In this episode of The Good Stuff presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Baron Ziegler, Founder of Marine Layer Wines.
About Baron Ziegler
Tequila, Champagne, great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir…that’s roughly the diet that Baron has been living on for the last 20+ years. It’s a tough life, but someone has to do it. Baron started collecting wine when he was 15 before he even liked the taste of wine. Needless to say, he got a lot of weird looks in his freshman dorm room when people saw wood boxes of Bordeaux under his bed. According to many at the time, he was considered a bit eccentric or “special.” When Baron turned 18, he got a job in a wine shop in Boston where he could taste, learn and make a little money. So started Baron’s obsession and a profession in wine. “I’m not a winemaker. I never had the patience or time to learn, but I’m lucky to have Rob, one of the best winemakers I’ve ever worked with, as my partner in crime. This is a family affair. My three girls helped us stomp the Pinot grapes at harvest (start ‘em young, I say), and my daughter, Olivia, has been blind tasting with me since we crushed our first grapes for Marine Layer. She approves of the wines we’ve put into bottle so far, as do I. Marine Layer is our heart and soul, and the most fun we’ve had making wine to date.”
About Marine Layer Wines
Marine Layer Wines is a longtime dream of visionary Baron Ziegler. Through years of working with friend and winemaker Rob Fischer at Banshee Wines, Baron knew that Rob would be the perfect guy to help make his dream a reality. Together, their vision of creating a Sonoma Coast-focused brand, exclusively sourced from only the best vineyards in the region, came to life. We are driven by discovery, precision and creativity. With an artisanal approach to winemaking, we craft wines that are both elegant and approachable. Sustainable farming, heritage clones, hand-harvesting, and an obsession for quality guide our path. The distinctive name, “Marine Layer,” pays homage to the thick blanket of fog that pours in from the Pacific along the Sonoma Coast. Known for cooler temperatures and extreme conditions, growing grapes in this region is undoubtedly challenging, yet the most rewarding. Longer hang-time for the grapes results in nuanced flavors, bright acidity, and balance.
And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!