Where it All Began!!

With our move to California in 2016, we began to explore the Livermore Wine Valley.  This unique area is one of the oldest wine regions in the state.  The first vineyard was planted here in 1882 and produced its’ first award winning wine in 1889.

As we began to explore, we encountered a two-label winery which uses grapes sourced from other local vineyards.  The original BIG WHITE HOUSE (BWH) label was created by John “The Elder” Marion by making wines out of the family home with friends.  It was his son, John Evan Marion, who created the label JOHN EVAN that we had the pleasure to meet and try his personal premium wines.  He has been involved with the winery since the beginning and is one of the youngest wine makers in the valley in his 30s.

Upon arriving at the winery, we were surprised to find a pretty, but unpretentious pole barn instead of our anticipated Big White House (we later learned that John Evans lives in that house in the town of Livermore).  The rolling hills surrounding the structure are covered in stunning green vines and provide a beautiful wine country backdrop.

The open tasting room features a standing only bar along one wall, with white rafters and an industrial ceiling overhead.  The walls are packed with beautiful artwork from Laura Marion, the winemakers sister.  You will also find her designs on the wine bottle labels, often featuring John Evans himself.  We were greeted warmly and had a tasting of his incredible white and red wines.  We were particularly lucky to partake in a barrel tasting, which occurs most weekends.  WOW!!!  This was eye opening.  We tasted a smooth and full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon called THE DEBONAIRE.  The wine has an incredible cherry and vanilla aroma and broadens to a fruit flavor as you taste; it had us hooked.  We bought futures (wine to be bottled on a later date) on the spot.  His small-lot, Rhone-type variety wines are not to be missed.

The current wine tasting list includes:

• BWH 2015 Riesling, La Estancia Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands
• BWH 2015 Lapsus, Roussanne/ Viognier/ Grenache Blanc, Ripken Vineyard, Lodi
• BWH 2014 Sangiovese, Ripken Vineyard, Lodi
• BWH 2015 Zinfandel, Sblendorio Estate Vineyard, Livermore
• BWH 2014 Alfie’s Amalgamation Zinfandel/ Petite Sirah/ Cabernet Sauvignon
• JOHN EVAN, THE DEBONAIRE, 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Clark Vineyard, Livermore
• JOHN EVAN, 2015 Cuvee Juliette, Cote-Rotie-Style Syrah, Livermore
• Member only: BWH 2010 Petite Sirah, Sblendorio Vineyard, Livermore 
  

  Barrels and equipment at the working winery 

The atmosphere of the winery feels like home as we were able to talk at length with John Evans and watch as he lovingly worked with his wines.  This is definitely a working winery and you feel as if you might have had a small part in the creation of these masterpieces.

To learn more about them please go to: www. bigwhitehouse.com