T
o tell the truth (and that’s what Discoveries is all about), excellent wines aren’t made at the winery—they are grown on the vine. It takes a patient, experienced and deft grower to know his vines and be keen to the promise of greatness hidden in the slow-ripening clusters of berries. And, to tell more of the truth, no winemaker or grower— no matter the accolades, gold medals or ribbons—ever stands completely alone. Alexander Valley grape grower and vineyard manager Bret Munselle is a living example of this. Age 36, Bret is a fifth-genALEXANDER eration member of a farming VALLEY’S family that has been plowing land, planting vineyards and making wines along the upper Russian River since 1876. He was named Outstanding Young Farmer at the 2010 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Bret has followed in many footsteps, including those of his grandparents Fred and Ruby Wasserman and his parents Bill and Reta Munselle. His aunt Bev Wasson and mentor winemakers Rob Davis of Jordan Winery and Corey Beck of Francis Ford Coppola Winery also influenced Bret’s approach to the vines and wines of his native valley. For awhile, after graduating from UC Davis, Bret left Alexander Valley to work for American Ag Credit in land appraisal. He married a southern California girl, Kristen, and his Valley roots got tested. But when the family launched the Munselle Vineyards wine label in 2006, Bret and Kristen moved their two daughters, Maddie and Callie back home. The Munselle family now produces about 1,000 cases of wine under their own name while also growing and managing grapes for Jordan, Coppola, Stryker Sonoma and several Alexander Valley neighbors. There’s another truth about growing wine grapes. It’s not all tractor and vine maintenance. It’s a business and Bret has won the reputation up and down Alexander Valley as an intelligent and upstanding business professional who has never lost the inner heart of a farmer, father and family man.
WINEPEOPLE
BRET MUNSELLE
Friendly advice and global selection
Wine Emporium • Wine Shop • Tasting Bar Wine Club • Gallery • Gift Service
Wed-Sat 12-6 Mon-Tue Knock or Call 125 North Main Street, Downtown Sebastopol order online: the-wine-emporium.com
Toll Free 887-349-2285
Mention Discoveries for a Free Gift!
The best local ingredients, presented with style and elegance, in a casual bistro atmosphere.
We now offer Outdoor Dining! Our Hours: Lunch: Tuesday-Saturday: 11:30am-2:30pm Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday: 5:30am-9:00pm
119 South Main Street, Sebastopol 707-823-6614 • klbistro.com Discoveries 27