Think globally, make wine locally

If you’re looking to make world-class wine, start by exploring what the world has to offer.

For Kim Kinderman, it all started in Sonoma County, California, where the closest she got to a winery was providing steel to many Sonoma County wineries as part of her family’s steel business. But while abroad in Germany, she raised her daughters and dreamed of coming home to the USA to start a winery.

Before long, she got her change. She located in Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley because of the climate and the access to affordable high quality farm land. Her daughter, Ashley, caught the wine bug too and helped her mom plant the vines.

But looking for that global experience, Ashley traveled to work at a winery in Australia – where she met a fellow, Matt, who shared her passion for wine. Married, they moved to the Ribera del Duero in Spain to work at a prestigious Spanish winery. And from there, New Zealand, to work at the Kim Crawford Winery and Dryland’s Winery in Marlborough.

Now, they’re back at Agate Ridge to work with Kim. Matt is the winemaker, Ashley manages sales. And yes, it really is world-class.