7 Questions with Siduri Assistant Winemaker Ryan Zepaltas

May 12, 2017

It’s not uncommon for a winemaker to have a unique story about their entry into the world of winemaking, but Ryan Zepaltas’ tale hands down might be the only one of its kind.

 

“Well, I previously had a career in skateboarding,” Zepaltas recalled. “I had moved out to California for it – my aunt also lived out there, and she was in the wine business. When the skateboarding thing didn’t work out, I figured I needed a real job and began working harvest to make money.”

 

That move was nearly 20 years ago, and the Wisconsin native never looked back.

 

“It was supposed to just be a temporary job – the harvest – but I fell in love with the wine business,” Zepaltas said.

 

His first harvest was at La Crema Winery, a fellow Jackson Family vineyard to his current home, Siduri, where he works as Assistant Winemaker under renowned winemaker Adam Lee. We were thrilled to be able to catch up with Zepaltas at a recent event celebrating Oregon wine, and chatted with him about his story, as well as other industry topics.

 

What’s new with Siduri?

Ryan Zepaltas: We’re currently working a lot more in Oregon right now, especially developing some really nice blends. We’re working on a Grenache-based blend, with Syrah and a few other things. That’s going to come out sometime in the next year.

 

What is it about the Willamette Valley that makes it so unique?

The quality level of Willamette wine has come a long, long way in such a short period of time. The wines definitely have a more “Old World” feel than a California feel, meaning they have bright acidity, really good structure, great aging ability and really incredible complexity.

 

What are some varietals you feel are underappreciated?

I don’t think people take Sauvignon Blanc seriously enough. I think it can be just as complex as a great Chardonnay. I also think Cabernet Franc is something people need to take a look at as an everyday wine.

 

Any industry trends that have caught your eye?

It’s great to see domestic sparkling wines on the rise. As a winemaker, you can’t fake it with bubbles, so the ones that are out right now are really good.

 

Why is Pinot Noir…Pinot Noir?

It’s the most versatile wine, especially because it pairs so well with food. Most winemakers would agree that Pinot Noirs, more so than other varietals, really reflect the region where it’s grown. I think people really like that.  

 

Was wine part of your family’s life growing up?

No. I grew up in Wisconsin and wine was definitely not part of our dinner table. It was not a part of our culture in any way, other than some jug wines here and there. My first introduction into alcohol was the big beers that were available in Wisconsin.

 

If you weren’t a winemaker, what would you be? Other than a skateboarder, of course.

I’d be a shutdown closer in baseball, and my entrance music would definitely be punk rock.

 

Photo courtesy of zepaltaswines.com