Tiny Production, Big Personality
There are a handful of wineries in California that I consider essential, and Neyers is firmly at the top of that list. I chose it as one of the very first Daily Flashes I ever wrote last September, because Bruce Neyers is not only one of the most influential figures in American wine, but also one of the most underappreciated outside the trade. For 25 years, Bruce was the U.S. face of Kermit Lynch, overseeing the importation of wines from over 150 family farms across France and Italy. The lessons he learned there—respect for terroir, careful farming, and environmental responsibility—are the foundation of everything he does at Neyers Vineyards.
That perspective, rooted in Old World tradition but carried into California, gives Neyers wines a singular voice. They’re not flashy or overdone. Instead, they show restraint, texture, and nuance—qualities that have made them favorites among sommeliers, collectors, and anyone who values honesty in a glass.
Bruce has also long been a champion of California’s hidden vineyard treasures. Inspired by the soulful Rhône varieties he encountered in France, he fell in love with Mourvèdre—a grape that thrives in poor soils and dry conditions, producing wines of wild beauty and remarkable depth. His passion for it has led him to crisscross California, searching out forgotten parcels of old vines and transforming them into tiny production wines that are as rare as they are distinctive. That same spirit of discovery infuses all of Neyers’ work, from classic Chardonnay to heritage Carignan.
Today, I’m featuring two wines that perfectly capture what makes Neyers so important:
2022 Neyers Chardonnay, Carneros – One of the most refined expressions of California Chardonnay you’ll find. Bright stone fruit and citrus glide over a core of minerality, with a supple texture that lingers gracefully. It’s Burgundian in spirit, yet distinctly Carneros in its sunny generosity.
2021 Neyers Carignan, Evangelho Vineyard, Contra Costa – From century-old, dry-farmed vines rooted in sandy soils, this Carignan is a revelation. Juicy, aromatic, and deeply soulful, it balances energy and freshness with a depth of fruit that’s almost haunting. A rare glimpse into California’s heritage vineyards, and one of the most exciting reds in the lineup.
Bruce Neyers has dedicated his career to elevating what California wine can be, marrying Old World wisdom with the richness of California’s vineyards. These two bottles show exactly why his wines are among the most compelling in the state.
92 Points, Wine Spectator
An elegant white, displaying salted butterscotch, nutmeg and ginger notes that mingle with intense, refreshing flavors of peach, apricot and dried pineapple. Accents of green cardamom, nutmeg and wildflower honey linger on the long finish, with fresh acidity. Drink now through 2036. 6614 cases made.
