Eliot Martin & Katie Luczai (Marzae Wine)
Eliot Martin and Katie Luczai are the founders of Marzae Wine, a natural winery that embodies a technical approach blending scientific acumen with a hands-off, creative philosophy. Their work is a deliberate effort to establish a local, sustainable winemaking scene in the greater Boston area, a region not traditionally known for viticulture.
Eliot Martin: The Winemaker
Eliot Martin is the technical lead and winemaker at Marzae. His background combines academic rigor with practical experience.
Education: He holds a Master's degree in Food Policy from the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. This education provides the theoretical foundation for his focus on sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices.
Viticultural Experience: Martin's passion for natural wine was cultivated through extensive international travel and hands-on experience. He worked at natural wineries across Europe, including in Portugal, Spain, England, Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia. A notable part of this journey was a position managing the only vineyard within London's city limits.
Winemaking Philosophy: Martin's winemaking is a marriage of science and art. He doesn't aim to "engineer a certain flavor profile" but rather to guide the fermentation process to a harmonious conclusion.
Low-Intervention: He believes in allowing the fruit to express itself, using native yeasts and no fining or filtering.
Minimal Additives: The only addition is a small amount of sulfites at bottling to ensure shelf stability, with additions typically kept to what is already naturally occurring.
Focus on Hybrids: A key technical aspect of Marzae is their focus on hybrid grape varieties, which are better suited to the humid New England climate. He sources grapes from producers in Vermont, the Finger Lakes (NY), and Massachusetts.
Katie Luczai: The Co-Founder
Katie Luczai is the co-founder and head of community, integral to the winery's mission and operations. She brings her skills in communication, creativity, and economic development to help build the brand's presence and foster a community around their shared values.
Winemaking Operations:
The Marzae approach is deeply rooted in local sourcing and a commitment to sustainability.
Sourcing: They source grapes from regional producers and even incorporate other local fruits like cherries, apples, and blueberries for co-fermentation. This practice, along with their use of native yeasts, creates wines that are unique expressions of the New England terroir.
Winery: The winery operates out of a space in Acton, Massachusetts. Their aging vessels include stainless steel tanks, concrete eggs, and terra cotta amphora barrels, which provide different levels of oxygen exposure and character to the finished wines.
Future Vision: The couple is working to expand their operations, with plans to plant their own vineyard in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and open an urban tasting room in Cambridge, further cementing their commitment to local agriculture and community building.