Isa Wines is a boutique winery based in San Francisco, California, founded by sommelier and winemaker Isabella Morano. Established in 2021, the winery emphasizes minimal intervention winemaking and sustainable farming practices, aiming to produce wines that reflect a sense of place and community.

Founder and Philosophy

Isabella Morano's journey into wine began with a transformative trip to Italy during her youth, sparking a lifelong passion. After moving to California post-high school, she immersed herself in the wine industry, working at establishments like St. Vincent, Arlequin Wine Merchant, and NOPA. She honed her winemaking skills through harvests with renowned producers such as Martha Stoumen, Foradori, Domaine Mosse, and Bedrock Wine Co. Isa Wines embodies her commitment to crafting wines that are both expressive and rooted in sustainable practices.

Winemaking Approach

Isa Wines collaborates with vineyards that prioritize organic and regenerative agriculture. The winemaking process involves minimal intervention, utilizing native yeast fermentations and avoiding additives, with only minimal sulfur used when necessary. This approach allows the wines to authentically express their terroir and vintage characteristics.

Notable Wines

• 2023 'Happy Wife Happy Life' Blanco de Merlot: Sourced from Alder Vineyard in Sonoma Valley, this wine is a white Merlot, pressed immediately to minimize skin contact. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in barrel without added sulfur, it showcases freshness and elegance.

• 2023 'You're A Dream' Light Skin Contact Sauvignon Blanc: Harvested from Ascona Vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this wine underwent a 22-hour skin contact before fermentation. It was aged in neutral barrels, resulting in a textured and aromatic profile.

• 2023 'Claire Annelise' Sauvignon Blanc: This direct-press Sauvignon Blanc comes from Mee Vineyard in Mendocino's Talmage Bench. Fermented with native yeast and aged in neutral barrels, it offers a crisp and clean expression of the varietal.

• 2023 'Don't Quit Your Day Job' Merlot: Sourced from the Massa Vineyard in Carmel Valley, this Merlot was fermented whole cluster to enhance structure and complexity. Aged in neutral barrels, it reflects the unique terroir of the vineyard.

Availability

Isa Wines are available for purchase through their official website and at select retailers and restaurants across California, including locations in San Francisco, Oakland, Sonoma, and Los Angeles. They are also distributed in New York.