Marilyn Remark Winery

Specialties

Rhone-​style varietal wines.

History

Established in 2001.

In May of 2001, we finally visited France’s Rhone Valley. It was a magical time. The wines we sampled there were amazing, like nothing we’d ever tasted. Oh, we had tried these classic varietals before but never with such vibrancy, such depth of character. These vintages were from small vintners who sell every bottle locally to friends and family. We knew then the type of wines we had to try to make.

Accomplishing this dream meant emulating out Rhone counterparts — finding the best possible grapes, using traditional techniques, and fermenting and aging in small lots that allow the character of the fruit and the place to shine through. The extremely limited releases of Marilyn Remark — Marsanne, Roussanne, Rose de Saignee, Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Syrah — comprise less 2,000 cases all-​told. They’re a perfect marriage of Rhone-​style heritage and world-​class Monterey fruit.

Meet the Business Owner

Joel B.

Business Owner

Joel Burnstein became a vintner after a classic mid-​life career change. He was a trader on the Pacific Stock Exchange in San Francisco. Living just north of San Francisco, Joel frequently escaped his hectic work life by taking his bike up to Napa or Sonoma for a days’ ride, stopping for lunch and to taste and learn about wine. He was tiring of the demands and pressures of the ever-​changing financial markets. As he thought about new careers, his passion for wine kept bringing him back to the inevitable — a calling where individuality and personal expression were still considered assets. Studies in Enology at Fresno State University led to an internship at Sterling Vineyards and then eventually on to his role as winemaker for Jekel and San Saba. Joel expresses his philosophy succinctly: «Making great wine is a two step process: 1. Get great grapes. 2. Don’t screw it up.»