About Us
Villa San-Juliette Winery
The story begins with a little show called Corkscrewed..... "Corkscrewed: The Wrath of Grapes" was a reality series following the trials and exploits of award-winning entertainment producers Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick as they made a major investment in a long held dream - owning their own vineyard. From childhood friends in the back streets of Liverpool to producing the huge US primetime hit, American Idol, Ken and Nigel are a phenomenal success story. Nigel is currently executive producer and "judge" on FOX Broadcasting's summer hit So You Think You Can Dance, and Ken is executive producer and director of American Idol. They are both enjoying the rewards of Hollywood lifestyle that comes with a string of prime-time US network hits.
In 2006 the vineyard went into full transformation. New plantings including grapes such as Grenache, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc and Alicante Bouché have been added amongst the existing vines. Currently, we have 119 total planted acres. Also, under drastic transformation is our winery and events center. Plans to open the doors summer 2009 are on track. This picturesque winery is well on its way to becoming one of the premier destination spots on the central coast.
In May of 2008 the first Estate grown bottling was released. This included five wines under the Villa San-Juliette Label. The wines have been very well received and are currently being poured and sold at various restaurants and wine shops across the state.
While things have been crazy Nigel and Ken refuse to give up on their lifelong dream.....Villa San-Juliette vineyard and winery is slowly developing into what will someday be a HUGE Success!
Adam LaZarre -Winemaker
Adam LaZarre is the man behind our outstanding wines here at Villa San-Juliette Winery. Making the transition from Hahn Estates Winery in Monterey where he has been the head winemaker for the past 8 years, Adam has an impressive list of accomplishments under his belt. He has lead the nation in gold medal hauls three out of the last five years as well as Best-of-Show awards. In addition, he has been honored by the Sacramento Bee as Winemaker of the Year in 2005, and was named one of the Top Five Winemakers in 2006 by the San Francisco Chronicle. Adam first fell in love with California wine while serving in the US Navy. At some point, his passion for the liquid became so consuming, that he enrolled in the Enology program at Fresno State University immediately upon receiving his honorable discharge. While in the department, he fell in love with the Central Coast wine growing region and chose to make it his home upon graduation. Although he has produced wines from virtually every major appellatin in California over the course of his two decade career, he truly enjoys above all else the challenges and rewards that Paso Robles wine making has to offer. While walking through the vineyards after first meeting with Ken and Nigel, it became apparent to him that Villa San-Juliette should be his new home. All of us here are excited to have Adam in charge of the team.