Carica Wines

Since its founding in 2005, Carica Wines has stayed true to its vision.  Producing small lots of  single-vineyard designated wines, Carica makes Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache,Mourvèdre, and Sauvignon Blanc. In addition, Carica Wines produces a Rhône-stylered blend, combining  Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.  Winemaker Charlie Dollbaum has also added a Rosé to the Carica portfolio.

The name ‘Carica’ means . . .

The name Carica, and the fig leaf on the label, are inspired by the fig trees (botanical name Ficus carica) that still flourish on the hillsides of premiere, northern California vineyards.  Together, the grapevine and fig tree have traditionally symbolized a life filled with peace and prosperity.

About the Winemaker

Beginning in 2010, Carica Wines’ original winemaker and founding owner, Charlie Dollbaum, has taken over every aspect of the winery.  Charlie has been Carica Wines’ “hands on” winemaker from the beginning.  He monitors the grapes all summer, checking ripeness and sugar content obsessively as harvest time nears.  He is in the field before sunrise when crews hand-harvest the grape clusters.  Then he performs every step of the winemaking process, from crush through fermentation, choosing the kinds of barrels for each varietal, and designing the specific aging program for each wine.  When the time comes to bottle a particular vintage, Charlie is there.

Drawing on his science background, including a PhD in microbiology, and over a decade of private winemaking, Charlie launched Carica Wines in 2005 with the mission to make the highest quality wine.  For him, wine must authentically represent the true characteristics of the particular varietal and must be exquisitely balanced in flavor and acidity.

Making Wine in an Urban Environment

In 2009, Carica Wines moved its winemaking operations from Sonoma County to the Urban Wine County of  San Francisco’s East Bay.  Locatedacross the Bay from San Francisco, the area perfectly combines a proximity to California’s premiere wine grape growing regions and proximity to a burgeoning community of  adventuresome lovers of food and wine.