The Meador Story

The wines of “Meador Estate” are unique expressions of their terroir focused by intensely specific viticulture and old-world winemaking techniques. By their nature they are of very limited production.

Our vineyards are larger than many French communes. There, as here, there are variations in terroir in small locations within that have displayed superiority and thus acquired fame. Within our vineyards there are certain areas – different for different varieties – that have demonstrated merits highly prized by us over several decades of observation. We have utilized specific farming techniques to enhance that expression of the location. We selectively hand harvest the fruit (passing several times over the area - days apart!) at what we feel is optimum.

We continue the evolution by utilizing different detailed winemaking techniques for each wine. Knowing which techniques best allow each grape its personality requires decades to learn. For example, we use different yeast strains on the different varieties, we use barrels from different coopers (and from different continents!) on different wines and we even press the grapes differently!

All of our resources, terroir, skill and knowledge come together in these wines: age of vines, location recognition, soil structure, farming research application, winemaking knowledge, artistic sensibility and our passion for Magnificent Monterey and its Arroyo Seco appellation. In these wines with care, you can hear the whisper of Doug’s footsteps in the vineyard and winery. In the label you can see LuAnn’s artistry tiptoeing right along. In your glass you will find the synthesis of the care taken by many, many people – the care of the vine, the care of the wine and the care in presentation upon your table.

After nearly thirty years of work “mid-wifing” the birth of this great new region – we present a view not of the present but rather a look through the window into the future. Wines of world-class merit are within our capabilities, sensibilities and our terroirs. It gives us supreme gratification to bring these wines to you, to share with you and to bring you pleasure.

Enjoy!
The Meador Family

The dual Crests represent the backgrounds of Doug and LuAnn Meador. The left crest has the Double tailed cat. It was the insignia for Doug's fighter squadron during his Naval career. The three deltas refer to flight formation as well and also refer to Doug and LuAnn's three children, Roni, Brent and Jason. The right crest represents Luann's heritage. A tulip for her Dutch ancestry. LuAnn was born under the sign of Leo and the six horizontal bar respresents that she is one of six siblings.