TRAGIC LOVE, JOYOUS WINE
Brave & Maiden Estate
Named after the local folklore surrounding Nojoqui Falls, Brave & Maiden Estate combines the allure of a historic tale with the delights of a premier winery. Stepping through this exclusive winery’s gates leads visitors into a world where stories come to life and exceptional wines await. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a lover of legends, or just searching for a memorable experience, Brave & Maiden Estate offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and exquisite flavors that will enchant your senses and create lasting memories.
“The original 46 acres were planted by the previous owners, the Harmon family,” recounts Philip Dean Lighthouse, Assistant Tasting Room Manager at Brave & Maiden. “The Harmons had built that home in the late ’80s, early ’90s and got into the grape game here in ’90s—that’s when they planted 46 acres of Merlot and Syrah, which they were just selling back to Sunstone mainly.” Now, there are 12 different varietals growing there. The Harmons eventually sold the property to Rizal Risjad, who acquired the property in 2010 along with friend and business partner, Jason Djang.
Together, the Risjads and Djangs envisioned producing the finest estate-grown wines possible from this singular source, which resulted in Brave & Maiden’s 2011 vintage. They’ve been making wines ever since. “But we didn’t open our tasting room, production facilities, offices, and barrel room until 2018,” Philip details. “So, 2018 is when we really got going with our tastings and just having people come visit us on the property here.” When they opened their doors in September 2018, they became a fully estate-grown bottle. “All of the processes of grape growing into bottling happen on-site, which is kind of unique, and we’re making about 6,500 cases of wine right now, so small production.”
Brave & Maiden’s vintage is largely attributed to the combined efforts of Winemaker Victor Robaglia, Director of Winemaking Joshua Klapper, and Cellar Master Geoffrey Boyd. Victor happened upon Brave & Maiden, coming on first as harvest intern and eventually working his way through the winery’s ranks. “He’s just brought this really great, kind of old-world French influence to our lovely California grapes,” imparts Philip. “Our director of winemaking, our former winemaker,” Philip shares of Joshua, “has kind of taken over the realm as the overall director of the winemaking processes … And then we have our cellar master, Geoff Boyd, who’s been around a bunch of different wineries in the area, rounding out our winemaking team.”
The label’s name pays homage to a Native American tale of tragedy. Similar to the story of Romeo & Juliet and inspired by a local legend surrounding Nojoqui Falls, which dates back to the early 1900s, the “Legend of Nojoqui” is a bit of local folklore that revolves around two lovers: the maiden Nojoqui, daughter of the village chief, and the injured brave whom she finds in the wilderness and nurses back to health. The two fall in love, which is forbidden, so they run away, only to be found out and chased by those trying to separate them.
When they find themselves atop a cliff with a stream flowing over into a waterfall, the brave and the maiden are faced with an insurmountable dilemma and ultimately decide to stay together at any cost. The lovers both fall to their deaths, where they can be together for eternity. The waterfall is artfully symbolized on Brave & Maiden’s label and again over the library fireplace in the tasting room, where a hand-commissioned piece of installation art made of hand-cut porcelain by Carlie Stracka takes center stage.
A variety of experiences allow oenophiles to enjoy Brave & Maiden in several settings. At Home Virtual Tastings are led by an Estate Host, who guides everyone in the household party through a virtual tasting session of three matching bottles shipped directly to one’s doorstep. A Seated Tasting includes wines that are estate-grown and of limited production. For the Tour & Tasting, visitors stroll around the vineyard and winery with a glass of wine in hand as a guide shares the winegrowing and winemaking process with those looking to get more behind-the-scenes knowledge in addition to the Seated Tasting.
Any group tasting or daytime event at Brave & Maiden makes for a memorable affair. Experiences for one to six guests may be made for seated and tour-style tastings. For larger parties, groups may reserve either the Courtyard or Library. The Courtyard is surrounded by olive trees, where contemporary furnishings comfortably seat as many as 20 guests. In the Library, the cozy ambiance and warmth of the fireplace is situated to give the best views of the vineyard and property. All tastings are by appointment only. Ordering a grazing board in advance from the local Cailloux Cheese Shop makes for a wonderful accompaniment during tastings. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a memorable destination, Brave & Maiden Estate offers a unique and bewitching experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Photographer Ellie Koleen
Ellie Koleen
Photographer
Ellie is a lifestyle, wedding, and brand photographer based in Fresno, California. An artist behind the lens, her trademark airy, light-filled style and masterful camera angles make her work easily recognizable. She uses her love for all things design related as inspiration for her work. The Fresno Bee named Ellie Best Photographer for the People’s Choice Awards in 2018 and 2019.
