Just got an e-mail from John/Carri Holdredge that they will be closing up shop at the end of August in “the barn” in Healdsburg.
I’ve always liked John’s wines but the Pinots were not compelling enough for me to pursue them unless I happened to be in Healdsburg.
But he did make the first Schioppettino in Calif. I liked it quite a lot, it spoke of Schioppettino, but a Schioppettino made by a Pinot producer. When he lost those Schioppettino grapes, I sorta lost interest in his wines.
He will be releasing his '22 vintage in August, so it will take some time to work thru those wines.
I wish John/Carri the best in retirement… if it actually happens.
Tom
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John is such a terrific dude and was a great host to visitors. His wines captured his innate joyousness. All the best to him.
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Its a darn tough business and the best of people get worn down. Wishing John the best of luck.
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I also saw John’s email earlier when it hit my inbox. I will forever owe John a great debt as 15 years ago he bailed me out of what was a pretty s***** situation. We were being threatened by the California alcohol control folks given an event I was trying to put on and he not only stepped in and helped arbitrate that on my behalf but he gave me a forward thinking strategy about how to take the event to another level. That strategy became what’s known now as Falltacular.
His generosity of his legal time and assistance helped to spawn the event, which after 15 years has raised over a half a million dollars to help people who are fleeing violence and oftentimes have no place to go for themselves or their children, but now thanks in part to John, we can raise money every year and give our charity Laura’s House just a little more help through Falltacular.
I don’t know if John will see this message, but earlier I sent him a similar thank you privately via email and I just thought it was worth posting here that there’s people like these folks like John who walk around amongst us who make a difference and I’ll never be able to thank him enough.
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The power of a good deed. The world needs more people like John (and Frank).
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He did his best to buy the site. Pity Todd didn’t take him up on it.
https://www.wineberserkers.com/t/offer-to-buy-wine-berserkers/85858
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John and Carri…and their kids…were wonderful hosts and provided Jessica and myself with a wonderful tasting experience when we visited them at “the barn”…Wish them all the best
Visited for the wine, but stayed for John’s hilarious take on life. Always a great time
Amen Brother!
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Saw this too. Sad to see. John is quite a character and a wonderful guy. He was always very generous and patient with me when I visited in my 20s.
Can’t add much more—it was always a genuine pleasure to spend time with John and experience and share his passion for what he was doing. Wish them the best.
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Hadn’t thought about Holdredge for years but do remember visiting there and enjoying his wines maybe 15+ years ago. Our favorites then were also Acorn, Rafanelli, and Robert Young.
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John is a fun guy and a fantastic host! I confess we haven’t been up to see him in quite a few years, but will always remember our visits to the winery fondly.
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