Since its founding in 2005, Carica Wines has stayed true to its vision.  Producing small lots of  single-vineyard designated wines, Carica makes Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Sauvignon Blanc. In addition, Carica Wines produces a Rhône-style red blend, combining  Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.  Winemaker Charlie Dollbaum has also added a Rosé to the Carica portfolio.

The name ‘Carica’ means . . .

The name Carica, and the fig leaf on the label, are inspired by the fig trees (botanical name Ficus carica) that still flourish on the hillsides of northern California vineyards.  Together, the grapevine and fig tree traditionally symbolize peace and prosperity.
About the Winemaker

Beginning in 2010, Carica Wines’ original winemaker and founding owner, Charlie Dollbaum, has taken over every aspect of the winery.  Charlie has been Carica Wines’ “hands on” winemaker from the beginning.  He monitors the grapes all summer, checking ripeness and sugar content obsessively as harvest time nears.  He is in the field before sunrise when crews hand-harvest the grape clusters.  Then he performs every step of the winemaking process, from crush through fermentation, choosing the kinds of barrels for each varietal, and designing the specific aging program for each wine.  When the time comes to bottle a particular vintage, Charlie is there.

Drawing on his science background, including a PhD in microbiology, and over a decade of private winemaking, Charlie launched Carica Wines with the mission to make the highest quality of wine.  For him, wine must authentically represent the true characteristics of the particular varietal and must be exquisitely balanced in flavors and acidity.

Making Wine in an Urban Environment

In 2009, Carica Wines moved its winemaking operations to an urban winery space in Alameda, California.  Located across the Bay from San Francisco, the winery has the twin advantages of being close to several premiere wine grape growing areas and surrounded by a sophisticated community of wine lovers.

Tasting Carica Wines in the San Francisco Bay Area

Carica Wines and a handful of like-minded boutique urban wineries share a casual and intimate wine bar and tasting room in the heart of Alameda’s downtown Park Street shopping district.  Guests at the Alameda Vintners Club have an array of options for enjoying locally produced wines:

–Taste through flights of the producers’ wines or design a custom flight.

–Enjoy a glass of wine and add some small plate appetizers made on site.

–Buy bottles of wine to stock a private cellar and present to special friends.

–Uncork a bottle to enjoy with dinner in the adjoining restaurant.

Open Wednesday through Friday, 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday 12 noon to 9 p.m., Sunday 12 noon to 8 p.m.

Alameda Vintners Club, inside the Cellar Door Cafe, 2301 Central Ave., Alameda, CA 94501