When Michael Lancaster, winemaker and co-owner of Tin Barn Vineyards in Sonoma CA, fled the corporate world, he did so on two wheels, pedaling through some of the world’s most fabled wine regions. Returning to his native Toronto a year later, he knew he’d never wear a suit and tie again.
Michael headed to Northern California to attend the renowned University of California at Davis enology program. After working for Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves, he moved to Quail Ridge Cellars, where he was eventually promoted to winemaker.
In 2000, Michael formed a partnership with friends and launched Tin Barn Vineyards. Much like the “real” Tin Barn Road where he discovered the winery’s first fruit source, the path has been steep and the views, incomparable.
Tin Barn Vineyards produces single vineyard wines highlighting the true character of Sonoma County. Our name derives from Tin Barn Road, which wends along the remote Sonoma Coast to the source of our debut wine. These days, we make our home in a different sort of “tin barn”—a warehouse in rural Sonoma housing our cellar and tasting room. Elegant wines make Tin Barn Vineyards a truly uncommon find.