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From his first experiments with home winemaking to now running his own label, Dennis McCarter has followed an unexpected path into winemaking. With McCarter Cellars, he’s found a way to manifest his love for wine and add something new to the storied region of Sonoma County wines.
The vineyards of northern California served as the backdrop to McCarter’s Bay Area upbringing. His exposure to local vineyards planted an early seed of inspiration that would later propel him into the world of entrepreneurship.
“I always felt there was something special about how wine brings people together,” McCarter reflects. “My goal was to craft wines that represent Sonoma County while also building connections with those who enjoy them.”
A New Era of Sonoma County Wines
When the 2017 Tubbs fires interrupted his career as an insurance agent, McCarter found himself at a crossroads. Looking for a fresh sense of purpose, he began to seriously consider turning his home winemaking hobby into a full-fledged commercial endeavor – a path his friends and family had long encouraged.
“The fires were a turning point that made me rethink everything,” he explains. “They motivated me to share my passion for wine with a much broader audience.”
Eager to excel in commercial winemaking, McCarter pursued self-directed education, combining formal study with intensive practical training. While taking enology courses at Santa Rosa Junior College, he leveraged his artisanal winemaking skills to secure a job at a custom crush facility to immerse himself in all things winemaking.
Starting as a cellar worker and later advancing to assistant winemaker roles, he developed the technical expertise and business acumen necessary to succeed in a competitive market for Sonoma County wines.
In 2022, McCarter Cellars was established and the zealous vintner was ready to leave his mark on the industry. However, he learned quickly that relationships would be key when it comes to sourcing high-quality grapes as a new small producer. Undeterred, he connected with a network of sustainable vineyards across Sonoma County.
“More than passion and knowledge, I knew making great wine required me to build strong connections,” he explains. “The relationships I’ve built have deepened my appreciation for the collaborative nature of winemaking.”
Timing and artistry go hand in hand for McCarter when it comes to crafting wine. The critical harvest period involves key decisions, like observing the ripening process and harvesting at the optimal moment, which directly impact the wine’s flavor profile. By prioritizing precision at every stage, he aims to ensure each bottle highlights the unique appeal of Sonoma County wines.
McCarter Cellars’ debut wine, a Pinot Noir, garnered instant recognition by earning a Double Gold Medal at the prestigious San Francisco International Wine Competition, the largest competition of its kind in the U.S. This accolade validated McCarter’s position in the commercial wine industry. The Pinot Noir later secured Best of Class at the North Coast Wine Challenge and numerous other honors.
Remarkably, every wine McCarter has released has earned awards. Another standout is his gewürztraminer, known for its tropical notes of pineapple complemented by subtle hints of honey and ginger.
“My Gewürztraminer wine is perfect with everything from Thanksgiving turkey to tacos,” McCarter notes. “Like many Sonoma County wines, it has layers of flavor that can complement a range of cuisines.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Winemakers
Beyond winemaking, a core part of McCarter’s mission is to elevate diverse voices within the wine community. As a co-creator of the Tasting Diversity program, McCarter aims to spotlight talented winemakers and vineyard managers from underrepresented backgrounds.
“We want to show the local community there’s a place for everyone in winemaking,” McCarter says. “Representation matters and it’s important to show diversity in a place like the renowned Sonoma County winemaking region.”
The Tasting Diversity program promotes collaboration and inspiration in the wine industry through discussions with notable figures. Its inaugural panel featured Danny Glover (L’Objet wines), Brenae Royal (Monte Rosso), Chris Christensen (Bodkin wines), Rosalind Manoogian (Fogcrest winery) and Angela McCrae of Uncorked and Cultured.
Moderated by actor Jay Jackson, the event highlighted achievements to encourage future talent and expand diversity within the making of Sonoma County wines.
McCarter also advocates for wine-industry education among the younger generation, occasionally visiting schools and encouraging students to consider careers in enology and wine production. He also aspires to create a scholarship grant program in honor of Mac McDonald, a local winemaker and founder of the Association of African American Vintners.
“The wine industry is a place where you can grow and find your passion,” says the budding entrepreneur. “I tell students there are so many roles to explore – they just have to know the roles exist.”
RELATED: Sonoma’s Tasting Diversity Initiative Honors Patriarch of Wine Mac McDonald
Looking Beyond the Bottle
McCarter Cellars continues to evolve at its own pace, with production currently averaging 300 cases per year and plans to work toward 1,500 in the near future. Alongside increasing output, McCarter is also diversifying his portfolio by adding zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon.
Throughout this expansion, his focus remains rooted in creating wines that reflect his pride and stand the test of time.
“This is only the beginning for McCarter Cellars,” he says. “I’m excited to craft more wines that express my creativity, resonate with my customers and showcase the many possibilities that exist for everyone within the world of Sonoma wines.”
For more information on McCarter Cellars, visit the website or follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook.
