Printable version (pdf)

One-time bottlings celebrate transition success
Madroña Vineyards is decking the halls this year, celebrating 30 years in business, and a successful transition from founders Dick and Leslie Bush to the next generation, Paul and Maggie Bush. Working in his chosen medium, artisan winemaker Paul Bush has created three ultra-reserve wines to honor his parents’ achievements.

“My dad and mom had the foresight; they saw the potential of these elevations for winegrowing, and built up a following for their wines” said Paul recently as the family planned several events to mark the occasion. “I don’t know if they planned for us to take it over back then, but it has worked out remarkably well. I can’t describe how good it feels to see my daughters running up and down the rows (in the vineyard). I can only hope they will grow up to be as committed as we are.”

To commemorate this milestone, Paul and his team has created a one-vintage-only 30th Anniversary collection of wines. There’s an ultra-reserve Chardonnay, full-bodied and rich, a tiny lot of only 25 cases. The small block Zinfandel, 130 cases, was made from the best part of the home vineyard, showcasing the intense fruit of Madroña’s mountain vineyards.

The 30th Anniversary wines will be poured at a special reception at the Madroña barrel room on January 27th and 28th. Admission is $15, and pre-registration on the winery’s website, www.MadronaVineyards.com, is recommended. The Bush family will also be hosting an invitation-only black tie gala to honor their parents and the many people who have made Madroña a success over the years.

The pioneering Bush family planted the first vineyards in El Dorado County in 1973, and started Madroña winery a few years later. After nearly thirty years of trial, error, and triumph in the form of dozens of gold medals and loyal customer base, Dick and Leslie were ready for a retirement full of travel and new adventures. A joint ownership and transition plan was enacted in 2003, and son Paul and his wife Maggie assumed management of the winery and vineyards.

There’s been no lounging on laurels for the younger Bushes and their staff. Paul is the Vineyard Manager and Winemaker, and Maggie, a certified accountant, is the General Manager. The winery is more innovative than ever. Recent developments include a packaging overhaul and a new energy system that fuels the winery with solar power. Maggie has added another wine club, called the Madroña ROCs. (Red Only Connoisseurs), and introduced a new-web page design along with an on-line store. The wines are selling well in California despite what has been an oversaturated market, and national distribution is expanding at an even greater pace than the increase in local sales.

For more information on the unique vineyards, history and wines of Madroña Vineyards, please see www.MadronaVineyards.com or call Paul Bush (530) 644-5948. Media topics include: small business, family business, generations, transition of ownership or management, fine wine, high elevation wine, wine styles, environment, sustainable development, IPM vineyard, solar powered winery.