Tribes in US and Canada diversify into winemaking industry

Tuesday, June 11, 2013  

Several tribes in the U.S. and Canada have joined the wine-producing industry.

The Osoyoos Indian Band in British Columbia got into the business in 2001. The tribe supplies grapes to other producers but also sells its own wine brand.

In the U.S., the Yavapai-Apache Nation of Arizona, the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians of California, the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians of California, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation of California and the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians of California are more recent entrants.

“It’s one of those stories handed down: If you take care of the land, it takes care of you,” said Yocha Dehe Chairman Marshall McKay told Wine Spectator.

Get the Story:
Tribes Take to the Vine (Wine Spectator 6/11)

Richard Gomez: Chumash Tribe ready to launch own wine label (04/11)
Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation launches olive oil and wine brands (05/01)