The Camp 4 wine-making enterprise has been an exciting project for me to watch, not only because I am the tribal vice chairman, but also for my family because my daughter, Tara, is leading it.

Tara early in her career became interested in the chemistry and science of winemaking. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in enology from Fresno State in 1998. She's worked at California wineries and in Spain learning Old World techniques.

The tribe's winemakers moved their production to the Santa Rita Hills Wine Center, where they are leasing more than 8,000 square feet of their own production space. The wines then continued with the aging process in barrels.

Release of the first Chumash wines from Camp 4 grapes soon will be at hand. Our Kita wines will be launched in May.