Winery Details

As an inventor and new food product developer, Chaim Gur-Arieh spent 35 years preparing himself for the role of winemaker at C.G. Di Arie Vineyard & Winery.  
 
In the year 2000, Chaim and his wife Elisheva purchased a 209-acre parcel of uncultivated land between the south and middle forks of the Cosumnes River in the Shenandoah Valley of the Sierra Foothills. Located at 1,700 feet, with excellent sandy loam soil, warm days, cool temperate nights, and strong winds to protect the grapes from mildew. Chaim knew that he could plant a vineyard on this property that would one day yield superior Estate Zinfandel and Syrah. 
 
“I like to make wines that are elegant and have good balance. My style of wine has forward fruit that carries to the mid-palate and a long sustained finish. I like to use the oak to enhance the varietal identity of the wine and not mask it. Wines that are jammy and alcoholic are not my style.” 

• Origins: As an inventor and new food product developer, Chaim Gur-Arieh spent 35 years preparing himself for the role of winemaker at C.G. Di Arie Vineyard & Winery.

• Partner: Elisheva, Chaim's wife and co-owner oversees brand image, winery events, marketing and web design; she's also a nationally-exhibiting artist.

• Flavors: After earning his Ph.D in Food Science, Chaim worked at Quaker Oats where he helped develop the breakfast Cereal Cap'n Crunch; after a stint at Del Monte, he formed his own flavor company which he sold in 1998.

• Philosophy: Chaim’s wines are highly extracted, soft and elegant – a perfect match to fine cuisine.