In the picturesque town of Salem, Massachusetts, known for its dark history of witch trials, lies a hidden gem - the Witchcraft Winery. This unique establishment seamlessly blends the world of witchcraft with the art of winemaking, offering visitors an enchanting experience like no other. Upon entering the Witchcraft Winery, guests are immediately transported into a mystical atmosphere. The dimly lit space is adorned with spell books, potions, and peculiar artifacts, creating an ambiance reminiscent of a witches' lair. The walls are even adorned with ancient tapestries depicting scenes of magic and mysticism. The winery's menu boasts an impressive selection of wines, all of which are crafted using traditional winemaking techniques infused with a touch of witchcraft.
Witchcraft winery
CHARDONNAY MELVILLE VINEYARD
Appellation: Santa Ynez Valley
Varietal: Chardonnay
Technical sheet
CHARDONNAY PRESQU'ILE VINEYARD
Appellation: Santa Maria Valley
CHARDONNAY "LE BON CLIMAT"
Appellation: Santa Maria Valley
PINOT NOIR LA CUNA VINEYARD
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Varietal: Pinot Noir
PINOT NOIR PENCE RANCH
"POMMARD CLONE"
Appellation: Santa Ynez Valley
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Technical sheet
PINOT NOIR PENCE RANCH "MT EDEN CLONE"
Appellation: Santa Ynez Valley
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Technical sheet
PINOT NOIR PENCE RANCH "CLONE 115"
Appellation: Santa Ynez Valley
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Technical sheet
PINOT NOIR PENCE RANCH "CLONE 828"
Appellation: Santa Ynez Valley
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Technical sheet
PINOT NOIR MELVILLE VINEYARD
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills
Varietal: Pinot Noir
PINOT NOIR "4 SOILS"
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Technical sheet
PINOT NOIR PRESQU'ILE VINEYARD
SYRAH MY FRIEND MATT'S VINEYARD - AKA CLOVER CREEK
Appellation: Santa Ynez Valley
GENERAL INFORMATION
Producer : Drake Whitcraft
When Drake Whitcraft took over the family winery in 2007 (the winery was founded two decades before, in 1985 by his parents, Chris and Kathleen) his goal was to make balanced Central Coast wine of purity, honesty, and finesse. Because he grew up within the culture of wine and California winemaking, he was perpetually under the tutelage of both father Chris and friend Burt Williams, founder of the legendary Williams-Selyem winery in Sonoma. During a two year stint in Australia working at Green Vineyards with first-generation Italo-Australian and biodynamic guru Sergio Carlei, he got a good taste of certain practices he wanted to implement, not only in the vineyard and winery but also on the business side. Now Drake is vinifying with the same old school techniques his dad used (hand-harvesting, foot-pressing etc, no added enzymes or coloration) and with much veneration to Mother Nature herself.
He uses some biodynamic practices to produce Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Grenache of distinction; he does not de-stem or add water. Drake has chosen to inoculate only with the Williams Selyem strain, a yeast native to the Jackass Hill portion of Lino Martinelli’s Zinfandel vineyard on the Russian River. “It’s a super yeast,” he says “guaranteed to ferment.” Whole cluster fermentation is never subject to pump over and the wines are not racked off the lees. He hand fills and hand corks each bottle. The wine receives just enough SO2 to stabilize it, and the production is super small.
The resulting wines are clean and impeccably balanced. They represent a cross section of the emerging class of site-specific wines coming out of Central Coast California today.
Whitcraft
Drake Whitcraft makes beautifully balanced, site-specific wines in his low-fi Santa Barbara winery. He gets his grapes from sought after sites like Pence, La Rinconada and Stolpman, and makes all his wines in a hands on, low-intervention way - describing himself as a wine shepherd more than a winemaker. His parents Chris and Kathleen started Whitcraft Winery in 1985, what began as a hobby grew into a passion. Drake grew up surrounded by the culture of food and wine in California, and was lucky enough to learn both from his dad and good friend Burt Williams, founder of Williams-Selyem winery in Sonoma. When Drake took over in 2007, he started to source fruit from cooler climate sites, which worked organically as a minimum, and introduced biodynamic practices at the winery. He ferments whole-bunch, there are no pump-overs and wines age on the lees. He fills and corks every bottle by hand after adding just enough SO2 to stabilise the wines. The resulting wines are clean and beautifully balanced. They represent a cross section of the emerging class of site-specific wines coming out of Central Coast California today.
Producer Links: Producer website:The winery's menu boasts an impressive selection of wines, all of which are crafted using traditional winemaking techniques infused with a touch of witchcraft. Each wine is created with ingredients carefully chosen for their mystical properties, resulting in exquisite flavors and aromas designed to tantalize the senses. From full-bodied reds to crisp whites, there is something to satisfy every palate.
wines by this producer
- Sta Rita Ranch Chardonnay
Visitors to the Witchcraft Winery can not only indulge in their delicious wines but also participate in a variety of spellbinding experiences. Enchanting flights offer guests the opportunity to sample a selection of the winery's finest creations while learning about the magical elements incorporated into each bottle. These informative tastings are led by knowledgeable staff who are well-versed in the art of winemaking and the world of witchcraft. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Witchcraft Winery also offers guided tours. Led by experienced guides, these tours delve into the history and traditions of witchcraft, providing visitors with a fascinating insight into Salem's infamous past. Guests can learn about the use of herbs in witchcraft, explore the mystical properties of certain vines, and even try their hand at creating their very own magical elixir. In addition to its enchanting wine selection and immersive experiences, the Witchcraft Winery also features a charming gift shop. Here, guests can purchase a range of unique items such as spell kits, crystal potions, and mystical artifacts, allowing them to bring a touch of witchcraft into their own lives. The Witchcraft Winery is not just a place to enjoy exceptional wines; it is a destination that celebrates the intersection of witchcraft and winemaking. Combining the rich history and enchanting allure of Salem with the artistry of winemaking, this establishment offers a truly magical experience. So, whether you are a wine connoisseur, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the world of witchcraft, a visit to the Witchcraft Winery is sure to leave you spellbound..
Reviews for "Witchcraft Winery: Where Tradition Meets the Supernatural"
- Janet - 2 stars - I was really excited to visit Witchcraft winery after hearing all the rave reviews, but I was sorely disappointed. The atmosphere was a bit gimmicky and overdone, with the staff dressed in costume and chanting spells. It felt more like a Halloween party than a winery. The wines were lackluster at best, with very limited options and not much variety in taste. For the price we paid, I was expecting much better quality. Overall, it was a disappointing experience and I would not recommend Witchcraft winery to serious wine enthusiasts.
- Mike - 1 star - Witchcraft winery was a complete letdown. The staff was impolite and unhelpful, making the whole experience quite unpleasant. The wines were mediocre at best, with no standout options and no interesting flavors. The whole witchcraft theme felt forced and unnecessary, adding nothing of value to the experience. The prices were outrageous for what we got, and overall, it was a waste of time and money. I definitely will not be returning and cannot recommend this winery to anyone.
- Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for Witchcraft winery, but unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype. The wines were average, nothing special or unique. The staff seemed more interested in their costumes and playing around than assisting guests. The whole witchcraft theme felt a bit cheesy and took away from the wine-tasting experience. It's a shame because the location is beautiful, but the lackluster wines and unimpressive service were major drawbacks. I would recommend looking elsewhere for a better winery experience.