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- The Madera Tribune

John Lasgoity first became enamored with wine making when he moved into his grandfather's old house. His grandfather, who was a wine maker, still had some of his wine making equipment and it peeked Lasgoity's interest.

"Making wine was my hobby," Lasgoity said. "I started in 1988 and in 2000 my sister and I decided to start a commercial winery."

The winery, located at 11219 Road 26, is on the vineyard property Lasgoity's great-grandparents bought in 1903 and across from the home they built in 1906.

Lasgoity said what started out as a hobby turned into something more, which made him decide to take classes through the U.C. Davis University Cooperative Extension office.

"In the classes, I learned the basics of wine making," Lasgoity said. "But basically I learned by doing."

Lasgoity and his sister, Michele, opened Chateau Lasgoity and are now part of the Madera Vintner's Association. For their first crush, they produced a Blanc du Val, which is now one of the more popular wines they sell in the summer season.

"Our Rhone style blend of Rouge du Val and our Merlot, along with the Blanc du Val are our top three selling wines," Lasgoity said.

The winery is also bringing back their Zinfandel Rose by popular demand, which will be available in February, Lasgoity said.

Their award-winning Blanc du Val received a bronze medal in the 19th Annual West Coast Wine Competition and a silver medal in the 2002 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

"Seeing our label in stores or in restaurants is the most rewarding," Lasgoity said. "Without a doubt, selling the wine is the most challenging thing about this business."

Lasgoity does most of the wine making on his own, while his sister handles the winery's finances. Lasgoity said that during crushing and bottling, he usually brings people off his ranches to help.

"My other sister Monica and her husband help out a lot," Lasgoity said.

Lasgoity said the process of wine making is long and can take up to two years.

"We have to think years in advance," Lasgoity said. "First, we look at the inventory and see what we need, what is selling. White wines can take six months to make and the reds can take 16 months."

Three times a year, Chateau Lasgoity participates in events to promote their wines. November 12 and 13 is the fall event for Madera Vintner Wineries.

"People buy a glass at the first winery and then go to each of the wineries for tasting," Lasgoity said.

Chateau Lasgoity also offers wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays or Monday through Friday by appointment.