Mosby Winery

ITALIAN VARIETALS While Mosby's specialty is the growing and vinification of fine Italian varietal wines, he also makes award-winning grappa, wild plum and raspberry distillatos. His experienced palate and careful, ongoing search for interesting new varietals have resulted in vintage after vintage of award-winning Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio and more. And then there’s his latest addition, Dolcetto — the everyday wine of Piemonte.

When Bill and Jeri purchased the old de la Vega land in the early 1970s, the first thing Bill did was plant vines. "Noah did that," he says quietly. "First thing he did. Plant a vineyard." Among those early Mosby wines was Gewürztraminer, Jeri’s favorite. "It’s still my favorite," says Jeri. "I’m going to miss having it in the tasting room."

The Mosby’s first commercial wines were bottled under the Vega label, named after the old land grant. Bill’s wine began to gain industry attention, and a following of Mosby wine enthusiasts continued to develop. In 1986, at his family’s insistence, Bill changed the Vega label to reflect the Mosby name and winemaking philosophy.

Over the years the Mosby vineyards have expanded, the wines have evolved; a Mosby style has reached maturity. A part-time grower and winemaker all of his adult life, Bill Mosby finally made the career move to full-time grower and winemaker in 1998. A successful dentist for over 40 years, William M. Mosby, DMD, became Bill Mosby, full-time winemaker — artist of the vine.

Bill Mosby winemaking interests began during his early college wrestling days in Oregon almost 50 years ago. "I fermented anything I could get my hands on," says Mosby. "I was — and still am — intrigued by the whole process." When Bill talks about his early winemaking days, he does so with an air of excitement. "As much science as we know today — technology and all that — we have barely scratched the surface when it comes to understanding the alchemic nature of wine," he explains.

 If you've visited the winery, then you’ve tasted his award-winning wines, caught a glimpse or two of his vineyards, and are somewhat familiar with his eccentricities.

 When asked to describe winemaker Bill Mosby’s character, wife Jeri answers with a smile: "Strangely enough, I would describe my husband much the same way I would characterize his wines. He’s about integrity, intelligence, strength, tenacity, passion and complexity. He’s rebellious — not afraid to dream, then make those dreams come true."