Burrowing Owl Athene (750ml)

Founded by Jim Wyse in 1993 and named after the endangered species that used to populate the area, Burrowing Owl’s winery and vineyards are situated in the northernmost tip of the antelope brush system (which is part of a semi-arid shrub-steppe), a low rainfall natural grassland. Despite the desert ecosystem that adjoins some of their vineyards (and not without the challenges that this can create), these grasslands contain enough moisture levels to contribute to the growing of premium grapes.

With their first vintage in 1997, Burrowing Owl originally focused on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. Since then, the winery has expanded its offerings and now grow some 16 varietals across their three estate vineyards (210 acres in total). With organic vineyard practices, composting, the use of environmentally friendly sprays, and a “no harm” wildlife policy (among other things), Burrowing Owl’s environmental philosophy is best summed up by this quote from the winery: “It has been the overriding environmental philosophy at Burrowing Owl to take the long term view of our vineyard and winery practices and on a global scale we strive to do no harm.”