The wines are meant to reflect an honest expression of these vineyards and their own natural character. Minimal intervention in the cellar, native yeast fermentation, and low-tech winemaking authentically express a sense of place through our wines.
He began his winemaking career during the 1997 harvest working as a cellar rat at Peachy Canyon Winery in Paso Robles, California. After earning a degree in Enology from CSU Fresno, he worked as Cellar Master at Williams Selyem winery in Healdsburg, California from 2000 until 2003.
He moved to Casablanca, Chile in 2003 to work as Enologo/Assistant Winemaker for Kingston Family Vineyards. He then worked as Winemaker at Denner Vineyard in Paso Robles from 2004 until 2009. After working the 2010 vintage in Marlborough, New Zealand Brian landed in Southern Oregon. He has had the pleasure of working with Agate Ridge Winery in Eagle Point, Daisy Creek Vineyards in Jacksonville, Trium Winery in Talent and DANCIN Vineyards in Jacksonville. While he enjoys making wine for others, his dream has always been to own his own winery.
Brian met his partner in crime, Clea Arthur, on a ski trip in 2015. For both of them, simplicity is a lifestyle choice and winemaking technique. They wanted to create a business that reflects their values by keeping things small and simple. In early 2017 they decided to take the plunge and make their dream a reality. On November 17th, 2017 they opened Talent's first urban winery and tasting room! The tasting room is open Wednesday - Sunday from 12 - 6pm. It is family friendly and offers a build your own picnic menu. You are also welcome to bring your own picnic.
Brian and Clea happily invite you to come in and try some simply delicious local wine.
Cheers!
Our winery and tasting room in Talent has been completely destroyed by the Alameda Fire. The fire started at 11:30 am on Tuesday September 8th, 2020. It entered our property at 3:30 pm. Every building burned to the ground and we lost 100% of our inventory. Every barrel and every bottle is gone.
The fire has devastated the communities of Talent and Phoenix. The number of homes and businesses that have been lost is tragic. The fire was incredibly intense and moved so, so fast. People have lost everything.
If you can help or need help here is a good resource.
Simple Machine will rebuild and our amazing community will recover. Thank you so much to everyone who has reached out to us. We appreciate your support and feel the love. We are stronger together.
Click on "Wine Club" to learn how you can support our rebuilding efforts.
Stay hopeful. Stay strong.
Brian & Clea
Native yeast, minimal cellar intervention and old school intuitive winemaking results in wines that reflect the uniqueness of Southern Oregon. Our reds are 100% whole cluster crushed by foot, un-filtered and un-fined.