In 2000, Diora winemaker James Ewart journeyed from Australia’s wine country to San Bernabe Vineyard in Monterey. He never left.

James was intrigued by the famed vineyard’s outstanding viticultural diversity. Herze, the varying terroir spaces within the same vineyard allows the distinct and delicate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay clones to thrive, each bearing a unique expression of these renowned grapes.

James grew up making wine at his father’s side and is one of very few winemakers to complete a graduate degree in viticulture, following an undergraduate degree in geology and chemistry. This gives James a deeper understanding of soils – an excellent perspective to have when selecting locations to achieve the richness and vibrancy for the wines of Diora.

For Ewart, sustainable practices are paramount to quality winemaking. His philosophy is to enrich, not change, what the land expresses, respecting the balance and harmony that come when the right grape is planted in the right place.