Description

Birichino is a boutique winery based in Santa Cruz, California, renowned for crafting expressive, terroir-driven wines from old vines and lesser-known varietals. Founded in 2008 by Alex Krause and John Locke, both seasoned winemakers with extensive experience in California and abroad, Birichino (meaning “mischievous” in Italian) embodies a spirit of creativity and exploration. ​

The duo met while working for Randall Grahm at Bonny Doon Vineyard and brought their shared passion for old vines, traditional techniques, and non-interventionist winemaking to the project. Birichino’s focus is on underappreciated varietals and vineyards with deep historical significance. With an eye for sourcing fruit from historic vineyards planted as early as the late 19th century, Alex and John prioritise sites that naturally produce balanced fruit requiring minimal intervention.

Birichino sources its grapes from a collection of unique and historically significant vineyards across California’s Central Coast, including Santa Cruz Mountains, Chalone AVA, Lodi, and Santa Clara Valley. These vineyards, many of which are farmed organically or dry-farmed, highlight the diversity and history of California’s viticultural landscape.

Their winemaking philosophy emphasises minimal intervention, utilising native yeasts and ageing in neutral barrels to preserve the vineyard’s unique character. The result is a range of wines that reflect both the heritage of their old vines and the distinct terroir of their Central Coast locations. ​