Some days, Jill Klein Matthiasson and Steve Matthiasson are awakened by the ding of their 2 a.m. frost alarm. Even before dawn, their vineyard is at the forefront of their minds.
The Matthiassons, along with their two young sons, Harry and Kai, have fine- tuned a lifestyle that includes everyone in Matthiasson Wines, a family business known for producing artisanal quality blends – their white and red wines are favorites among many sommeliers and wine writers across the country.
For this endeavor to thrive, their diligence and precise attention to detail on the working farm and vineyard are never-ending: Harry and Kai stomp the grapes and work around the home and vineyard, while Jill manages the business; sells the fruit from their organic orchard to local farmers markets and restaurants; cans the fruit for preserves; and cures olives.
And as much time as the Matthiassons devote to the upkeep of their land, they also pride themselves in creating cutting edge wine while staying true to their homespun values by keeping production simple.
Steve – a respected viticulture consultant for Araujo Estate Wines, Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, Trefethen Family Vineyards, and other Napa and Sonoma wineries – is tireless in coaxing the best out of what nature can provide.
He and Jill encourage wildlife to keep the land, which is also home to farm animals and the native plants that provide a balanced habitat for bees, birds and raptors. It is an ecological system on its own. And most importantly, everything grown on the property is used, either fresh from the garden or preserved for the winter.
Winemaking is this family’s dream. Their passion is reflected in everything they produce. Steve and Jill’s hands touch every vine, jar and bottle.
