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Dave Pechan – Owner of Miramont Estate Vineyards

Dave Pechan (pronounced pay-ahn) is a “salt of the earth” man. He is a life-long entrepreneur who caught the wine bug a few years back when he and his wife Trisha decided to dedicate 25 acres of their ranch to growing wine grapes. That was 1997…and his labor of love continues. The vineyard was completed in 1998 with incredibly hearty Cabernet Sauvignon planted in decomposed granite and clay soil.

Dave’s estate is located at the far southeast corner of San Joaquin County as it reaches toward the Sierra Foothills. The elevation here is still slightly less than 200 feet above sea level, but the water table is considerably lower than in the valley floor just a few miles to the west. The gently rolling contour of the land also works to Dave’s advantage as it allows the soil to drain quickly during the wet winter months

Dave moved to California as a young child. A native of Minnesota, Dave was imbued early in life with a strong work ethic. Dave has always been an entrepreneur, building successful businesses as a crop duster, auto mechanic and retailer. Through his early days in the agriculture industry, he always desired to do something with the bountiful soil of our valley.

Hard work is a mantra for the Pechans. Dave is usually working around the property before dawn. And he can be seen after dark, making sure the cellar is cooling down for the night. In those few hours he does not work, Dave is still a pilot and enjoys tinkering with machinery.

The Pechan Family

Inspired by the dreams of five generations, Miramont Estate Vineyards celebrates a tradition of agricultural excellence begun by the Pechan family more than a century ago. In the 1840s, Mathias Pechan immigrated to the United States and began farming in the heartland. Since then, each generation has continued this proud tradition.

In 1997, our family established Miramont Estate Vineyards. Nestled against the Sierra foothills, our vineyard and boutique winery are located in the Lodi appellation of California. Our Cabernet Sauvignon grapes thrive in the Mediterranean climate where they are bathed in golden sunlight, caressed nightly by cool Pacific breezes, and then harvested under starlight to protect their luscious flavor at its peak.

Miramont Estate Vineyard

We spent a year excavating the soil and preparing the field for planting. As we dug through layers of gravelly Redding soil, rock-solid hardpan, thick clay and moist sand, we discovered remnants of an ancient river, lined with round rocks polished by millions of years of erosion. This discovery made the land even more special to us. Next we chose a hardy rootstock, descended from wild Texas grapes, that thrives in dry river beds. We planted the rootstock and let it grow in our vineyard for a year. Then we cut the top of the rootstock and field grafted it to the grapevines. This is a time-honored method that we believe produces a stronger plant.

The vineyard thrives in a wonderful terroir that is quickly defining what Cabernet from this region is really like. Dave firmly believes that his recipe of allowing the vineyard to seek its own path to great fruit development is perfect for constructing wine of incredible depth and character. Each vintage Dave learns more about the hidden secrets of his soil, vines, grapes and micro-climate. The Miramont Estate Vineyard is maturing quickly and seems to bear lower than usual yields for the area. However, the fruit has exceptional color, extract, acid balance and complexity.

Miramont Estate Winery

With the winery’s first release of 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Dave realized he had captured something special in his soil and micro-climate. Even in her youth the vineyard showed great development of fruit, acid and structure. Since then, Dave has seen potential become reality. In just three vintages Miramont Estate has garnered over 35 awards and accolades from throughout the United States.

In 2007 Dave expanded the vineyard by another 10 acres…all dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon…”after all, why tamper with success.” He started by tilling the plot, he then staked the spots for the new vines and added the intricate drip irrigation system needed to help the young vines survive the warm, dry summer months of Linden.

Miramont Estate Wines

Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon – Vintner’s Reserve
…when everything goes perfectly, we may get a small amount of wine that exhibits extraordinary flavor. We set this special lot of no more than ten barrels aside and transfer it to French oak barrels for an additional year of aging

Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon
…the soil at Miramont Estate is deep and rocky, composed mostly of decomposed granite. This gives our Cabernet a distinct flavor of the minerals that enrich our vineyard.

Estate Grown White Cabernet Sauvignon (Rose’)
…a spectacular wine made in the traditional French method…off-dry with incredible flavor…perfect for that warm summer evening!

Stardust California Chardonnay
…a very approachable white with just a hint of oak to balance crisp tart green apple fruit flavors…nice clean finish that goes perfectly with grilled chicken.

Contact Information

• Phone Number: (209) 887-3178
• Fax Number: (209) 887-3178
• Website: www.teslavintners.com
• Tasting Room Hours: By appointment only- groups of 10 or more
  Yearly Case Production

6000

Winery Staff

• Dave Pechan — Owner-Winegrower-Winemaker
• Trisha Pechan — Owner
• Sara Cary — Director of Sales & Marketing and Assistant WInemaker
• Bernice Leinweber — Office Manager