Brian and Lori Nuss wanted to produce a wine from their vineyards that reflected its distinctive Mt. Veeder Appellation. Mt. Veeder sits high above the Napa Valley, affording not only stunning views but a longer and cooler growing season above the morning fog. Well drained rocky, volcanic soils and low nutrient force the vines to work harder to survive, creating smaller berries that increase extraction and intensity, not usually found in valley floor wines.

A self taught viticulturist and winemaker, Brian planted their vineyards over 12 years ago, and with the help from the local winemakers learned to work with the harsh environment to produce quality grapes. Wanting to fulfill their dreams of making their own wine, the name Vinoce was created, and a new era of small family owned winemakers was born.

Meaning of Vinoce: (vin-o-chay) The name is a play on the winemaker's name and his German-Italian heritage. Nuss means "nut" in German. Noce is "nut" in Italian. Hence Vinoce means "wine nut."

Owners: Brian Nuss and Lori Brussock Nuss

Winegrower/Winemaker: Brian Nuss

The Wine: One wine is produced under the Vinoce label, a proprietary blend featuring Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot from Mt. Veeder vineyards developed and managed by Brian Nuss

First Release: 1997 Vinoce Vineyards proprietary red wine available in October 2000. The blend is 50% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Annual Production: 1997 - 210 cases; 1998 - 200 cases; 1999 - 500 cases

Anticipated Annual Production: 1100 cases by 2005

Terrain: Vineyards are situated on Mt. Veeder at an elevation of 1600'. The land is full of natural beauty with steep mountainous terrain, canyons, rock outcroppings and thick forests. Coyote, bobcat, deer and other wildlife freely roam throughout.

Vineyards: Grapes are sourced from Mt. Veeder vineyards, developed and managed by Brian Nuss. These vineyards were planted in 1990. There are a total of 25 acres planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The well-drained, rocky volcanic soils require the vines to work harder to survive. Resulting berries are small with great intensity and concentration. These mountain vineyards sit high above the morning fog and enjoy a moderate and long ripening season.

Appellation: Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley. The Mt. Veeder growing region, located on the south-western slopes of Napa Valley, has long been recognized as ideal for Bordeaux-style grapes.

Grape Buyers: Robert Craig Wine Cellars, Cuvaison Winery, Ehlers Lane Winery

Business Profile: Vinoce Winery is a small family-owned winery dedicated to producing an outstanding wine that reflects its distinctive Mt. Veeder Appellation origins.