Old World Winery "Ecstatic Consciousness" Mendocino 2022

Press 4 Mix/Red • April/May 2026 Direct Press Selection

Darek Trowbridge began his viticultural training in 1987 under the wing of his uncle, Lee Martinelli — yes, the owner of Martinelli Winery. By 1993, he’d earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Viticulture from Cal Poly, followed by a Master’s in Enology from Fresno State in 1997. But what he learned was that there’s quite the difference between the natural practices his own grandfather (Lino Martinelli) had employed and the manufacturing practices the schools were teaching. So he went forth and established the aptly-named Old World Winery 25 years ago, with the intention of reestablishing those natural winemaking processes. OWW has been employing ambient yeast/wild fermentation, utilizing biodynamic practices, and thwarting chemical applications ever since. Using 120 year old field blends and rare varietals, Darek has mastered the art of letting his wines shine naturally. 

However, his approach has not come without friction with his more conventional-minded family, who in some cases stopped selling him fruit because they disapproved of Darek's winemaking. Not to mention that Darek began his project at a time when 'natural wine' wasn't even a term, meaning he was pretty isolated. These days, he's still not as well-known as he probably should be, given the exciting lineup of wines available from him.

"Ecstatic Consciousness" is a name that certainly screams California, and yet the wine defies most other California stereotypes. It's blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, and Merlot but also includes a field blend of 120 year-old vines and the obscure Basque variety Abouriou that Darek's great grandfather planted in Sonoma. Blueberry, cherry, plum, and fruit leather notes all in a super snappy, lip-smacking package that expresses California's climate in a way that feels new and engaging. Aged in neutral barrel, minimal sulfur added. Demi Elder and Jonathan Kemp