Our story

SAM SPENCER

The entirety of Sam’s career has been spent in the wine industry. It is all he has ever done and all he wants to do. Soil and wine run neck and neck in competition for his focus and his attention is directed more by the time of the year then a choice of interest. Sam believes that it all starts and ends in the vineyard – period. The sites he has developed, Madder Lake Vineyard and the La Herradura Vineyard, are true examples of his dedication and meticulous standards.

Sam’s interest was first sparked while bartending in a restaurant in New Zealand. He was approached and offered an opportunity to work a harvest at the now world renowned Cloudy Bay Vineyards – and the light went on. From there he traveled to many wine growing regions: consulting in Chile and Argentina, exploring in Spain, making wine in the Napa Valley - learning what he could from both old and new world experiences.

In 1996 Sam co-founded Hayes and Vine Wine Bar in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley. There he had the opportunity to broaden his education and palate by tasting thousands and thousands of wines from around the world. But he would taste one wine that would make an indelible impression and solidify his commitment to the Rhone: John Alban’s first vintage of Roussanne.

As a founder of Spencer Roloson, Sam has built the wine program around the Rhone Valley and wines of Spain. Bold wines, true to their varietal character with enough finesse, elegance and focus to reveal the origin. The wine making begins in the vineyard, ends in the bottle – all the while guided by Sam.

WENDY ROLOSON

With the heart of an entrepreneur and a fascination with the challenges of the wine industry, Wendy was drawn to California from Chicago. In 1996, she picked up stakes, sold her apartment, packed up the car and drove full force into the wine industry. There were those who questioned this dramatic decision for change but Wendy believed that her broad business skills would give her the background to make this new venture a success. Her resume included Quaker Oats (consumer product marketing), Continental Bank (corporate finance), and an University of Chicago MBA in Economics – all skills were necessary and an integral part of the creation and development of Spencer Roloson.

Wendy’s wine career began as a consultant – trying to create process, structure, and planning for small, emerging wine brands. Believing in proactive management that utilizes the proven strategies from other industries. Thinking outside the box to develop new solutions to today’s issues and driving brands to the next level.

As a founder of Spencer Roloson, Wendy’s primary role centers around marketing, finance and strategic planning. She created and provides the basic business structure on which Spencer Roloson resides. Wendy also moderates blending with Sam, and has spent many hours in the vineyards maturity sampling, or a little pre-harvest triage, and the occasional punchdown.

Together Sam and Wendy have created, built, designed, planted, and grown Spencer Roloson. Every aspect of the company has their personal mark and every decision is viewed as an ongoing opportunity to learn more and improve the process. They have a similar vision: to make exceptional wines that highlight tremendous sites.

We hope that you enjoy the fruits of our efforts and welcome any questions or comments.

SPENCER ROLOSON WINERY
~ Provocative Wines, Evocative Dirt ~