Jason Lede from Lede Family Wines made a special visit to Osteria IL Centro recently to share their history and of course, wine, with some of OIC’s wine club members. “My family has been involved with wine for a long time. My Grandmother, coming from Germany, brought a lot of old world hobbies. She made wine in her basement,” said Jason. “My Dad grew up in that atmosphere of his Mom making wine, and it was a fun thing they shared together.” Jason shared the inspiration behind Lede Family wines along with a handful of wines for tasting:
• Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc, Napa ‘15
• FEL Chardonnay, Anderson Valley ‘14
• FEL Pinot Gris, Anderson Valley ‘15
• FEL Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley ‘15
• Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon, Stag’s Leap District ‘13
Jason’s Dad, Cliff Lede, was always collecting wine, including his true passion, Bourdeaux. As he got older, one thing led to another, and in 2002, Cliff Lede left his home in Canada and moved to Napa Valley. He purchased a 60-acre estate that’s now known as Cliff Lede Vineyards where he put together a team dedicated to making Bourdeaux inspired wine.
“For me, I grew up in a household where my Dad would come home with a bottle of wine, and would be so proud of it,” said Jason. “Of course, I was in charge of carrying the wine down to the cellar with him, so I guess that was my first job in the wine industry,” Jason joked. “The first time I tried California wine is when I started my journey in the wine business.” Jason worked in retail spots, stocking shelves, and eventually moved down to California and worked his way up to become a sales manager at Lede Family Wines.
The estate, located in the Stags Leap District of Napa Valley, includes vineyards named after some of Cliff’s favorite rock songs and albums including “My Generation” and “Dark Side of the Moon” and together, are known today as “Rock Blocks.” Cliff also opened a luxurious five room “Poetry Inn” where guests can stay in rooms overlooking Poetry Vineyard and the entire valley floor.
OIC wine club members enjoyed the wine along with hors d’oeuvres as Jason told the interesting history behind the Bourdeaux inspired Cliff Lede Vineyards.
Join the OIC Wine Club online now and be the first to know about our next wine tasting! You’ll also receive member benefits – including exclusive bottle discounts, seasonal specials at Osteria IL Centro, wine selects by Master Sommelier Doug Frost, special discount bottles on “Gregg’s List” and first access to “My Favorite Bottle” – the OIC Wine Club’s special wine lovers video feature.
Take a look at our photo gallery from Lede Family Wine Tasting below!
