Angela Osborne’s Journey
Meet Angela Osborne, a Kiwi winemaker with a mission to transform Californian Grenache.
Originally hailing from New Zealand, Angela pivoted to winemaking after her dream of creating a documentary about an indigenous tribe in Thailand didn’t pan out.
While working at a wine shop in San Diego, she seized an opportunity to invest in a grape contract, igniting her passion for crafting wine.
Osborne has made it her goal to champion Grenache, a varietal surprisingly overlooked in many California vineyards, despite its ranking as the eighth most planted red grape in the state.
In fact, California boasts more Grenache than varietals like Malbec, Sangiovese, or even Cabernet Franc.
Given Grenache’s preference for warm, sun-soaked climates—something California has in spades—it’s puzzling that varietal Grenaches aren’t more prevalent.
Typically, they fall into one of two categories: either entry-level reds or the premium selections from high-end producers like Sine Qua Non.
The Distinctive Charm of Osborne’s Grenaches
But Angela’s Grenaches tell a different story.
They stand out for their delicacy and refinement, positioning them among the lightest red wines found not just in California, but across the board.
Some of her Grenaches even appear lighter than many rosés, boasting a fragrant and ethereal nature that captivates the senses.
Angela describes these wines as enchanting, highlighting the unique resinous woods akin to frankincense and myrrh that Grenache embodies.
While some might compare it to Pinot Noir, Angela argues that Grenache encapsulates a gracefulness that is entirely its own.
Operating under her label, A Tribute to Grace—named in tribute to her grandmother and serendipitously echoing Grenache’s elegance—Osborne has honed her craft at seven different wineries.
Four years ago, however, things took a turn.
After being let go from her significant role at Folded Hills in Santa Barbara County due to a clash of creative visions with the owners, Angela found herself at a crossroads.
Andy Busch favored bold, full-bodied wines from their estate, while Angela was drawn to a subtler approach.
Kim Busch, sensing the conflict, chose to step down rather than endure a strained working relationship.
The tides shifted when Andy Busch’s health led him to withdraw from the company.
Kim decided it was time to reconnect with Angela, expressing how much she valued their past collaboration.
A Unique Winemaking Experience
Angela was thrilled to rejoin Folded Hills.
She had grown to appreciate the nuances of the estate vineyard’s distinctive location: cooler than much of the Santa Ynez Valley, yet warmer than Sta.
Rita Hills, all complemented by rare limestone soils.
Reflecting on her journey, Angela realized that Napa Valley never truly felt like home.
She found it ironic to be producing wines that she couldn’t afford herself.
The community’s open-minded spirit lured her and her Cornish surfer husband to the area in 2012, where they laid down roots to raise their family and initiate A Tribute to Grace.
In 2015, when the Busch family sought a new winemaker, they had their own preferences: Andy leaned toward Cabernet Sauvignon, while Kim had a soft spot for Pinot Noir.
It was their planting consultant who encouraged them to delve into Rhône varieties for their ranch, opening new doors.
At this point, with her second child on the way, Angela found the Busch family open and welcoming.
Her hands-on, unconventional winemaking style resonated with Kim’s philosophy that heart is crucial to the process.
At Folded Hills, Angela processes freshly harvested grapes under a warm candlelight.
She has created a dedicated space adorned with written intentions, imbuing the environment with a ceremonial aura, reminiscent of the ancient traditions of winemaking often linked to monastic practices.
Today, Folded Hills not only represents her primary endeavor but also features the youngest vineyard she oversees.
Under the A Tribute to Grace label, she collaborates with two historic Grenache vineyards that remarkably continue to thrive.
One of these, the Hofer Vineyard in Cucamonga Valley, dates back to 1919 and was originally planted on its own rootstock.
Though it once spanned 500 acres, it now occupies a mere five, producing a delicate Grenache at 12.1 percent alcohol, rich with floral and herbal notes—an experience worth tasting before the nearby airport’s expansion interrupts its charm.
Angela also sources an exceptionally light Grenache from Besson Vineyard, established in 1910, located near the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA.
To enhance the winemaking experience, she foot-treads the grapes, often with Tom Waits serenading in the background.
Rooted in her upbringing, Angela’s confidence and tenacity shine through.
With inspiration from her strong-willed mother, she has carved out a niche in an industry often dominated by uniformity.
Through her unique approach to winemaking, Angela Osborne stands as a breath of fresh air, redefining California Grenache and showcasing its distinctive allure.
Source: Wine-searcher
