Today we’d like to introduce you to Kylie Aseltine.
Hi Kylie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my winemaking career as a student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo studying Wine/Viticulture with a focus in Enology. I studied winemaking abroad in Australia and fell in love with the country and with traveling. After I graduated having 1 harvest in San Luis Obispo under my belt I went on to work at a winery in New Zealand. I came back to California to work at a winery in Paso Robles, CA and after that harvest, I went back to Australia to work at yet another winery! I came home to California to find my home in South Orange County where I could surf and make wine! I came across Rancho Capistrano Winery when it had just opened up and the timing was perfect—they needed a permanent winemaker! I’ve been growing with the business ever since and I’m still the in-house winemaker at RCW.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not a smooth road! I’ve mostly learned about how to run a business (the dos and don’ts). I’ve had many times of wanting to quit and move on to something else but something inside me said to stay committed to see through what could come of an urban winery in Southern Orange County. I’m beginning to see the payoffs so I’m glad I endured the ups and downs because it’s really rewarding to see a business be successful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We make wine in Orange County which is very unique —especially because we don’t have a vineyard around us. We source from the Central Coast, Northern California, and some from Washington state. We like to produce wine that’s really approachable for every kind of consumer. We specialize in big, oaky red blends. I’m most proud of our rosé that’s not too sweet, not too dry, but right in the middle. Everyone that tries it says “I usually don’t like rosés but I love this one!”
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I am an extroverted introvert, always have been. I’m more guarded around people I don’t know, but as I get to know people they take up a big piece of my heart.
I was always interested in people, how people interact and how to read and understand people. I always liked science because I love learning how our physical world works too! I’ve never thought about that, but I guess that’s one reason why I like making wine!
Pricing:
- To join the wine club it’s: $75/month for 2 red bottles
- $70/month for mixed (1 white, 1 red bottle)
- $65/month for 2 whites
- Includes 2 bottles/month, 2 complimentary wine glasses every day, and discounts on bottles and retail
- Also, every Tuesday is Membership day, 50% menu and every Wednesday 50% bottles
Contact Info:
- Website: Ranchocapwinery.com
- Instagram: @californiawinegirl, @ranchocapistranowinery, @ranchocapistranowinerysc, @ranchocapistranowineryladera
- Youtube: YouTube.com/RanchoCapistranoWinery
Image Credits
Kylie Aseltine
Ace Aseltine
Kristy Coendet
Kirby Ruback
Lauren White
Locale Magazine
