Macario Montoya
USA
Macario's Wines
- USA
- 8 wines
- 3 styles
Your Northern California mentor for Latino winemakers everywhere
Macario worked his way up from cellar worker to Napa and Sonoma star winemaker – leading by example for other Latino winemakers.
While Macario is Napa-based, he’s garnered attention for his Mediterranean-style wines in California – his Lodi blends and especially his Macario Montoya reds from Contra Costa’s heritage vineyards – whose label depiction of the old vines shows off the artistic talents of his brother, Maceo Montoya.
With your support, Macario’s reach knows no bounds – he is Sin Fronteras – without borders. He gives back tenfold, creating opportunities for underrepresented Latino winemakers like him through The Montoya Opportunity Fund
Macario Montoya's Story
Macario’s father grew up in California's Central Valley harvesting table grapes, watermelon and cotton, creating an amazing foundation of hard work and determination that has been the hallmark of his life leading him to the success he enjoys today.
When Macario first got into the wine industry over 15 years ago, he was thirsty to learn as much as he could about wine and grape growing. Napa and Sonoma were the reason he got into wine. The beauty and lore of the area was enough to convince Macario that winemaking was what he needed and wanted to do.
In 2009, he met Morgan Twain Peterson, who owns a brand called Bedrock Wine Co. Morgan was making wines from lesser-known regions, which also piqued Macario’s interest. One of their first visits was to a vineyard in Contra Costa County located about 45 miles east of Napa – halfway between there and Lodi – which produces an incredible array of Spanish, French and Italian varieties. What Macario didn't know was that many of the vineyards were over 100+ years old and the own-rooted vines grew in pure sand. This memory of seeing this vineyard was forever ingrained in his mind. Macario knew that one day he wanted to make wines from Contra Costa.
In 2020 – because of Angels like you – Macario was able to make that a reality. Today he is honored, humbled and proud of his Macario Montoya wines, which include an Evangelho Vineyard Carignan and Del Barba Vineyard Mourvèdre (Mataro). The label artwork belongs to Macario's younger brother Maceo Montoya – who was commissioned to create a drawing that captures the spirit of these old-vine vineyards.
As a winemaker in Napa, Contra Costa and Lodi, Macario is thankful for the opportunities he has been given. With Angel support of his wines, he has the chance to give back and assist other Latino winemakers. “Latinos make up the bulk of the wine industry, yet are so underrepresented as winemakers. I want to help them achieve new goals and see them succeed and will do whatever it takes to make it happen,” said Macario.
Because of you, Macario is truly Sin Fronteras – without borders – making wine and mentoring others like him.
Macario's Archangels
From wine to tea, there is nothing better then a great drink to bring people together!
I learned to love wine in 2003, from my wine-loving in-laws in Germany. My favorite wine ever is Grauburgunder from my homeland. I mostly drink dry "interesting" whites and bold reds. I love indigenous grapes from less-common wine regions. I love visiting wineries in my wine-producing state. I also love champagne and cava and don't just think they're for special occasions or brunch.
It's amazing how your tastebuds mature! I've gone from Boone's Farm to the best there is here at Naked Wines - all in less than 5 decades! During that time period, I've been a professional rider & trainer, an English/Social Studies teacher, a travel agent, a coordinator for a national business barter organization, a support staff and a trainer for a NYS government agency - and the owner of an equine video & photo company. I've lived/worked in NY, KY, TX, SC, OR - and back to NY. I've also started two groups: 1. Northeast State of Wine, so we in this area can share the fun! Please come join in - our wineries create deliciousness from grapes, apples, pears, berries...you name it! - and 2. Sharing Made Easy - LINKS.. - where wine-related info, either links or copied & pasted info (with credit, if appropriate) can be shared. This is to help others find info that is frequently discussed - until our techies (or NW corp) set up an efficient Search feature. No comments - just links/info.
