Greetings Readers of Our Wine Story. This is the first in a series of posts dedicated to an interview held with Captûre’s Vineyard Manager, Dave Komar. We hope this series will allow you an eye-opening view into Dave’s origin, opinions, and passion for wine.
I heard you’re a native of Sonoma County. What was it like growing up there?
Dave Komar: Growing up in Sonoma County was great. I remember it really started sinking in for me how lucky I was when I was in high school. I remember some of my friends were so excited to leave this area after graduation and it’s funny how most have them have returned. Myself, I always knew that after college I would be back here as soon as possible.
What was your first experience with wine?
Dave Komar: My mom worked for a winery doing accounting and purchasing throughout most of my childhood. I still remember going up to the crushpad where she worked to watch the grapes being crushed. I always loved the smell of the fermentations and the barrel cellar.
Was wine an important part of your family life?
Dave Komar: My parents almost always had wine with dinner. When I was really young I never paid much attention, but as I got older I began to ask questions about it, to smell the glass or even try a small sip with dinner.
Was there a particular person or event which pushed you in the direction of vineyard management?
Dave Komar: Benziger Winery was right down the street from where I grew up, and Mike Benziger was my neighbor. In high school he would let me work part time in the afternoons pumping over tanks during harvest, and as I thought more and more about what I wanted to do for a career, Mike kind of mentored me and suggested that I take some viticulture classes at SRJC to see what I thought about it.
To be continued…
