Brook Williams of Zaca Mesa

Brook Williams of Zaca Mesa

How would you describe your job? 

I run the place.

Where is your winery? 

Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County

Why did you/the owner choose that location? 

Our vineyards are up on mesas which are a great combination of high elevation, well drained soils and level farming for slow and consistent ripening.

How many employees does the winery employ?

17 fulltime employees

Describe your wines in one word?

Balanced

What was the favorite wine that you produced and what set it apart from the others? 

Syrah, it has power, depth and elegance.  It is a complex package.

What was your greatest ever wine experience? 

Lunch in Lyon with foie gras and a 1988 Cornas.

What is your favorite meal to pair with one of your wines? 

Buffalo tenderloin wrapped in bacon with our Z Three.

Why did you choose wine? 

It is a challenging consumer product that combines agriculture and imagery.

What does terroir mean to you?

Terroir provides the wine a sense of place or soul.

Besides your own wines, who would you say is your favorite wine producer? 

Foxen, Alma Rosa, Melville

What do you hope for the future of your winery? 

Recognition and profit (sustainability).

What is the winery doing to adjust to regulatory or economic restrictions?

Increased our sales force and PR efforts.

If you were not into wine, what would you do?

Soccer coach

What new and exciting things are going on at your winery? 

Updating our 40 year old vineyard and improving our 35 year old winery.  Very exciting times; however focusing as always on quality.