In the old West, before the days of ATVs and Helicopters, when Cowboys still worked cattle a horse back, the term "line shack" referred to a small cabin built on the open range where cowboys could take shelter from natures wrath.
Our “Line Shack” was discovered in 1989 when our family aquired a small ranch in Chualar Canyon, Monterey County, California. The only building on it was a run down cabin we affectionately called the “Line Shack”. Soon this building was remodeled and it became a favorite place to gather and celebrate family, food and friendships. It also became the Tasting Room and extra Barrel Room when the garage became full.
My wife Daphne and I began making wine 19 years ago after befreinding Italian Wine Maker and King of Radicchio, Lucio Gomiero who is the owner of two very successful Italian Wineries, Vignalta in Italy’s Veneto (perennial Tre Bicchieri winner) and La Fiorita, a winery that produced one of the highest rated Brunellos ever by Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar. it was under Lucios' guidence that I developed my palate and attention to detail so important in the production of fine wine.
In 2004, we decided to quit our day jobs and make a living out of our passion for fine wine and good food. The Line Shack Winery was born. The initial concept was to make very limited quantities of Wines representing Southern Monterey County varietals, sell them myself and enjoy the fine lifestyle making and selling wine affords. Our children were 7 & 9 and able to help in some of the chores of the winery. Things were progressing well when Daphne and I became pregnant with our third child. Upon our blessed thirds arrival it became a little difficult to be on the road selling a few days a week, then coming home to work in the winery as well as fullfill my responsibilities as a father, now of three. Needles to say Mama needed help and I needed to be there.
At that point we decided to expand production, take on a partner, bring in a national distribution company and step it up a bit. A life long friend, Bob Leighton and his wife Janet stepped up to answer the call. In 2006 the winery was expanded and Pacific Wine Associates was contracted to take our brand to the next level.
In early 2008 the work load became such that I needed help, at which time Partner Bob L was transitioning from a stint in the Recycling Business so naturally he stepped in to help.
Our fruit is produced in the Southern Monterey County, the focus of our winemaking efforts being the San Antonio Valley AVA. This new AVA, which is a Mountain Valley in the Santa Lucia Range, (see map below), is becoming renowned for producing excellent quality warm climate, “Boudreaux and Rhone” grape varieties that produce intense flavored, full bodied red and white wines of exceptional character.
Our background in production agriculture and the recycling industry and having frugal wives and young children enhances our focus on the environment and sustainability. Our grower partners utilize or are transitioning to sustainable and or bio-dynamic farming practices and we are striving to minimize our carbon foot print as well as protect our limited resources. It is the goal and mission of the Line Shack Winery to grow a business which provides its customers with excellent quality and good value while providing a sound workplace with opportunity for our employees all the while remaining good stewards of the environment.
Line Shack Winery is proud to offer superb quality wines at exceptional values for your enjoyment.
Thank You for your interest and visiting our website.
Enjoy and remember theres a little Cowboy in all of us.
– Bob and Daphne Balentine
About the Line Shack Winery
