OUR GOALS
WINEMAKING
Passion for classic, world-class wines drives Labyrinth's winemaking goal to craft amazing wines every vintage. Our wines are balanced, elegant and drink well by themselves and as part of a meal. We we craft wines that make your palate sing with a combination of complex flavors, body and that finish wonderfully.
WE BELIEVE
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We believe wine is more than a beverage. It's the flavor of love, poetry, romance and good times!
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We believe that when paired correctly with the right food, magic occurs.
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We believe that the best wines are guided to perfection, not tortured by processing.
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We believe that sustainable farming practices are good for the earth, the wine and us, so we source our grapes from the finest vineyards in California's Central Coast that follow sustainable practices.
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We believe in being healthy. We do not add animal products to our wines, so our wines are okay for vegans.
OUR STORIES
Ariki (Rick) Hill, a New Zealand native commenced his winemaking career whilst working fulltime in the the 1980's. After his career took him to the Middle East, Rick returned to Australia where he completed his studies in oenology at Charles Sturt University in 1992.
Rick's passion is Pinot Noir and a wine internship opportunity brought him to Santa Barbara County, California, where he was perfectly situated to work on his obsession.
In 2000, he founded Labyrinth and produced his first commercial vintage sourcing fruit from the famed Bien Nacido Vineyard from the Santa Maria Valley A.V.A.
The following year, he teamed up with friend, mentor (and now wife) Lane Tanner. In 2002 Labyrinth produced its inaugural vintage in the Yarra Valley, Australia, exclusively Pinot Noir.
In 2007, Rick expanded the Labyrith wine portfolio to include full-bodied red wines, sourced predominately from the Paso Robles wine region under the HAKA label.
Eddie and Stephanie Schwartz met in the early 1990's at Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo where he studied biochemistry and she studied nutrition.
After graduation and a brief stint in the first Gulf War, Eddie settled down in Thousand Oaks, CA to work in the pharmaceutical industry. Stephanie soon followed and worked in the dental field. In 2003, Ed earned an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University.
It was their passion for travel that led to numerous trips to wineries and their growing love of wine. In 2010, they decided to follow their passion and get into the wine industry. They met Rick, found a kindrid spirit, and were blown away by every wine he made. They became part of the ownership team in 2011.
Eddie and Stephanie can often be found in the Labyrinth tasting room in Ventura California pouring wines and talking wine.
OUR BRAND
Labyrinth
The Labyrinth is steeped in mythological significance. The ancient Greeks hid their most prized possessions and deepest secrets in Labyrinths. During the Bronze Age, the Labyrinth became a powerful icon that symbolizes a pathway of mystery, secrecy and enlightenment.
Our Labyrinth wines are a collection of elegant, balanced wines that are crafted to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world.
