Wine - Red - Rutherford - Trujillo

Growing up on a ranch, Michael Trujillo worked acres of hay, barley and vegetables along with sheep and cattle on land tethered to his family for generations. His grandparents were early century homesteaders of Spanish descent who settled in the Rocky Mountain state of Colorado, where they raised their children in a rich, agricultural life. From a young age, Michael learned the value and reward of work- ing the land: “I feel like I’ve always been in motion, branding cows and driving hay trucks since the age of four. Ranch work taught me old-time craft skills, the love of tinkering with farm equipment and how to grow crops in uncertain weather, all of which prepared me for cultivating grapes and the process of winemaking.”

Michael discovered his passion for winemaking in the early 1980s during a spring break from his college studies as an engineer. On a road trip to California, he stayed with a family friend who had a small winery in Napa Valley. It was a life- changing visit, as Michael began to work alongside Jim Allen and his brother Steve in the planting of Sequoia Grove’s vineyard on the Rutherford Bench. For his namesake wine, Michael blends grapes from several of the finest vineyards in Napa Valley and works closely with the growers in developing cultivation practices that yield notable fruit year after year. Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon is the realization of Michael’s history, knowledge and experience, bringing his keen love of the vineyard together with more than 34 years of winemaking proficiency.

When Michael launched Trujillo Wines, the inaugural 2011 vintage sold out quickly, inspiring him to create a second label showcasing varietal blends. Named in honor of his daughter, Sophia Madelyn, these wines are approachable upon release. Michael recently resigned as the Director of Winemaking and President of Sequoia Grove Winery to put all his focus to Trujillo Wines and family. His wines consistently earn praise and winemaking medals, and have developed an enthusiastic following.