Kaz

Winemaker/Owner Richard Kasmier, a.k.a. Kaz is the brains and ego of the operation. He’s supported by his lovely-artistic-creative wife, Sandi, and their kids. The Kaz family creates all of their own labels and ads. Perhaps the most infamous and loved ingredient in the whole of the Kaz Vineyard and Winery experience is Kaz’s personality. He’s a funny guy with nutty humor, a vivid imagination and a loose ego.

Their humble winery and tasting room is in Kenwood, and is typically staffed by one of the Kaz’s. It is located in their barn with a koy pond out back. The cozy space is dog and kid friendly with non-alcoholic grape juice available.

In the mid 80’s Kaz bought two acres of land in the Sonoma Valley and planted grapes. His vineyard started to flourish and produce full bodied wines worthy of his name. The small organic vineyard was perfect for experimenting with blends.

Every wine is made in small lots of one to eight barrels. They make between forty and sixty barrels annually. Many of their wines are tangy due to ultra low sulfites (the headache causing preservative). This allows for big ripe aromas and flavor subtleties that can intrigue and bewilder.

Kaz is a fan of Big Red Wines and likes to play with funky new blends using varietals like Mourvedre, Carignane, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Barbera, and others. Living by the motto “there’s no harm in experimenting”, Kaz enjoys pushing the envelope in the world of wine, and more recently the world of radio. Check out his weekly show.