Tom Caruso & Co: The Journey Behind Pray Tell Wines
Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Oregon, Pray Tell Wines is a passion-driven project led by Tom Caruso, Now moved back to Central Philly , completed with wine bar .a winemaker with deep Italian roots and an intriguing journey into the world of wine. At Pray Tell Wines, Tom crafts exceptional Rhône-style Syrah, focusing on a unique vineyard in the Rocks District AVA, a terroir renowned for its stony soil and minimal topsoil. The rocks, warmed by the sun during the day, create a distinctive microclimate that contributes to the wine’s complexity and depth.
Tom's winemaking approach emphasizes minimal intervention and maximum expression of terroir. Cooler fermentation temperatures, gentle pressing, and thoughtful aging in a mix of new and neutral oak barrels, as well as terracotta amphorae, are central to his process. The result is a Syrah that beautifully balances elegance and structure, offering a true sense of place.
From South Philly to the Vineyards: Tom Caruso’s Story
Tom Caruso’s journey into winemaking is as fascinating as the wines he creates. Growing up in South Philadelphia in an Italian immigrant family, his first experience with wine was as a child, stomping grapes with his grandfather on the city streets. While this early exposure planted the seed, it wasn’t until years later that he embraced his calling.
After graduating from college, Tom initially pursued a career in writing, moving to New York City to work as an editor. However, a serendipitous visit to Brooklyn Winery on a day off changed everything. Enthralled by the winemaking process, Tom started working night shifts at the winery while keeping his day job. His enthusiasm for the craft grew, and he began sommelier courses at the International Culinary Center, where he quickly realized his true passion lay in wine production, not restaurant service.
Encouraged by his mentors at Brooklyn Winery, Tom made the leap to the West Coast to immerse himself in the industry. He joined Bedrock Wine Co., working alongside Morgan Twain-Peterson and Chris Cottrell. Here, he honed his skills and had the unique opportunity to collaborate with Joel Peterson, a California winemaking legend, on the inaugural vintage of Once and Future Wine.
A Vision Realized
Today, Tom Caruso channels his diverse experiences and passion into Pray Tell Wines. His wines reflect a blend of tradition and innovation, honoring his heritage while embracing the pioneering spirit of the Pacific Northwest. For Tom, each bottle tells a story—one that begins in the stony soils of the Rocks District and ends with a toast to life’s unexpected journeys.
To learn more about Pray Tell Wines, visit www.praytellwines.com or reach out to Tom directly at tom@praytellwines.com.