TLZ are the initials of the three members of the Plante family (Tom, Lori, and Zach). During November 1997, we moved into our new home in Menlo Park, California and envisioned planting a small vineyard on an adjacent property that was, at the time, filled with holly trees and about to be offered for sale. Several years later, we had the opportunity to purchase the property, remove most of the holly trees, and teamed with our friend, David Gates (viticulturist from Ridge Winery), to turn 5,000 square feet of property into a vineyard. Dave felt that the micro climate and soil were well suited for syrah. He agreed to plant a variety of syrah clones from Australia, France, and the United States.  We now have 60 vines and harvested, most recently 330 pounds in 2011. It has been a labor of love for our family.

Starting in 2010, our grapes are being made into quality wine and available now commercially via La Honda Winery in Redwood City, CA.

In the words or a wine professional friend, TLZ has “blackberry, dark chocolate, and coffee flavors that are nicely layered and evolved. There are earthy, green olive, floral notes too with dried rose, rosemary, and fresh fig flavors.” In a word, delicious!

Since great wine is a reminder that life is worth living, we hope that our wine will at the very least be worthy of a good meal shared with friends and loved ones.  For further information, email us at tplante@scu.edu or visit our Facebook Page.

Best wishes,

Tom, Lori, and Zach Plante