Kris Curran studied winemaking at UC, Davis, and has a degree from Fresno State University. After college, Curran worked at Cambria, in Santa Maria Valley, and for Koehler Vineyards before being hired as Sea Smoke's winemaker in 2000. Kris combines enviable vineyard sources with a refined and stylish approach to Chardonnay and Syrah. As a lifelong resident of Santa Ynez, Kris' local knowledge, access to small, highly sought after vineyards, combined with the ability to work with growers regarding crop size have put her limited production wines at the top of the Central Coast's "Hard to get Hold of " list.

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Curran Grenache Blanc
One of the most intriguing wines from the Curran Collection is Grenache Blanc.  It has traditionally been blended with other varietals both in Spain and in France, where it can comprise as much as 50% of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc blends. Although widely planted in France and Spain, Grenache Blanc is relatively rare in the United States, with fewer than 100 acres planted nationwide. The grapes are sourced from Camp 4 Vineyard, which is located in the warmer eastern edge of the Santa Ynez Valley, allowing the fruit to ripen to perfection. 

Syrah Reeves
The Syrah is composed of Reeves Ranch (Dan and Meghan Reeves' Headquarters) and Black Oak Vineyard (Reeves' second planting). A blend of the two vineyards, this wine contains the first vintage from Black Oak. This exciting new vineyard consists of three blocks of Syrah planted to four different clones. The vineyards are located in the warmer regions of the Santa Ynez Valley and both are small, boutique vineyards meticulously farmed. Kris works very closely with Felipe Hernandez, the vineyard manager, during the entire growing season to ensure the best quality fruit. As harvest time approaches, Kris monitors and tastes grapes frequently, as she believes that the ultimate ripeness is best determined by flavors rather than Brix levels.