 |
 |
A Letter from our Wine Hero
In 1970, my late grandfather, Frank Johnson retired to Healdsburg with dreams of the good life. He purchased apple and prune orchards and soon replanted those 55 acres with vines just off of Westside Road. His labor of love was well received and before long, he became one of the first vineyard-designated growers of California, most notably selling grapes to Chateau St. Jean. Most of my childhood summers were spent on the vineyard, running around playing hide and seek and riding four-wheelers with my cousins and younger brother, Morgan. I simply fell in love with the wine and vines. So after my grandparents both passed away, I felt an impulse to leave Portland, OR and my photography career behind to fulfill Frank Johnson’s dream of building a family winery on his land.
Of course, if I were going to pick up and go, to throw my heart and soul into this vast undertaking, I knew that the winery would have to reflect a certain playful and irreverent spirit. It had to be a living, breathing artistic endeavor. My goal was to cultivate a snob-free culture that would appeal to people like my friends who had always assumed wine was too esoteric and exclusive. I just wanted to demystify it - and I believe we succeeded. With our quirky events like our Pirate Proms and Drag Brunch and our annual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament, we have always tried to be true to our mantra, “Fighting for Fun in a Winey World.”
Many of you may already know that Roshambo Winery is moving out of its current facility at 3000 Westside Road in mid-January. I assure you we are not gone forever. For a year or so, during the construction of our new tasting room, we will temporarily reside in a custom RV that reflects our creative, unconventional spirit. This Roshambus will be parked just down the road on the site of our future home - 2450 Westside Road. And yes, the new tasting room will be just as stylish and daring as the old one, in design as well as content. Among the art to be permanently on display will be “junk art” by Sebastopol artist Patrick Amiot and ceramic work by Todd Barricklow of Santa Rosa. The new incarnation of Roshambo will be the same in many ways, just smaller and more manageable.
I’ll be the first to admit that we were overzealous in the sheer scope of the last facility. It put immediate pressure on us to become a 50,000+ case winery. And to be quite honest, with the birth of my beautiful baby boy Justice four years ago, I’ve reconsidered my drive to build an immediate national brand. I’d much rather create a small, intimate and meaningful experience for the people who really appreciate our passionate and free spirited approach. It’s the difference between having to sell wine and wanting to share an experience. And unlike a certain political philosophy recently popularized, I knew I didn’t want to just “stay the course.”
I’m happy to report that Roshambo Winery is still very much alive and kicking. Despite a few swirling rumors, our brand has never been on the block or bankrupt. We will continue our commitment to making excellent wines and creating an accessible wine country atmosphere. And while we will surely face some challenges during this evolution, that same irreverent soul that won the hearts of our Party Army Wine Club members and many others, is coming along for the ride. After all, Roshambo was never about the facility itself. Roshambo is all about a brazen spirit, a sea change, a new wine culture, and most importantly… You!
Thanks for your continuing support of the brand throughout the transition. I promise it will be better than ever before.
Sincerely,
Naomi Brilliant
Wine Hero
© 2008 Roshambo Winery — Site Map
Phew! I just read that article in the PD I was afraid that the most happening place in all of Wine Country was going away. That would suck because this is a SLEEPY neck of the woods. Can’t wait for the next phase!
[…] Over in the comments of the Press Democrat article one reader says that he has heard that Roshambo will open a tasting room near the old one. As I was writing this post, the owner Naomi left an open letter on the blog confirming this. It doesn’t really address the “misinformation that has haunted the winery for years” though. Here’s a bit of what Naomi had to say: I’ll be the first to admit that we were overzealous in the sheer scope of the last facility. It put immediate pressure on us to become a 50,000+ case winery. And to be quite honest, with the birth of my beautiful baby boy Justice four years ago, I’ve reconsidered my drive to build an immediate national brand. I’d much rather create a small, intimate and meaningful experience for the people who really appreciate our passionate and free spirited approach. It’s the difference between having to sell wine and wanting to share an experience. And unlike a certain political philosophy recently popularized, I knew I didn’t want to just “stay the course.” […]
[…] We’d like to thank Tim Burke of Omni Beverage Company for his immediate response to Naomi’s Open Letter about our new phase - Roshambo 2.0. Tim is our brand new Nashville distributor and upon reading the letter he had this to say… […]
I’m really happy to know that you are staying in business, otherwise it would really suck to be the dude on your web-site who had rock, paper, sissors tattooed to his chest!
Sincere congratulations on the reclaiming of your Dharma. The world needs more wineries that know what a party is, not less! Here’s to a new year of fun! - j
It would be a crying shame if anything happened to Roshambo. Good to finally hear the TRUTH behind ALL of the swirling rumors that have been going around for so long! Can’t wait to see what you guys come up with next! Always on the edge, always pushing the envelope- in the best way! This industry needs to be shaken up a bit! Thanks Naomi!
As a new Party Army member, I’m already missing that gorgeous modernist space that helped inspire me to join. But as a small biz coach, I totally understand how downsizing fits in with making your quality of life go up. So here’s to you & a new beginning for Roshambo!
PS: I blogged your letter. The permalink is in my name.
We live in San Diego, so don’t get a chance to experience the personality of your organization very often. But, I remember my visits, and most importantly, am reminded each glass, that the wine also has a pleasing personality! In this world of excess hype, the product should still prevail! I know I’ll be there buying wine as long as you offer it!
Congratulations on your new move and for not sacrificing your soul!I had heard rumours and was relieved to know the most interesting winery in Sonoma county would live on. Salute’!
Clay Vajgrt
Sonoma county Artist and
visual artist for Francis Ford Coppola Presents (also a part of the rumour mill)
Hey! We are recovering New Yorkers who now live down in Hermosa Beach - We’re not wine inudstry people, we just like your wine (proud soldiers in the party army) and just finished giving out bottles of the ‘02 Syrah as hoilday gifts.
We had no idea that any of this was going on until we sufred over to your site this evening. We would be so sad if Roshambo went away — we appreciate the difficulty of trying to navigate the intersection of art and commerce and you guys are taking on the challenge with enthusiasm and passion — what you have achieved so far is to be commended. We look forward to the next steps of the Roshambo journey and supporting you along the way. Keep the wine flowin’!
See ya at the Roshambus at some point in ‘07.
I’m glad to hear the true story behind the story, behind the story, behind…….
I’ve heard rumors for awhile now and am relieved and excited that you are simply relocating your tasting facility. It is so refreshing for a winery to evoke such a free spirit and fun energy. You see it in your wine, the facility and the people that work there. That only can rub off on the people who visit.
I can’t wait to see the next incarnation.
Best of luck.
Dave
Do you have an exact date for the move?
Will you still be at the “old” location during the Winter Wineland weekend? Was planning on bringing some friends up.
Thanks and keep on fighting the good fight…
Hey Rochana,
We are moving out on Monday, so YES, we will be keeping it real during Winter Wineland. So come on up to the winery for our last two days in the old facility.
Thanks!
Scott
i’m really glad yr keepin’ the dream alive.
when i moved to sonoma county from texas a few years ago, it was a breath of fresh air to stumble across roshambo for the first in a long line of mind-blowing art shows. seriously, nobody really talks about it, but roshambo was (ahem, STILL is) the best art gallery north of san francisco ’till portland. i’m not a huge fan of wine to be honest with you, but i am a huge fan of all the good times and friends i made there. even mr. bondo.
-brian
Happiness is what it’s all about and I am sure the new facility will be a fabulous new home. I will certainly put whatever effort I can to help you, your company and family in your continued artistic ventures, etc
Much love and respects from Silicon Valley-
Eric & Jill
When my bf and I drove by 3000 Westside Road and noticed the Twomey sign, I think our hearts nearly stopped … We have been fans for the longest time and are glad to hear that Roshambo will be sticking around.
Can’t wait to visit the Roshambus soon!
OOOH-comments! While I’m sad to see the old facilty gone, I’m looking forward to the new one. I’m sure that it will be as cool as the wines that are poured there!
cheers!