Paul Sloan, co-owner and winemaker at Small Vines, started his journey in wine as a bus-boy in high school. He eventually worked his way up to the assistant wine buyer position at John Ash and Company. As a very young wine steward, he was given many opportunities to taste both California classic wines as well as wines from all over the world. One night, his life would change forever when a person dining alone offered him a taste of a very rare Burgundy. This ethereal experience sent him on a quest for more knowledge and forever fueled his drive to make captivating wines. He launched into self-study, and soon discovered that some of the greatest Pinot Noirs in the world come from mature, small vines.
Paul eventually returned to college to get his Viticulture degree, and simultaneously went to work for one of the most respected winegrowers in the county, Warren Dutton of Dutton Ranches. It was Warren himself, who encouraged Paul to follow his innovative, pioneering spirit and to start planting vineyards his own way, so Paul and his wife Kathryn launched Small Vines.
Today, Paul and Kathryn are dedicated to achieving smaller yields from higher-density European style spacing of the vines in order to grow only the highest-quality wine grapes. They have worked hard to consistently grow grapes and produce inspiring “wines of authenticity.” I invite you to drink in this very educational episode with the dedicated Paul Sloan.
