In the Old West, before the days of ATVs and Helicopters, when Cowboys still worked cattle a horseback, the term “Line Shack” referred to a small cabin built on the open range where cowboys could take shelter from natures wrath while working away from their home ranch.

Our “Line Shack” was discovered in 1989 when our family acquired a small ranch in Chualar Canyon, Monterey County, California. The only building on it was a rundown cabin my father 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 winery, tasting room and extra barrel storage room when our home garage became full.

My wife, Daphne, and I began making wine in 1991 after befriending Italian winemaker Lucio Gomiero, 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 through Lucios’ friendship that we garnered a true love for wine while simultaneously developing our palates and attention to detail, so important in the production of fine wine.

 

In 2003, Daphne and I decided to quit our day jobs and make a living out of our passion for fine wine, thus the Line Shack Winery was born. Initially, our focus was on a smaller scale, but as our family grew to five with three beautiful children, we decided to expand our production and explore broader distribution. While growth is always the goal, we continue to focus on producing premium quality, hand crafted wines that we enjoy sharing at our own family gatherings.

Our background in production agriculture and commitment to family and our faith enhances our focus on the environment and sustainability. Our grower partners utilize or are transitioning to sustainable 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 that provides its customers with excellent quality and good value and all 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 support of our family venture. Enjoy, and remember there’s a little bit of Cowboy in all of us.

Cheers!
– Bob, Daphne, Morgan, Jack and Nick Balentine