Cary Quintana founded Cary Q Wines of Santa Rosa, CA in 2014
founded a proud, woman-owned and operated winery dedicated to the art of minimal intervention winemaking. With a passion for single-vineyard varietals, she partners with organic and sustainably farmed vineyards to create wines that are environmentally clean and express the essence of their origins. Her philosophy focuses on showcasing unique microclimates and site-specific grape varietals that often play supporting roles in traditional blends but deserve their moment to shine.
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, with Cuban heritage, she moved to Northern California in 2013. As a self-taught winemaker and alumna of the UC Davis Viticulture and Enology Winemaking certification program, she released my first vintage in 2014—a co-fermented Grenache/Mourvedre crafted from organically farmed Sonoma fruit.
In the cellar, my low-intervention approach embraces natural acidity, wild fermentation, non-interventionist aging, limited manipulation, and being sensorily vigilant ensuring that each vintage captures pure, vibrant varietal expressions. Inspired by each vintage and varietal, my aging vessels include concrete, stainless steel, and at times neutral French oak puncheons. Media Inquiries: Cary@caryqwines.com | https://caryqwines.com/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?
I didn’t come from a winemaking legacy or start my career in the wine industry—I followed a passion that led me down an unexpected path. It began with a personal pursuit: exploring varietals in a way that felt deeply individual. I was fascinated by how the same grape, grown in different hemispheres, could develop such distinct characteristics while still honoring its place of origin. I was equally fascinated by the complexity each varietal could add to a final blend. That curiosity soon evolved into a craft, and now, it’s the foundation of the wines I create—each one celebrating a single varietal and their essence.
I’d like to think that my wines stand out for their purity, freshness, complexity, and approachability. But beyond what’s in the glass, it represents a journey—one that started as an exploration, evolved into a deep passion, and became a craft carefully honed over time. Every bottle tells a story of dedication, creativity, and a commitment to bringing beautiful varietal expressions to life.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained.
I didn’t grow up in the wine industry, and with limited time and resources, I knew traditional paths weren’t an option. So, if I could design the perfect learning experience, it would be a multi-year, multi-country immersion program—one that goes beyond textbooks and classrooms to offer true hands-on education in viticulture. It would dive into the art and science of winemaking, but more importantly, it would focus on cultural immersion, because that’s the heartbeat of why we fall in love with this craft. Wine isn’t just about technique—it’s about the people, the traditions, and the places that shape it. That’s the kind of experience I would want to create.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
The fruit for my 2023 Cinsault, Fenaughty Vineyard, El Dorado was sourced from a meticulously and sustainably farmed vineyard in the Sierra Foothills, within the El Dorado AVA, a true reflection of my winemaking ethos. While Cinsaut (or Cinsault) is often recognized for its role in Southern Rhône blends and Provence rosés, it thrives in warm, high-altitude climates like the Sierra Foothills. Here, the varietal takes on a richer, more concentrated expression, offering depth and intensity while still honoring its inherently light-bodied nature. It’s a testament to how terroir can shape a grape’s character in unexpected and beautiful ways. That is what I strive to highlight in my wines. I love the idea of high elevation Cinsault! Take a look at this wine review.