Blog
Joyce Vineyards - Racecars, Dentistry, Wine and Family
02/01/2016
|
||||
We are truly fortunate here in Monterey County with our spectacular wineries. I recently heard on the KRML radio station (yes, the same one from Play Misty for Me, for those familiar with one of our local historic cinematic gems), the Director of the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association claim that she expects a few local wineries to very soon break out from a “boutique” status to join the more well-known Californian wineries. Joyce Vineyards was among this group. Anyone paying attention to Monterey County wines over the last ten years would recognize the wines coming from this winery have continuously impressed. Having spent time in the past in our tasting room and serving their wines, I can personally attest to how the wines have always been well-received. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Carmel Valley, Syrah from Arroyo Seco, and Pinot Noir from Santa Lucia Highlands…all were solid with each new vintage. But there were always questions about this small, mystical winery. Who was it and was it really run by a dentist?Joyce Vineyards has been a life-long dream between father and son, Francis (Frank) and Russell Joyce. Frank moved to Monterey County in the early 1970’s to pursue his professional racing career while practicing at our own famed Laguna Seca racetrack. Frank’s racing dream gradually dimmed as he became more of a family man, and car racing switched to a safer and more family- friendly profession of dentistry.  But, somewhere along the way, Frank pursued another passion – cultivating grapes and making wine. Always one for quality, even on his initial small hobby property in Carmel Valley, Frank didn’t plant just any grapes. Instead, he (ahem) somehow acquired several European vine cuttings in the 1980’s. We don’t want to know details…we’ll leave that one to the mystical elements of Joyce Vineyards. And regardless, fantastic wines have been produced from the vineyard and winery ever since it went into commercial production. In recent years, Frank has passed the winemaking torch on to his son. Russell grew up working in the vineyard, but didn’t fully realize his own passion for making wine until his early 20’s. Since that time, Russell has developed his craft and become a top notch winemaker. And he gets better with every vintage. Having just turned the ripe age of 30, we’re excited to see how the already excellent wines from Joyce Vineyards will continue to improve. In writing this article, I had the opportunity to ask Russell a few questions we’d like to share as they reflect the very heart and soul of Joyce Vineyards. What do you enjoy most about making wine? “I enjoy seeing the happiness a great wine can bring to others. When I started making wine, I thought I enjoyed it because it was a way to showcase a talent in an artistic fashion. I soon realized that although that was a big part of what I enjoyed, it was actually seeing people enjoy the product that was prominent." Where do you see Joyce Vineyards in 10-20 years? “I have dreams of becoming one of the premier brands in Monterey County. I will be a champion for Monterey County wine country and promote it relentlessly. Eventually, I’d like to implement a program where I can work with local schools to create a trade program and give individuals the opportunity to learn the craft so that they will have many more opportunities in the agricultural sector of Monterey County and beyond.” What do you believe the future holds for the Monterey County wine industry? “In all honesty, I think that we are just getting started. I am thankful for those who have paved the way before us which will allow smaller wineries to flourish. I believe that although Monterey County has been a big producer in the wine industry for years, it is just now getting noticed for more than bulk wine, Pinot Noir & Chardonnay. People are beginning to notice that Monterey has such an ideal climate for growing grapes and not only can produce many different varietals of grapes, but can also produce wines in many different styles due to its moderate climate.”  All very well said, Russell. After all, his winery has evolved from an original micro-winery in Carmel Valley to having an off-site winemaking facility in Salinas. And true to its Carmel Valley roots, Joyce Vineyards’ stylish tasting room is located in Carmel Valley. We encourage you to pay them a visit on your next venture into this gorgeous enclave of the County. Fittingly, the wines produced by Joyce Vineyards have also evolved from solely estate-grown and very specific vineyards sites, to more adventurous vineyards in the County and beyond. Now producing Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Rosé wines, Joyce Vineyards has certainly come a long way. Although they may be primed to make the jump from boutique to a more established winery, based on their commitment to producing quality wines from unique terroir, we expect nothing less than to continue to see outstanding wines from Joyce Vineyards. |
Post By:
Bryce