Cecilia Enriquez - Enriquez Family Estates

June 08, 2014

We begin our Vino Latino wine series which will consist of interviewing Latin@ Winery Owners/Wine Makers over the next few weeks. Thank you to Becky Tyner - Sandoval of Vino Latino for taking on this project for SVL. Featured Winery: Enriquez Family Estates Location: Petaluma, California (Sonoma County) Varietals: Pinot, Tempranillo, And White Blend At first glance you would probably not guess that Cecilia Enriquez is the CEO of her family’s vineyard and winery. It’s not because she’s a woman, or because she’s a Latina, or because she’s about 5 feet tall, but it’s because she’s only 26, but she looks about 18. As is with most things in life, what you see is not what you get. Inside that cute little frame is a powerhouse full of determination, desire to learn, and success!

Cecilia’s family bought the winery and vineyard in 2011 after the families visit to Sonoma. While wine tasting Cecilia jokingly said to her father, “You should buy a winery and let me run it.” A year later, her father did exactly that. Cecilia’s reaction was, “I was joking!” But it’s obvious her parents knew more about her ability to succeed than she did, so they continued with the purchase and sent their young daughter to California to learn the wine business. Since then Cecilia has learned to negotiate the sale of her grapes, pick barrels, choose blends, and come up with her own ideas on winemaking. With each vintage, the Enriquez brand continues to improve and grow along with its young CEO. SVL: I’m sure the wine business keeps you very busy, but when you have it, what do you do in your spare time? Cecilia: Not work! Ha-ha. I find a lot of joy in playing with my puppies, Riley and Tyler. I also enjoy traveling, including going to Mexico as much as possible to visit family. I’m also active in the local 20/30 club that is a lot of fun. SVL: Your mom and dad are from Mexico. Where in Mexico are they from? Cecilia: My mom is from Culiacan, Sinaloa, and my dad is from Guadalajara, Jalisco. SVL: I know your parents are back east in New Jersey. When you go home which of your mom’s dishes do you look forward to the most? Cecilia: I love my mom’s tacos dorados and her chilaquiles are really yummy too. SVL: Did you grow up with wine in your home? Cecilia: Yes, my parents love California Pinots and often had them at our dinner table. SVL: You produce Pinot, Tempranillo and a white blend, so we know you enjoy those varietals. What is your favorite varietal that you don’t produce? Cecilia: I love Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. SVL: What wine region would you like to visit? Cecilia: I would love to go to Champagne because not only do I love sparkling wines, but I also have a friend who lives there and it would be wonderful to see them! SVL: Which of your wines is your favorite? Cecilia: I don’t have a favorite. I love them all. But I’m most proud of my rose` of Tempranillo because it’s unusual. There isn’t a lot of tempranillo produced in the USA and to have one made as a rose` is even more uncommon. SVL: What would you pair with the Rose` of Tempranillo? Cecilia: A hot day, flip-flops, and a pool. SVL: Thank you so much Cecilia for sharing with Silicon Valley Latino. We wish you continued success and happiness. Cecilia: You are so welcome! Let’s eat!