for nearly 20 years as a winemaker and winery manager for some of the state’s largest and most recognizable brands. In 2018 he left the world of corporate winemaking, returned to his familial roots in eastern Tennessee, and eventually settled in western North Carolina. Erik holds an undergraduate degree in chemistry from Loyola Marymount University, a master’s degree in food science with enology emphasis from U.C. Davis, and a viticulture certificate from Surry Community College. In his spare time, Erik enjoys refereeing roller derby and puttering around on the farm where he’s working to establish a small winery. Sometimes he even updates his personal YouTube channel with new videos.
Image: Erik sitting in a field of yellow flowers holding a glass of white wine and looking off to his left. Red’s front paws are on Erik’s lap.
Partners
Sanders Ridge Vineyard and Winery
A family farm for well over 150 years, Sanders Ridge grows the grapes for Erik Martella Wines. Located in the Yadkin Valley AVA, the Sanders Ridge Vineyard enjoys relatively cool temperatures that allow for an extended ripening period. Hand harvested in October, these are some of the highest quality muscadines in the region. Sanders Ridge also grows vinifera grapes and their tasting room is worth a visit.
Windsor Run Cellars
One of the very few wineries in North Carolina set up to make wine for third parties, Windsor Run has been the home of Erik Martella Wines since 2022. Highly creative and highly capable, the team at Windsor Run makes this whole project possible. Windsor Run’s own lineup of delicious wines is innovative and interesting. The spirits from their attached distillery are also worth checking out.