Fiddlehead Cellars

Specialties

It is simple and straightforward for Kathy.

When it comes to wine, a few things matter most.

It has to taste good.

It has to give rewards.

And it has to be fun.

Kathy Joseph established Fiddlehead Cellars in 1989 to capture the pure essence of two distinguished grape varietals — Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Fiddlehead is a happy family of hard workers who like to have a good time, love the challenge of making great wine and thrive on sharing the pride of our handmade approach. Our greatest joy is when you share your appreciation of our efforts.

Come experience the passion, and appreciate the difference!

History

Established in 1989.

Kathy Joseph established Fiddlehead Cellars to capture the pure essence of two distinguished grape varietals — Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Her quest was simple. Besides a lesser important desire to satisfy her own palate, her intent was to incorporate European beauty into these domestically grown varietals by working with grapes grown in the right place and wines managed with respect in the cellar. Both varietals are celebrated for their successful old world pedigree; both have the potential to convey sensory elegance; both have proven to gratify a broad range of discriminating palates.

Today, Kathy is recognized as a pioneer among women winemakers as she passionately and enthusiastically creates stylistic Sauvignon Blanc and silky, textural Pinot Noir. At Fiddlehead, she annually produces about 5,000 cases of wine, with personal interest in each grape cluster, each barrel of wine and every bottle that finds its way to your table.

Meet the Business Owner

Kathy J.

Business Owner

Eyeing a career in medicine, Kathy was uniquely guided to appreciate this discipline from a more artistic perspective. Consequently, reality struck and she never truly fit into the rigidity of her pre-​med program. So, in the early ’80’s, this Chicago native took a leap of faith by moving to California with the hopes of redirecting her degrees in Microbiology and Biochemistry towards research in the wine industry.

Looking back, Kathy attributes her winemaking sensibilities to a mix of many years of industry mentoring. She is quick to recognize the importance of professional relationships with Zelma Long (Simi Winery), Walter Schug and Craig Williams (Joseph Phelps), Bob Long and Sandy Belcher (Long Vineyards), Bob Pecota Robert Pecota Winery) as well as her graduate studies in Enology and Viticulture at the University of California, Davis.