Pinot Noir is one of the most sought-after red wine varietals, with popularity growing over the past few decades. Originally coming from Burgundy, France, Pinot Noir is dry and has a light to medium body, with moderate acidity. In 1854, brothers Louis and Pierre Pellier, who are credited with first bringing the Pinot Noir grape to California, founded a winery. This winery was eventually known as the Mirassou Winery, named after Pierre Mirassou, who married Pierre Pellier's daughter, Henriette.
Continuing his family's heritage, sixth-generation scion Steven Mirassou owned La Rochelle Winery. The winery, which is the oldest wine club in California, was acquired by Chuck Easley in 2011. Under Easley's passionate guidance and ownership, La Rochelle has continued to grow, being named by Lux Life Magazine as the best winery experience in California in 2020, and its Pinot Noir has been recognized as the best Pinot Noir in the Americas for 2021.
