Wedell Cellars
In 1989, Maurice Wedell, along with his wife Susan, and their newborn son Justin, moved to the Central Coast of California, an area that produces highly acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. They planted a small experimental vineyard of Chardonnay and this became the first step in realizing their dream of creating a wine styled after the great Burgundies of France.
The first vintage in 1994 consisted of one barrel of wine- twenty-eight cases of Chardonnay were produced from their own grapes and purchased grapes. Encouraged by the results in 1994, Maurice and Susan decided to expand production gradually over the next few years by purchasing grapes from selected vineyards in Edna Valley while planting and maturing their own vineyard capable of producing enough grapes for their wine.
In late 1996, almost three acres of Chardonnay and at least one acre of Pinot Noir were planted on a steep hillside in the southern end of Edna Valley to achieve this goal. The vineyard began to produce Chardonnay in 1999 and Pinot Noir in 2000. While they do not submit their wines for review, Wedell has been recognized by various wine writers for their excellence.