Press
One of California’s most celebrated winemakers just opened a Healdsburg tasting room
Sarah Doyle, Press Democrat, August 12, 2026
When Greg La Follette learned that the lease on his winery building would not be renewed, the longtime winemaker was glum — but hopeful.
For nearly 25 years, La Follette had made wine at the Sebastopol location, first for Tandem Wines, then for La Follette Wines and, most recently, Marchelle Wines.
Granted, the front door — tucked behind a maze of agricultural buildings along Gravenstein Highway — was never particularly easy for customers to find. Nor did the production-focused space lend itself to lounging, despite the brand’s linger-worthy wines.
“I’m sad to close the winery, but it’s very clear we need to sell more wine instead of spending money maintaining a production space,” La Follette said. “So, we decided to trade our winery lease dollars for tasting room dollars.”
Wine Country’s newest tasting room highlights one of California’s most forgotten grapes
Jess Lander, San Francisco Chronicle, 7/30/26
Marchelle is one of just a few California wineries making serious French Colombard, and it’s become the brand’s best-selling wine. More people will have the opportunity to taste it starting Aug. 1, when Marchelle opens its first tasting room.
A renowned California winemaker’s final act: Resuscitating a scorned grape
San Francisco Chronicle, Jess Lander, 11/9/24
Greg La Follette, donning a headlamp over his thick, white hair and signature mechanic jumpsuit, is rummaging through what appears to be a large bush but is actually a 122-year-old grapevine.
Inside Winemaking Episode 176
Host, Jim Duane
In this episode, we have a conversation with Greg La Follette of Marchelle Wines. We discuss Greg’s extraordinary journey from nearly becoming a professional bagpiper and priest to becoming a celebrated winemaker renowned for his expertise in mouthfeel and Burgundian techniques.
The Best Red Blends of 2024
Vinepair, Keith Beavers
To say this wine is cool is an understatement. It’s extremely cool! Sourced from American ancient vineyards planted in California in the late 19th century and made from Carignan and an almost extinct French grape called Monbadon, this wine is a testament to our nascent wine culture.
The Case for California Colombard
GuildSomm.com, Jeff Siegel
Greg La Follette, who makes Colombard at Marchelle Wines, says “I don’t think you could have had the modern California wine industry without Colombard, since it was so widely planted in the 1960s. It needs to be known as more than the lowly, much-maligned Colombard grape.”
Dan Berger on Wine: Greg La Follette
Napa valley Register, Dan Berger
When I decided to create a philosophical statement by making a tiny amount of bone-dry Riesling from a great vineyard, I needed a great winemaker. My choice was a man who rarely made Riesling, but who is one of America’s best winemakers.
Letters from Lodi: Greg La Follette's latest ancient vine Lodi wines are as enigmatic as ever
Lodiwine.com, Randy Caparoso
When I met the West Sonoma Coast-based winemaker Greg La Follette some 25 years ago, the first thing that struck me was what a bundle of contradictions he seemed to be.
Beyond Organic Wine Podcast: How Wine is Made in the Vineyard with Greg La Follette
Host: Adam Huss
My guest for this episode is Greg La Follette. Just when you think you know something about wine, you meet someone like Greg. Talking with him about wine is like having the sun rise suddenly while you’re walking a path at night with only a flashlight.
Marchelle 2021 Old Vine Family Cuveé
Washington Post, Dave McIntyre
This Rhône-style blend of cinsaut, zinfandel and carignan hails from the Mokelumne River AVA of Lodi. The zinfandel gives it a decidedly juicy American accent. The savory flavors and velvety texture call for hearty meals, such as a Thanksgiving dinner. (3.5 out of 4 stars)