It’s said that you can learn a lot about yourself in the face of adversity. How do you proceed in the wake of catastrophic events? How do you remain resolute and steadfast in your path when everything you knew has been drastically altered? With the growing impacts of climate change, these are questions many winemakers have had to consider, their livelihood and surrounding land and earth unmercifully compromised. One of many affected by the Northern California wildfires in 2017, Chenoa Ashton-Lewis witnessed the near wipe-out of her family vines on Sonoma Mountain. Chenoa and her family debated replanting the damaged vines for some time, that is until they stumbled upon an almost mystical sign while strolling the vineyard in 2019: new vines beginning to sprout, indicative of the resilience and life of their precious site. 

Joined by her partner Will Basanta, the couple have reinvigorated the family’s story and connection to Sonoma winemaking. From nostalgic Cabernets and Chardonnays to mixed-fruit ciders and bubbles, the Ashanta label epitomizes the dedication, history, wonder, and creativity of producing wines naturally in California today. We’re moved by their honoring of tradition while paving new paths forward in the ever-evolving landscape of wine. It may be interpreted in numerous ways, but I view this story as one that places love and openness as the driving force – whether that is for producing pure wines, embracing challenges gracefully to learn from them, or to remind ourselves of our roots.