What are mavericks? Well, there are many ways to describe these prominent individuals: Forward thinking, headstrong, passionate, unique people, who are willfully independent, brutally honest, full of conviction and integrity, and make great wine! Today’s destination: Treasure Island – San Francisco’s coolest wine stop!

1.  Robert Amox, vintner and winemaker of Bodega Wine Estates’, Knightswood Vineyards and Winery is a native San Franciscan who began his journey as a grape grower in the Russian River Valley.  Over the past five years, he has been making wine on “TI” from grapes sourced from his Sonoma County home base. Robert is often in the tasting room, greeting guests, answering questions, and exchanging wonderful recipes! “Food and wine are not just inseparable, they are one and the same” he says. “My objective is to craft memorable wines with depth and longevity, to be enjoyed around the table with friends.”

2. Josh Stein, vintner and winemaker of Stein Family Wines & Just Joshin Wines – Sharing a location with Robert Amox, at Bodega Wine Estates, Josh’s wines are truly delectable! Come in and taste Just Joshin 2007 Tempranillo, received an 89 Best Buy, 2009 Semi-Dry Gewürztraminer, received a 92 points, and the new 2010 Sonoma County Chardonnay that’s soon to be released. In addition, Stein Family Wines takes it one step further, donating 5% of all sales to children of vineyard workers in the form of college scholarships and support funding. It’s all good!  

3. Stewart Johnson, grape grower and winemaker of Kendric Vineyards – Among the first to plant pinot noir in Marin County, Stew is the newest Maverick to join the early adopters on Treasure Island. “It’s no wonder TI has turned into a winemakers’ enclave – affordable space, cool weather, proximity to San Francisco and the East Bay, and the view coming off the bridge are all obvious points in its favor. Beyond this, there is also a wide open, Wild West vibe to the place. It feels like a good place practice your craft in your own way.” Construction well under way, Kendric Vineyard’s tasting room Grand Opening is just around the bend.

4. Bryan Kane, vintner and winemaker at The Winery SF, located in the Renovated Naval Hangar – “I don’t consider myself a maverick. I’m a San Francisco resident that is passionate about making wine.  After making wine up in Napa and Sonoma for years, I wanted to bring the winery experience to San Francisco and share it with my friends, family and community. I can’t think of a better place to do it than on the waterfront along San Francisco Bay with the best views of our great city!”

Take a trip to Treasure Island, visit these fantastic winemakers, and raise a glass to Robert, Josh, Stewart and Bryan… “The Wine Mavericks of Treasure Island.” Tell them I sent you!