Coming Home

2024 has started out with a whole new future for Meyye. After looking for nearly 5 years, we’ve purchased a plot of land in Sebastopol for both our future home and our first estate vineyard. We are busy designing and applying for permits, hoping to break ground in 2025.

But why Sebastopol? My family has old ties there. In the last 150 years, my Coast Miwok ancestors including my Great Grandmother, my grandfather, my uncle, and two of my aunts were born in Sebastopol (formerly known as Analy). My grandparents were married there in 1924. But more importantly, our ancestors roamed these hills going back millennia. It was a powerful moment standing on top of ‘our’ hill, looking out over the view from Mt. St. Helena to Sonoma Mountain realizing that we acquired land that once belonged to my people. Call it an act of land re-possession after centuries of land dispossession.

Speaking of vineyards, this area of west Sebastopol enjoys an optimal blend of soil types and climate. This specific area (called English Hill on older maps) is part of a new proposed AVA called Sebastopol Hills (it is currently part of the Russian River AVA). With unique soil types of Goldridge, Los Osos, and Steinbeck the new AVA includes many top pinot noir producers and vineyards including Balletto, Litorai, and Halleck.

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Lastly, my grandmother’s family (Southern Pomo) was from Jenner, just north of Bodega Bay. Growing up in San Francisco, we cherished our time by the ocean and on the beaches from Goat Rock down to Bodega Bay. On our first visit to the property, we were pleasantly surprised to find that we can see the ocean near Salmon Creek to the west. Not only does the coastal influence keep temperatures moderate so the grapes can have extended hang time and develop deep complex flavors, but I feel constantly reminded of my ancestors and a deep sense of belonging. Not only is it nice to be 20 minutes from Bodega Bay it’s also nice to be home.

Ka ‘ooni yommitto
(I’ve come home)