Shoestring Winery

When you train racehorses, you’re undoubtedly used to taking
chances. That’s why Bill and Roswitha Craig, who worked with
racehorses in Baltimore, didn’t think twice before buying a 65-acre
property in Solvang and planting some vines. Their gamble paid off,
and six years later, in July 2005, the Craigs opened the doors to
their winery: Shoestring.

Although they still have a few horses, their focus now is wine.
Currently producing 3,000 cases, they have a small but steadily
growing clientele. And it’s obvious why. Their wines, all
less than $25, are terrific. Roswitha recalls that they were told
early on to “make wines that you like, because if they don’t sell,
you’ll be drinking them for a long time.”

It’s unlikely the Craigs will have that problem. The
ubiquitous Norm Yost (of Flying Goat Cellars) is making their wines
and he excels with the Shoestring portfolio. They would like
to produce more, but, “one barrel at a time,” said Bill. Hence
the name.