About Us
Samantha Mogull Esquivel // Winemaker & Owner
In summer of 2013, I moved to San Luis Obispo County to pursue a degree in enology after years of struggling to find my niche. Choosing a non-traditional career was immensely scary and yet, it has remained one of the best decisions of my life. Now with a decade in the wine industry, surrounded by inspiration, and under the tutelage of some of best producers in Paso, I am finally ready to share my own wines. I have found winemaking to be an endlessly educational process, with a new lesson embedded into every harvest. As I humbly watch the ebbs and flow of mother nature, better acquainting myself with the nuances of each vintage, I am profoundly thankful for your company as I continue to evolve as a winemaker.
The Name
Finding the right word or phrase to capture the spirit of the project was one of the most difficult parts of the journey. I wanted something that would describe the inexplicable pull I felt. Rúakh is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for an intangible force that fills us with purpose. It is the catalyst that stirs and propels. I can't think of a better word for what winemaking is to me.
The Wines
My main focus is texture. I strive to make wines that are engaging on the palate and are unapologetic for the sensations they elicit. I create wines you can feel as well as taste with an emphasis on boldness and elegant astringency.