Greetings Readers of Our Wine Story. This is the continuation 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.
What’s your favorite varietal to work with? And, for that matter, what’s your favorite varietal or blend to drink?
Dave Komar: Pinot Noir is probably still my favorite varietal to work with, and Cabernet would be a close second. I think it’s because as a farmer, Pinot Noir reacts more to the way we manipulate the vine, the light exposure, etc. Every little thing we do in the vineyard affects the taste of the wine. Other varieties aren’t so sensitive to the little details. For the same reasons I probably drink more pinot than anything else.
How did your partnership begin with Glenn Alexander and Bacchus? Were you acquaintances prior to your interest in wine?
Dave Komar: I first met Glenn when I was with Benziger. They bought grapes from a vineyard that Bacchus farmed. But it was a mutual friend that kind of brought us together in terms of a working relationship. At that time Bacchus was growing pretty steadily and it was becoming more than Glenn could handle on his own, and at the same time I had kind of grown out of my position at Benziger and was ready for a little change. I think it was a perfect fit for both of us.
I recall that you’re a fairly avid outdoorsman. If you were limited to one activity what would you choose and why?
Dave Komar: It changes all the time. A year ago I would have probably said surfing, but right now I’m big on fly-fishing. I’m taking a five day trip up to the Trinity River and the McCloud River to fish for steelhead and trout in mid-November. Harvest will be over by then and it will definitely be nice to have a few days to relax and hopefully fool a few fish with some flies that I’ve been tying myself!
Don’t you own a dog? What’s the story behind her? Do you find that your lifestyle stands as a great complement to raising a dog?
Dave Komar: You mean Shasta, the worlds luckiest dog? She is a six year old Rhodesian Ridgeback and the only thing she knows is vineyards. She’s been coming to work with me everyday since she was a puppy and she still enjoys a good rabbit chase or trying to dig out a gopher. I’ve actually been very fortunate to have employers who allow me to bring her with me everywhere, and a vineyard is basically a giant playground for a dog.
To be continued…
