There’s an extra special touch that comes to family businesses. When you put your own name on a product, there’s an added level of respect and care for the land you use – and a commitment to stewardship for future generations.

You can taste this time-honoured touch in the McManis wines. Having farmed California’s North-Central Valley since 1938, the McManis family knows these lands intimately. While they previously sold all the grapes grown on their properties to other wineries, the 1990s saw husband-and-wife duo, Ron and Jamie McManis venture into their own winemaking business by launching their eponymous label. As true grower-producers of McManis Family Vineyards, Ron and Jamie are the fourth generation to farm this land.

The McManis family now owns and manages more than 3,600 acres of estate vineyards located in the River Junction, Borden Ranch, Clements Hills, Jahant-Lodi and Clarksburg appellations, finding the best terroir within these regions for each grape variety they grow. In fact, the McManis family are the only vineyard owners in the River Junction AVA – the smallest winegrowing appellation in California. A cool growing area, this region’s conditions allow premium white grapes like Chardonnay, Viognier and Pinot Grigio to reach their full potential.

The McManis wines, winery and vineyards are Certified Sustainable under the Lodi Rules – one of the most stringent certifications for sustainable winegrowing and agriculture in California. Ethically-conscious consumers can rest assured that these wines respect the long-term health of the vineyards and vineyard workers. And they’re vegan-friendly.

The McManis family still farms grapes for other wineries, but the most satisfying part of the business for Ron and Jamie is putting their own name on the labels. Their kids, Tanya and Justin McManis, and Tanya's husband Dirk, have joined the family business, becoming the fifth generation of the McManis family to farm this land with the same respect and authenticity as the generations before them.

As a VINTAGES Essentials selection, the McManis 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is available year-round at the LCBO, and the best jumping-off point to start your journey into the McManis family’s certified sustainable wines. The fruit is carefully harvested from vineyards in the Lodi appellation, fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain the pure fruit flavours, and then kissed with French and American oak. Full-bodied and smooth, this vegan-friendly Cab Sauvignon has flavours of ripe black fruit accented with notes of vanilla, woodsmoke and spice. Pair it with any dark meat or turkey, and grilled or BBQ fare for an exceptional match.

Visit TheVineAgency.ca or McManisFamilyVineyards.com for more information on McManis Family Vineyards.