Joanne Duray

winemaker + dreamer + owner

Joanne developed a curiosity for wine as a child while watching her Italian immigrant grandfather tend to his wines. Still small enough to play in the old hand crank wine press but not tall enough to drink, she didn’t get to sample much of his wine. But the spark was ignited.

 Along the way, she gained her chops while assisting winemaker Peter Hunken at his Central Coast wineries Hocus Pocus and Holus Bolus and working alongside master winemaker Wes Hagen at Clos Pepe Winery and Vineyards.

 In 2011, after much imbibing, study, and long harvest nights small + tall wines was born.   

 Earning two 93 point scores from Wine Enthusiast in her first full vintage she has continued to utilize her skills to craft exceptional cool climate Burgundian style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

As a passion project, Joanne participated in the rehabilitation of a Chardonnay and Merlot vineyard that had been left for dead. The vineyard now thrives and provides a fruit source for the amateur winemaking club in Southern California.

  With passion, curiosity and a sparkle in her eye, Joanne enjoys sharing the journey from vine to bottle of each of the small + tall vintages.  She looks forward to sharing these beautifully complex and expressive wines with you.