Charles Smith The Velvet Devil Merlot

Few winemakers have a story like Charles Smith. Although he was born and raised an hour away from Napa Valley, California, Charles did not discover his love for wine until he moved to Europe. While living abroad, he managed several rock bands, including the famous Danish duo The Raveonettes. It was the entertainment of the rock-and-roll life on the road that awakened Charles's passion for great wine. In 1999, during a trip to Walla Walla, Washington, Charles met a winemaker who convinced him to start making his own wine that aligned with his own story and vision. In 2001, Charles released 330 cases of his first vintage. Eight years later, he was named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine magazine, and in 2014, he was recognized by Wine Enthusiast.