THE STORY
In early January, the American Wine Society Monterey Chapterheld its first event of 2026 at the relatively new Tira Nanza tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea. I was pleased to see Alyssa in the tasting room. We met her years ago – before we moved here – in the Chesebro tasting room. We had quite a crowd at the event and she handled us so calmly and professionally.
Not only was this our chapter’s first visit to Tira Nanza, but this also was the first time I have tasted a whole flight of their wines, as previously I saw them at trade or large public events. We deeply appreciate the industry discount afforded to all our members!
I admire Greg and Sydney for taking on the former Galante Vineyards and making it their own – successfully – in a relatively short time. Their flagship estate wines – Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon – are stunners. Opening a tasting room in town is a bonus – especially for folks who find the drive to Cachagua a bit intimidating. Hats off to you both! I wish you great success.
We learned that the winery is using a second label “Offshoot” for wines made from grapes outside of their estate vineyard, even for grapes acquired a stone’s throw away!
This is my first post all about Tira Nanza. My last post that included its wines was here: Trade Tasting Reveals the Gems of Monterey Wines!
THE WINERY
From their website: “Hello! We’re Greg and Sydney. We started Tira Nanza with the goal of creating a wine brand that truly values the process of making wine just as much as the finished product. While we enjoy drinking wine as much as the next person, this wasn’t what drew us to the industry. Having our hand in every step of the process (from planting, to farming, to winemaking, to bottling, to sharing it with all of you) and learning new things along the way is what truly excites us.
“In a world where efficiency reigns supreme, we believe that making great wines takes time, patience, intention, and most importantly, the ability to work with nature instead of against it. At the end of the day our mission is simple — for our wines to reflect the year, the land, and the heart behind them. By farming organically, using minimal intervention winemaking, and always aiming for balance (both in the vineyard and in the winery) our goal is to create wines with integrity and intention that also taste amazing.”
THE WINES
Today I am presenting 5 Tira Nanza wines.Winery notes come from their website or the tasting sheet. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a rule, I do not correct typos from the wineries’ notes.
2024 Tira Nanza Malbec Rosé, Mendocino AVA, Mendocino County, 13.5% ABV, $30 (#1698)
Winery Notes: “Our Malbec Rosé has converted more than a few Rosé “non-believers” and the 2024 vintage makes the most compelling case yet. Our 2024 Malbec Rosé is completely dry, with notes of raspberry sorbet and fresh strawberries. Equally enjoyed by red wine drinkers and Rosé lovers alike, this Rosé is as versatile as they come.”
My Review: Beautiful rose gold in color. Peach and pear on the nose. Nice palate with balanced acidity. I took one home. January 2026
2024 Offshoot Vermentino, Mendocino AVA, Mendocino County, 13.5% ABV, $40 (#1699)
Winery Notes: “Playful and light-bodied with surprising complexity, our 2024 Offshoot Vermentino is the perfect white wine for summer. With notes of lime zest and the salinity of crushed oyster shells, this beloved Italian varietal will transport you to a sunny day on the coast.”
My Review: Pale in the glass. Honeysuckle on the nose. Light, crisp and tart on the palate with a squeeze of lime on the finish. A crowd favorite this evening. January 2026
2024 Tira Nanza Viognier, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $60 (#1700)
Winery Notes: “The 2024 vintage brought us not only our best ever crop of Viognier but maybe our best wine yet as well. We split the vineyard block in two, fermenting and aging the fruit from the older vines in a tulip shaped concrete tank and fermenting and aging the fruit from the younger vines in stainless steel. The resulting blend is a full-bodied wine that exudes intensely perfumed floral aromas, stone fruit flavors, and a captivating freshness.”
My Review: Pale yellow in the glass. Honeysuckle, melon and pear on the nose. Big palate of Meyer lemon and melon. Smooth and balanced. My favorite of the tasting. January 2026
2022 Offshoot Cabernet Sauvignon, Joullian Vineyards, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $48 (#1702)
Winery Notes: “As result of our smaller 2022 Tira Nanza Cabernet harvest, we decided to experiment with some local, organically farmed Cab from a nearby Cachagua vineyard. The result is our 2022 Offshoot Cab. Where our Tira Nanza Cab is all about finesse and elegance, this Offshoot Cab is all about power. Dark-fruited and supple with subtle notes of baking spices, this wine is sure to be a hit with lovers of big, jammy reds.”
My Review: Dark garnet, almost purple in color. Dark, ripe plum and dark berries – quite jammy on the nose – with some cinnamon spice, all following over to the palate. I took one home. January 2026
2023 Tira Nanza Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $85 (#1701)
Winery Notes: “Silky smooth and with all the elegance and freshness of our previous vintages but with more structure and a power all its own, our 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to both the incredible 2023 vintage and to our commitment to continued improvement. With enticing red fruit aromas, enhanced by the inclusion of 10% Merlot, this Cab spent 18 months aging in French Oak (75% neutral/once used, 25% new) and is absolutely ready to enjoy right now, but those patient enough to cellar a few bottles will reap the rewards as it continues to develop in bottle.”
My Review: Dark garnet in the glass. Lean, dark berries and cassis on the nose. Very nice smooth palate of dark berries and forest floor. Due to the leaner style, I’d recommend serving this one before the Offshoot. The crown jewel to be cellared. January 2026
THE TASTING ROOM
You can taste Tira Nanza wines at their vineyard in Cachagua or their tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Find more information here!
© Decanting Monterey 2026
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